Orit Schwartz

I have worked as adult literacy educator in a community-based organization on Chicago’s northside and later, as an occupational therapist, I worked in various Chicago communities, providing services to families with very young children with disabilities. In the last three years, I have been teaching at UIC in the Rehabilitation Sciences program. When I’m not teaching or taking classes in the Disability Studies program, I enjoy walking by the lake in Hyde Park and sometimes even find time to do pottery in the neighborhood art center.

Why did you choose DHD at UIC?
UIC has been a natural choice since I already live in Chicago and work at UIC. Nonetheless, I am very proud of being part of this department because of its reputation for activist scholarship and commitment to disability rights and justice.

What do you want to do with a DHD degree?
I am interested in doing research about disability and experiences of disabled people in Russia. With a DHD degree, I hope to conduct research, write and continue teaching subjects in and related to disability studies.

Research Interests
Disability in Russia and Eastern Europe. Participatory action research. Chronic illness and disability.