The history of human services education illustrates a commitment to preparing generalists with broad perspectives. While the definition of generalist has continued to evolve and broaden, it is still discipline specific. Indeed, liberal learning is highly associated with developing communication skills, critical thinking skills, adaptive skills, leader ship skills, cultural awareness, and a commitment to lifelong learning. While the need for a professional cove is recognized, a conceptual model for a broad-based, liberal curriculum is presented. Non-academic strategies faculty can use to make courses accessible to students with disabilities are described.
Nonspecific strategies are ways faculty can accommodate students with any disability.
Specific strategies art descriptions of accommodations for students who have a learning disability, a vision impairment, a hearing impairment, or a physical disability. Making courses accessible will have a positive influence on all students because faculty will be demonstrating their commitment to the human service value of equal access. Stories can be used to illustrate concepts, to honor cultural diversity, to introduce new goals and directions in student thinking, and to provide transitions within a class. Connections are drawn to work in social constructionism regarding the making of meaning.