Outline

Overview

This unit introduces students to broad definitions pertinent to both disability/disadvantage and rehabilitation. This unit provides unique opportunities to learn about disability and both the individual and systemic factors that explain disability and disadvantage. The unit surveys international perspectives on the disability process with a disability-human rights perspective. Students will learn about disability as it is seen through the lens of society. The various models of disability, language related to disability, and power, oppression, privilege, and intersectionality as they relate to disability will be discussed. Students will also learn about other holistic aspects of disability including accessibility, sexuality, and disability culture.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Participation Sciences
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Roxanna Pebdani, roxanna.pebdani@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Practical skill	Weekly in class small tasks Submitted outcome of learning activity	35%	Multiple weeks	30-60 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Disability language Produce an object such as video, podcast, poster or drawing on disability language.	5%	Week 03	1-2 minute video or 1-page poster	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2: prepare for an interview Submit your notes ready to interview an expert on a topic relevant to this unit of study.	30%	Week 08	1000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 3: Presentation Recorded presentation on a relevant topic (as selected from a provided list)	25%	Week 12	10 min presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Peer review Engage with the work of colleagues and provide feedback.	5%	Week 12	45 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Weekly quizzes and activities: Weekly quizzes and activities (alternating weeks) are designed to allow deeper engagement with the material.
Week 3 disability language task: Apply concepts on disability language to create a short (1-2 minute or 1-page) object.
Assignment 2, Interview plan: This assignment involves applying concepts learned in class to plan an interview with an expert in the field
Assignment 3, Understanding Multiple Perspectives: This three-part assignment involves submitting a written or recorded original work, engaging with peer work and providing feedback, and writing a reflection.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As listed in the Assessment Procedures Policy, late penalties apply for any work submitted late Written work submitted electronically after 11.59 pm on the due date will be considered to have been submitted late. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Understanding Disability in Society	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Disability Language and Etiquette	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Lived Experience and Disability Narratives	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Socialisation and Intersectionality	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Ableism and Media Representation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Disability, Power, and History	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Designing for Inclusivity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Health Systems, Ethics, and Power	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Education, Knowledge, and Institutional Ableism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Disability, Work, Capitalism, and Productivity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Disability, Sexuality, and Intimate Life	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Disability	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Allyship, Disability Justice, and Human Rights	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: This unit is completed completely online and can be completed asynchronously. Each week there will be a lecture on Zoom which students are encouraged to attend but students can opt to listen to recordings and complete the online material in their own time. All students are expected to contribute to discussions and meet with other students to complete groupwork. Marks are based on active participation in activities and students will benefit from engaging in discussion with peers to achieve the learning objectives

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed via Canvas

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the impact of power, oppression, and privilege on how people with disabilities are viewed and treated in society
LO2. describe psychological, social, and cultural aspects of disability and identify how these impact the lives of those with a disability
LO3. Compare perspectives on intersectionality, ableism, and external perceptions of disability, and how they impact the lives of people with disabilities
LO4. Evaluate disability culture, the importance of physical accessibility, the influence of the media on disability, and how all of these intertwine with power, privilege, and oppression
LO5. Evaluate the importance of advocacy, and advocate within your own community.
LO6. Compare the social model of disability with other models and consider the influence on employment, relationships, independence and living valued lives
LO7. Analyse your own values about disability and consider the source of your personal views and the extent to which your life experiences have impacted your values
LO8. Consider how terminology and stereotypes impact societal acceptance of disability including inspiration porn and disability binarism

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Additional scaffolding has been added to the final assignment.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

REHB2026: Fundamentals of Disability

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links