Next Steps

Here are some suggestions for getting started with what you learned in Module 1. 
Choose an option that's right for you or create your own. 
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next steps if
​This is New Information
​for You

What are you teaching about disability?  
​Look through your syllabi.  Do any of the authors have disabilities?  Do any of the readings discuss disability, illness, impairment, or other facets of disability? For example, a course about poetry could include poetry related to disability.  Statistics courses could include data sets with disabled and nondisabled participants.  Science courses could discuss limitations of researching disability only as a medical condition.  If you need advice or ideas for courses, talk to colleagues or contact the NCCSD.

Learn more about disability.  
  • Explore the National Center on Disability and Journalism to learn more about ways to write about disability and the language to describe disability.
  • Read more about the medical and social models of disability.  The Northeastern University library has a brief guide for researchers.
  • Your campus library may have more books or periodicals related to disability, and you can always use online search engines to find what you need.  You can check out the Resources section of this website for more ideas.  If you can't find what you need, contact your campus accessibility or disability services office, local disability organizations, or the NCCSD.




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Next steps if you're 
​Familiar with Information
​in This Module

Create new opportunities for your campus to learn about disability.  
​Consider implementing one of the following ideas:
  • Plan an event about disability.

  • Set up a faculty development group, a book club, a faculty community, a social event, or other monthly activity focused on disability.  

  • Talk with the professionals providing disability access and accommodations on your campus.  Ask their opinion about ways to make a difference for students with disabilities. 
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  • If you're already working to make your campus more welcoming for students with disabilities, keep up your good work by taking care of yourself and not burning out.  If you are on the tenure track, remember to also add your disability-related work to the service section of your portfolio (including serving as a formal or informal advisor for students with disabilities).

Get involved in the inclusive higher education movement. 
  • Talk with your campus about setting up an inclusive higher education program.  Learn more at Think College, where you can also find a list of programs in your state.
  • If your campus already has a program, then consider opening your courses to students from the program.

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