Rehabilitation and Disability Studies

Improve Lives with TROY's Disability Studies Degree

If you want to help people with disabilities or other health challenges live better lives, consider exploring allied health. The bachelor's degree in rehabilitation and disability studies at Troy University will prepare you for rewarding rehabilitation careers, such as rehabilitation technician and rehabilitation specialist and a wide variety of other allied health jobs. After completing your coursework and hands-on practicum, you'll be well-versed in disability advocacy, disability law and rights, medical aspects of disability, disability culture, assessment of disability, barriers to employment for people with disabilities, compassion, etc.

Learn from Faculty with First-Hand Experience in Allied Health

The faculty in TROY's bachelor's in rehabilitation and disability studies program each have experience working with individuals with disabilities and allied partners providing home and community-based services. Their experience in the field spans a range of sectors and settings, including government, private practice, nonprofit, volunteering and more. They are also mentors who want you to succeed at TROY — in graduate school and as an allied health professional.

Prepare for Allied Health Careers with Hands-On Experiences

At TROY, you'll engage in at least one 120-hour practicum in a setting of your choice. There, you'll learn to assess and assist those facing challenges from birth or due to injury or illness. In your courses, you'll learn about accessibility, community inclusion and integration, and disability advocacy through unique assignments like the Americans with Disabilities Act Checklist. This assignment involves reviewing a facility's accessibility, reporting your findings and making recommendations. And your senior seminar will cover the impact of legislation and professional organizations' stance on current issues.

Apply Now

Exceptional Preparation for Graduate School

With coursework focused on disability and rehabilitation and invaluable practicum experiences, you'll be well-positioned not only for allied health and rehabilitation jobs but for graduate school. Take our spring 2023 class, for example: Out of 13 graduates, 11 applied for graduate school in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology and were accepted to the University of Montevallo, the University of South Alabama, Alabama State University, the University of Alabama Birmingham, and Faulkner, Auburn and Samford universities. If graduate school is your goal, TROY can help you get there.

One way to learn about graduate school programs, practicums, and job opportunities is through our Pre-Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy Club. By joining, you'll be surrounded by those who share your passion for helping people regain mobility. You'll network with TROY students as well as allied health professionals who share their knowledge, wisdom and experiences with you. The connections you make could lead to phenomenal opportunities in allied health careers.

Troy University graduates celebrating on the academic quad

Allied Health Careers with the TROY Disability Studies Degree

With your disability studies degree, you can work in a variety of settings, including acute care medical centers and hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, clinics and private practices. The program will also prepare you to earn advanced degrees, opening up allied health and rehabilitation careers, including speech-language pathology and occupational therapy.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Sharon M. Weaver

Dr. Sharon Weaver is an assistant professor and the rehabilitation and disability program coordinator. Her research interests include improving programming for incarcerated women, independent living for individuals with significant disabilities, and promoting social justice for marginalized individuals.

Learn more about our faculty 334-808-6484 weavers@troy.edu

Focus Your Disability Studies with a Minor

At TROY, you'll declare a minor so you can deepen your learning and stand out for jobs in the field. You can complete one of these recommended minors or an advisor-approved minor: applied behavioral analysis, case management, criminal justice, exercise science, health promotion, interpreter training, leadership development, military operations, recreation or Spanish. If your goal is to continue your studies at the graduate level, you can develop a contract medical minor with your advisor to meet the prerequisites for graduate school.

FAQ About the Disability Studies Degree

Learn more about the field of rehabilitation and disability studies and our program.

What is disability studies?

The disability studies discipline explores how disability shapes meaning, nature and outcomes. It does not view disability as a problem to fix but as a consequence of society's barriers and discrimination against people with impairments.

What is allied health?

Allied health refers to health professions that aren't part of medicine and learning. As an allied health professional, you could provide a wide range of services, such as diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct health.

News

Dr. Sharon Weaver is presented with the Ingalls Award by Dr. Lance Tatum and Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, during Monday's Honors Convocation.

Dr. Sharon Weaver Receives Troy University's Ingalls Award

Dr. Sharon M. Weaver, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation and Interpreter Training, is the recipient of Troy University's 2022 Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching.