Applied Disability Studies for Urban Planning, A Class Proposal

Abstract

This thesis brings Urban Planning and Disability Studies together to propose an introductory syllabus for Urban Planning students which incorporates theoretical models of Disability Studies into their future work. The central question of this work is 'how can urban planners be supported in imagining accessibility beyond legal minimums, and what would they need to accomplish these goals?' The proposed syllabus answers this question with an outline of a three-module class. Modules cover an introduction to Disability Studies theory, a brief summary of United States disability history, and a discussion of current practices of integrating disability access into urban design. The findings from literature in both fields suggest that there is desire for increased collaboration, and this thesis provides a starting point to that goal. This syllabus may serve as a starting point for future educators wanting to bring Disability Studies perspectives into Urban Planning classrooms or as a reading list for students conducting independent study.