BS in Disability and Human Development

Building upon our department’s strong background in research, teaching, and community engagement, you’ll receive:

• A degree that blends theory, research, and practice
• A curriculum that explores disability as a contextual and changing phenomena, and a complex biological, social, cultural, political, historical, and economic experience
• Mentorship from experts at the forefront of disability research, advocacy, and culture at the national and international level
• Applied learning experiences with our innovative research centers and programs and extensive network of community partners

We are committed to and emphasize universally-designed instruction, providing barrier-free learning environments where all students can thrive.

A bachelor’s in DHD will help you meet the increasing demand for skilled employees able to foster the fuller inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of cultural, social, economic and political life.

You’ll offer comprehensive knowledge of the factors that influence and shape the lives of people with disabilities. You’ll be positioned to pursue careers at national, state, and local government levels, as well as with non-profit organizations. Jobs may include work within:

• Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Hospitals and other medical settings
• Non-profit sector serving people with disabilities
• Coordinating disability services within disability agencies and education systems

Gain critical thinking skills and a broader understanding of disability as a social, cultural, historical, and economic phenomena, which will prepare you to pursue advanced degrees, such as:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Social work
• Rehabilitation science
• Special education
• Public health

In our ever-changing economic and political climate, there’s an increasing demand for knowledge of disability law and policy, services, and community supports in a variety of professions. With a BS in DHD, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay current on those trends.

DHD focuses on the unique needs of people with disabilities and how they interact with society and their environment. There’s no better way to learn about this complex engagement and development than to get out and work in those environments. You’ll spend a lot of your time out of a standard classroom, engaging with the community through collaboration and classes that offer field experiences in the disability sector.

By joining DHD you will become a part of our collaborative network of diverse faculty, staff, students, and partners including people with disabilities, family members, organizations, academic departments and universities in Illinois, nationally and internationally.  We build on our collaborative community ties by incorporating service learning opportunities every step of the way.