Those individuals taking part in yesterday’s announcement included (from left to right) UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor Lloyd Axworthy, Red River Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Community Services Louise Gordon, UWinnipeg Associate Professor Michelle Owen, Red River College Interim President & CEO Catherine Rushton, UWinnipeg Dean of Arts Dave Fitzpatrick and (front row) disability activist Jim Derksen. Photo by Kelly Morton / uwinnipeg.ca
WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg is offering a new Bachelor’s program in Disability Studies with B.A. and B.Sc. options effective September 2010, a first in the province of Manitoba, and among the first in Canada. More than 10 years in development, the new degrees are the result of extensive involvement by educators, disability activists and community members and bridge a crucial gap. Currently a 2 year diploma in Disability and Community Support is offered by Red River College and an Interdisciplinary Disability Studies Masters degree is available at the University of Manitoba.
The UWinnipeg degrees (B.A 3 year, 4 year and Honours; B.Sc 3 year, 4 year and Honours) will be of particular interest to people with disabilities, students who want to study disability in a critical fashion, people with an interest in providing disability services, educators, caregivers and therapists. UW currently offers two introductory courses in Disability Studies and a second year course in disability theory.
“Disability Studies is an emerging and critically important field of study and creating these Bachelor degrees dovetails with our strong commitment to inclusivity, human rights and diversity,” said Dr.Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor, UWinnipeg. “Our campus is located downtown where a high proportion of people with disabilities reside. Our mandate is to reach out and support traditionally under-represented students, including those with disabilities. By offering a strong undergraduate foundation in Disability Studies here in Manitoba, we are also providing a seamless springboard for those who want to continue on to the Masters level without leaving the province.”
UWinnipeg and Red River College partnership
UWinnipeg and Red River College also signed an agreement today which will allow students to enter the Disability Studies program from either institution. Students completing the Red River College Diploma in Disability and Community Support will receive 45 credit hours toward a UWinnipeg B.A. or B.Sc. Students have the advantage of acquiring both a diploma and undergraduate degree.
“This agreement builds on our successful partnership with the University of Winnipeg, through which we offer joint programs that blend academic and practical experience,” said Cathy Rushton, Interim President of Red River College. “The Disability Studies degree provides an opportunity for our students to further their studies, and addresses the need for more highly trained disability professionals within Manitoba.”
The UWinnipeg degree programs allow for the critical analysis of disability in society which includes the study of disability as a social, scientific, cultural, historical, and political construction. From this social model perspective using a wheelchair is not a disability, but a lack of ramps is. Students will examine such topics as human rights, ethics and accountability, social movements, normalcy, eugenics, genetic engineering, family, sexuality, employment, socialization and development, aging, education, adaptive and universal design, international development, and gender issues. Dr. Michelle Owen, Associate Professor, Sociology has been named Acting Coordinator of UWinnipeg’s new Disability Studies degree programs.
UWinnipeg also formally announced today that a new and expanded Disability Service Centre will be operational on campus by September on the main floor of Centennial Hall. The Centre’s mission is to offer students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of campus life. Services include use of computers with adaptive software, American Sign Language, accessible locker rentals, alternate format textbooks and course materials, student advocacy and support, and assistance with funding applications. The Centre also provides testing and exam services, which includes writing exams in a private space, among other accommodations. Currently 300 to 400 students use the services of UWinnipeg’s Disability Service Centre annually.
Detailed information about the new Disability Studies degree program is available at:
Disability Studies – Dr. Michelle Owen
786-9973
m.owen@uwinnipeg.ca
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/dean-arts-disability_studies_prog
Disability Services Centre – Andrea Johnston
786.9771
a.johnston@uwinnipeg.ca
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/services-disability
MEDIA CONTACTS
Diane Poulin, Communications Officer, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
Colin Fast, College Relations, Red River College
Ph: 632.2581. C: 803.6406 E: CFast@rrc.mb.ca
