Niagara University Offers Disability Studies Minor

Niagara University has taken another step in fostering education to proactively create a more inclusive and equitable society with the addition of a new minor in disability studies. The interdisciplinary program, which is available starting in the spring 2025 semester, focuses on developing a broad understanding of disability as a social construct and is designed to enable students in any major to add it to their curriculum.

After completing the foundational Psychology of Disability course, students will have the opportunity to examine the phenomenon of disability and the experiences of disabled individuals through fields of English, history, nursing, communications, religion, psychology, and others, choosing those that are the most relevant to their chosen field. Courses in American Sign Language and special education are also available in the minor. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in research or internships with targeted disability populations.

"Understanding of disability and the experiences of disabled people is a beneficial skill for students in all schools and majors." said Dr. Carolyn Shivers, associate professor of psychology and coordinator of the disability studies minor. "By utilizing the extensive expertise of faculty across numerous Niagara colleges and departments, we provide a program that is flexible and customizable so that students in any major can add the minor without requiring additional credit hours."

Dr. Shivers, who also serves as academic director of Niagara University's Institute on Disability Awareness, added that the minor will highlight the broad range of disability expertise that is available at the university, which the IDA brings together to "break down barriers through knowledge.