The Disability Studies Unit at The University of the West Indies is inviting interested persons to register for the courses in Social Gerontology and Social Disability Studies which are being offered for the Summer Programme 2009 at the University (see attached advertisement).
There are no pre-requisite University courses for participation. These are examinable courses targeted at persons who are eligible to matriculate at either the Normal or Lower level or as a Mature student. These will include persons with disabilities, retirees, senior citizens and other persons who require the relevant experience in the particular areas of disability issues and gerontology.
SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of social gerontology and will focus on the social dimensions of the ageing. Within this setting, students are introduced to the demographic, biological, psychological and sociological theories of ageing, the social attitudes towards ageing and the effects of these attitudes on older persons and their participation in society.
The major issues around the social consequences of the policies for the elderly in the Caribbean are discussed. This course contributes to an improved awareness of the continuity of life and assists in dispelling fears and misconceptions of ageing. Through project activities, this course provides the opportunity to determine the extent to which various theories on ageing apply to the Caribbean.
SOCIAL DISABILITY STUDIES
This course introduces the student to Disability Studies. It is designed to sensitize students to the marginalization and discrimination experienced by the disabled within an unadaptive society. Via descriptions of the current status of persons with disabilities in the Caribbean context, it examines the interaction of persons with disabilities within the existing political, social, cultural and legal systems. The historical struggles for rights and services by the disabled are highlighted. Policy needs for future development are outlined.
This course is taught in partnership with persons with disabilities and is grounded in the epistemological belief that the creation of knowledge about disability should be with/by people with disabilities. At the end of the course students should be able to assist in forming alliances with groups of persons with disabilities to promote their full citizenship and in essence to advocate for change which will assist the disabled in having a voice in the society.
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