Graduate Certificate in Disability Policy Advocacy
Published on June 19, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in disability policy and the lead instructor for the Graduate Certificate in Disability Policy Advocacy. Dr. Smith, can you tell us about your personal experiences that led you to this field? GUEST: Absolutely, I've always been passionate about social justice and inclusion. Working with individuals with disabilities and seeing the challenges they face inspired me to advocate for better policies. HOST: That's inspiring. How does this course equip professionals with critical skills for effective advocacy? GUEST: We cover legislation, legal frameworks, communication strategies, research, policy analysis, and policy change techniques. This prepares students to become strong advocates for accessibility, inclusion, and social justice. HOST: What current industry trends are most relevant to this course? GUEST: There's growing emphasis on self-advocacy, intersectionality, and the social model of disability. Our course addresses these trends, empowering students to be at the forefront of disability policy advocacy. HOST: That's great to hear. What challenges have you faced in teaching this subject, and how have you addressed them? GUEST: One challenge is keeping up with ever-evolving policies. We overcome this by inviting guest speakers who are experts in their fields and encouraging students to engage in real-world policy analysis. HOST: Looking to the future, what do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges in disability policy advocacy? GUEST: The ongoing shift towards inclusion and accessibility presents both opportunities and challenges. We must continue to advocate for systemic changes that address the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights and giving us a closer look at the Graduate Certificate in Disability Policy Advocacy. We're confident that this course will empower many professionals to make a real difference. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure discussing the course and its potential impact.
