Integrating Disability Awareness into Psychology Courses: Applications in Abnormal Psychology and Perception

The rising number of college students with disabilities and federal regulations concerning them impel educators to increase their own and nondisabled students' awareness of learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and emotional disorders. We describe simulation activities, discussion topics, and speakers appropriate for courses in abnormal psychology and perception. Students who simulated auditory or visual disabilities reported increased empathy toward people with disabilities, greater understanding of the stigma associated with disability, and a heightened appreciation for their sensory systems. We suggest that interested faculty work with existing campus offices for disabled students to implement these activities.