Help Make the World Accessible to Everyone
Some people live with disabilities from an early age, while others face the challenge of dealing with a disability for the first time when they become elderly. As a Sociology major pursuing the Sociology of Disability Services track at Indiana University
of Pennsylvania, you’ll specialize in understanding the needs of people with disabilities and the ways society can help them meet those challenges.
Among the classes you’ll take are Introduction to Exceptional Persons, Family Perspectives on Disability, Principles of Sociology, Sociological Theory, Social and Cultural Aspects of Health and Medicine, Sociology of Aging, Disability and Society, and
Clinical Sociological Practice. An internship is required.
Students in this track are encouraged to add a second major in Disability Services (through the Department of Communication Disorders, Special Education, and Disability Services) or a minor in Child and Family Studies, Education of Exceptional Persons,
or Psychology. The Disability Services major includes courses on educating those with learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and physical disabilities. It also includes a course on American Sign Language.
What You’ll Become
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology following the Sociology of Disability Services track prepares you to work with disability issues in a variety of career settings including human services agencies, government offices, medical care facilities, and community
organizations.
Graduates can find jobs working in mental health/mental retardation programs, community-based residential/employment/training programs, early intervention programs, residential treatment programs, and aging programs. Also, companies may hire specialists
to help them comply with disability laws.