The Disability Studies Certificate is a 15-credit program that familiarizes students with disability as a cultural construct and better prepares them to work directly with disabled people. The three certificate courses present students an opportunity to think more deeply about ways that disability is understood and valued, and encourages students to consider how they will implement and apply DS principles and practices in their own work. The DSST certificate is ideal for students pursuing a variety of careers such as Social Work, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Education, Speech Language Pathology and more.

Grade Requirements: this certificate requires a minimum grade >C- for all DSST courses and a combined GPA ≥2.0.

Students who earn a Disability Studies Certificate from EWU should be able to:

• analyze societal representations of defining disability including the moral, medical and social models;
• apply the principles of universal access to disability and to other diverse societal characteristics;
• demonstrate knowledge of the perceptions and beliefs about disability throughout history and in contemporary society;
• display knowledge of how laws and policies influence the lives of people with disabilities;
• identify disability culture and recognize the contributions of Disabled persons in society;
• understand disability as a characteristic in the diverse tapestry of society.