UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Education recently announced a new study-abroad course that will take place in Ireland in June 2015. The course, which is titled "Culture and Disability," is unique to the University.
“This four-week course is the only study-abroad program at Penn State that is focused specifically on disability,” said Kathleen McKinnon, associate professor in the College’s educational psychology, counseling and special education (EPCSE) department.
Wendy Coduti, assistant professor in EPCSE, is coordinating the course to Ireland with McKinnon. She said offering a study-abroad experience like this is significant because people with disabilities are considered the largest global minority, making up 15 percent of the world's population.
“Many people with disabilities often face discrimination, stigma, lower socioeconomic status and decreased life expectancy,” said Coduti. “Students in this course will learn about different aspects of culture and disability through meeting with various service agencies in Ireland that provide resources, advocacy and assistance to people with many different types of disabilities.”
According to Coduti, Ireland was chosen because of the ability to connect with these agencies and offer students the opportunities to learn about disability in Ireland, across lifespan and disability type. Throughout the program students will be comparing attitudes and stigma toward people with disabilities as well as policies, services and resources that exist in the U.S. and Ireland.
“This course is open to a broad range of students,” said McKinnon. “Students who plan to work with individuals with disabilities are welcome but so are students who are studying in other programs, such as architecture, pre-med, speech and language, psychology, kinesiology or who are still undecided.”
"We are also encouraging students with disabilities to apply as well,” said Coduti. “According to the U.S. International Council on Disabilities, students with disabilities represent less than four percent of students that choose to travel abroad. We think our program would be a great opportunity for all students, including those with disabilities.”
Coduti said that students are scheduled to spend three weeks in Dublin where they will participate in local club Special Olympics programs, visit community agencies to learn more about services and engage with individuals with disabilities.
“Throughout the weeks, students will engage with various service providing agencies, which may include sensory, intellectual, cognitive and physical disabilities,” said Coduti. “At Trinity College in Dublin, our students will engage with students enrolled in a unique program for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the National Institute of Intellectual Disabilities.”