RHS 403Medical Aspects of Disability

3 credits · Rehabilitation and Human Services · Penn State

The purpose of this course is to give students an overview of many chronic illnesses and disabilities, and their impact in the lives of the individuals who live with them. This course is designed for non-medical professionals and students interested in working with individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The primary focus of the class is to gain an understanding of the experience of disability. Specifically, the course covers the body systems and their functions, how disabilities and illnesses impact many aspects of life across the lifespan (work, family, identity), the personal, environmental, and cultural factors that contribute to the experience of disability, as well as appropriate rehabilitation goals and accommodations associated with the illnesses and disabilities covered in class. Students will learn how to use disability related principles, practices, and models for conceptualizing diverse clients living with a range of disabilities across the lifespan, including how disability impacts family members. An understanding of diagnostic criteria, appropriate treatments and interventions, supports, assistive technology, and referrals will be covered for each category of disability discussed in class and for each case study assignment.