SCWK 3731 - Social Services and the Disabled
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 43242,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Charles Morgan
Email: ctmorgan01@ysu.edu
Course Description
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course offers a comprehensive exploration of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities affected by disability. Drawing upon the principles of social justice, human rights, and the strengths perspective, students will develop a nuanced understanding of disability within a social work framework. This course aims to equip future social workers with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to provide ethical, effective, and empowering services to the disabled population, promoting their well-being, advocating for their rights, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Problems arising from or related to illness and disability; adjustment of disabled persons. General interventive techniques for working with the disabled; recent research and treatment innovations. Prerequisite: SCWK 1510.
COURSE RATIONALE:
This course provides an in-depth analysis of the policies, problems and trends in service delivery for the disabled. Theories regarding this population-at-risk will be examined from the strengths and problem perspectives. The existing health and human service agency network and associated policies will be reviewed and critically examined. The information taught will enable students to develop the skills necessary to become generalist social workers who may become practitioners, social planners, and social advocates for disabled persons. The liberal arts base that was obtained will enable students to think critically and communicate well regarding issues affecting those coping with and adjusting to disabilities. Graduates must demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge of social, political, and economic institutions and be able to analyze and recommend change to promote economic and social justice for the disabled. This course relates to the missions of the college and program in that students develop high standards of critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to improve the conditions of certain segments of the disabled population. Ethical standards in working with persons with disabilities and other related dilemmas will also be addressed.
This course is one of the elective special populations courses students may select based upon their interest in working with disabled persons. The major content aims for this course include: obtain knowledge of individuals as they develop over the life span and have membership in families, groups, organization, communities and institutions; obtain knowledge of the relationship among biological, social, psychological, and cultural systems as they affect and are affected by human behavior; understand legislative, judicial and administrative policies as they affect current and emerging service programs for disabled persons; acquire frameworks for analyzing social and economic policies in light of the principles of social and economic justice; obtain knowledge of current methods and models used in assisting individuals, families, organizations, communities and institutions ameliorate problems of persons with disabilities; acquire knowledge of the effects of social stigma on disabled persons; apply social work values and ethics in serving disabled persons; understand the importance of research in examining the problems and strengths of persons with disabilities and the efficacy of programs designed to assist the disabled.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Social Work and Disability (Social Work in Theory and Practice) by Peter Simcock Rhoda Castle(1990- 11-01) ISBN: 978-074567020 |
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED READINGS
Required readings are available through Youngstown State University’s Maag Library reserve desk and/or online. Additional readings may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/24 | Syllabus | Discuss Syllabus Including Course Expectations | |
| 8/31 | Chapter 1 | Lived Experience of Impairment. Disability and Social Work. | Developmental Assignment #1 Summary Note #1 |
| 9/7 | Chapter 2 | Theories and Models of Disability | Discussion Board #1 Summary Note #2 |
| 9/14 | Chapter 3 | Disability Life Course Perspective | Developmental Assignment #2 Summary Note #3 |
| 9/21 | Chapter 4 | The Legal and Policy Perspective | Developmental Assignment #3 and Discussion Board #4 Summary Note #4 |
| 9/28 | Chapter 5 | Inequality, Oppressions and Disability | Developmental Assignment #4 and Discussion Board #5 Summary Note #5 |
| 10/5 | Review Material Chapter 1-5 |
Prepare for Exam by Reviewing Chapters | Developmental Assignment #5 and Discussion Board #6 |
| 10/12 | Mid Term Exam | Developmental Assignment #6 | |
| 10/19 | Chapter 6 | Communication and Engagement | Developmental Assignment #7 and Discussion Board #7 Summary Note #6 |
| 10/26 | Chapter 7 | Working with Disabled Children | Developmental Assignment #8 Summary Note #7 |
| 11/2 | Chapter 8 | Working with Disabled Adults | Discussion Board #8 Summary Note #8 |
| 11/9 | Chapter 9 | Safeguarding, Social Work and Disability | Developmental Assignment #9 and Discussion Board #9 Summary Note #9 |
| 11/16 | Chapter 10 | Collaborative Practice | Developmental Assignment #10 Summary Note #10 |
| 11/23 | Chapter 11 | Disability and Diversity | Discussion Board #10 |
| 11/30 | Review Course Material | Chapter 1-11 | Interview Assignment Due |
| 12/7 | Final Exam | Chapter 1 - 11 | Investigate Assignment Due |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.