ABSTRACT
The course explores the place of perceptions, language and nonverbal behaviors in one-to-one family, friendship, romantic, work and stranger relationships among individuals with and without disabilities. This chapter describes the structure of the content of the course as well as readings, videos, in-class activities and out-of-class assignments. Unit 1 focuses on defining both terms, first "communication" then "disability". The second unit explores models of disability. Unit 3 explores the perceptions held about individuals with disabilities. Unit 4 of the course begins with an examination of the terms that have been and continue to be used to discuss disability, including the term "disability" itself. Unit 5 focuses on communication with family members. Unit 6 explores friendship relationships. Unit 7 explores relationships with individuals beyond family members and friends who one communicate with on a daily basis ranging from co-workers to strangers.
