MS in Disability Access and Inclusion
Dedicated to removing barriers and shaping strategies to advance the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in society.
The MS in Disability Access and Inclusion prepares students to become specialists in the areas of disability accessibility, culture, rights, and technology.
The program approaches disability from an interdisciplinary perspective, enabling students to approach careers from a range of fields and vantages. Students are equipped with the essential knowledge and skillsets to take on advanced professional and leadership roles doing disability access work.
Call to action Heading link
Pride points Heading link
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2 Two concentrations: Students complete core coursework and advanced training in either disability accessibility or assistive technology
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1st Be a part of one of the first and only academic departments in the U.S. devoted entirely to the interdisciplinary study of disability
Beyond the classroom Heading link
Students complete field work opportunities working with partner sites in the areas of accessibility, technology, higher education, and disability culture
Your career Heading link
Careers in disability access and inclusion can be found in many different areas including education, non-profit organizations, cultural settings, government and the private sector.
Our program prepares you to work in a variety of roles that are essential for enabling accessibility in different ways. Students are equipped with an advanced knowledge of best practices, disability arts and culture, legal requirements, and accessibility standards beyond what advanced training in regulatory compliance alone would entail.
You’ll gain comprehensive essential skills related to:
- Building and leading disability access and accessibility initiatives
- Developing programs, materials, and services that embrace key principles of disability culture, access, and inclusivity
- Identifying, interpreting, and applying best practices for disability access and inclusion
- Coordinating accommodations and supports for employees, students, and the public
- Facilitating compliance with disability rights laws
- Creating resources and guidance to enable disability access and inclusion
Pursue new jobs or advance your career in:
- Disability resource centers
- Student services and higher education
- Accessibility consulting
- ADA coordination
- Assistive technology
- Disability policy
- Arts administration and cultural settings
- Inclusive programming
Understanding by doing Heading link
Your program will include applied learning opportunities and a field placement facilitated by our program staff. Our students are extremely active outside of the classroom. They work closely with faculty and are a part of Chicago’s vibrant disability community. They take advantage of the opportunities available to them through our many collaborating centers and community programs including the Great Lakes ADA Center, Bodies of Work, and UIC’s Disability Culture Center. You also will work with faculty and staff from two in-house clinical programs: the Assistive Technology Unit and Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic.
We're here for you Heading link
We’re here for you
Do you want to be contacted when we have updates to our master’s program? Have questions on how to pursue our PhD in disability studies instead? Reach out when you need help and we’ll make sure you get the answers you need.
You can contact DHD’s Office of Student Affairs:
Email dhdosa@uic.edu
Phone 312.996.1508
Address 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd.
217 DHSP, MC 626
Chicago, IL 60608-6904