The Disability Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of disability service. Students will gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that will allow them to effectively provide services that meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities across the life-span. Courses in the program assist students in developing an understanding and knowledge of disabilities that take into consideration the individual with a disability, societal influences, the environmental setting and the mandates of disability law. Students will also learn to employ assessment techniques, programming strategies, goal planning, and life-skills training that support self-advocacy, productivity and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities across the life span.