Disability Policy in the U.S.

HPM 509 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

A broad definition of health incorporates the ability to participate in a full range of activities inside and outside the home. What happens when people live with health conditions that impede one’s ability to learn, work, or live independently? What policies and programs in the U.S. support the income, health care needs, and civil rights of people living with disability? In what ways do these policies work well and where do they fall short? The goal of the course is to identify major public programs and legislation likely to affect people with disabilities, to help students gain the background to analyze how policy changes have worked well or poorly to serve the needs of people living with disability, and to use this evidence base to think critically about potential changes to disability policy moving forward. We will examine public programs that provide income support (Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income), health insurance (Medicare and Medicaid), and civil rights protections (Americans with Disabilities Act). We will also consider special populations including people with mental illness or substance use disorders, and people who need long term services and supports. Course materials will draw upon journal articles from clinical, health policy, and social science, as well as grey literature. Students will be assessed based on participation, policy memos, and a final project focused on state disability policy.