This course examines disability as a legal category with implications for the rights of persons with disabilities. Students will be introduced to alternative conceptions and theories of disability and impairment, and will examine how law constructs and regulates the lives of persons with disabilities. Throughout the course we will examine statutory provisions and jurisprudence in different areas including: human rights, the family, reproduction and procreation, death and dying, mental health, care and caregiving, social assistance, economic supports and the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to understand how disability is defined and regulated by law. We will also have a session with visitors from ARCH Disability Law Center about representing clients with disabilities. A key aim of this course is to analyze and evaluate how law can best achieve the goals of social justice, inclusion and equality for persons with disabilities.
This course offers in-class instruction in an interactive lecture/discussion/presentation format. Students are expected to read the assigned materials before class and to participate in class discussions. From time to time, guests will be invited to speak about their area of expertise and/or their experience of law and disability.
Method of Evaluation: Class Participation and Attendance: 10%; Class Presentation: 25%; Research Paper: 7000 - 7250 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography) 65%. A portion of the research paper grade will be allocated to a scaffolded and graded series of deliverables during the term including, for example, a paper proposal, research search terms, annotated bibliography and paper outline.