Participation and Environment, 7.5 credits

A minimum of 60 credits and proficiency in English equivalent to English A/English 5.

The general aim of the course is that the student should acquire knowledge and understanding of the relations between environment and participation.The course has a specific focus on technology, as part of the environmenyand on social structures, laws and organisation of service in relation to disabilites, from a local and global perspective of the society.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• account for theories and concepts of relevance to understand and analyse relations between environment and participation
• analyse and reflect on the relation between environment and participation
• apply relevant knowledge of legislation and organisation of service that affects on participation for individuals living with with functional limitations locally and global
• analyse and reflect on how legislation and organisation of service impact on participation for people with disabilities
• communicate effectively and appropriately in English in the area of the course content

The course is divided in two parts.

In this part, theories and concepts of relevance to understand the relation between environment and participation in relation to disability are introduced. Concepts that are included are: accessability, usability, universal design, social constructivist views on disability, independence, autonomy, participation, empowerment. Theories/models that are included: The social model of disability, occupational science models with a focus on the interaction between person - environment.

In this part, the student reflects on how legislation and organisation of service affect participation in the everyday life for individuals with disabilities locally and globally.
International legislation: UN's declaration of human rights and The WHOs global health policy. National legislation and local organisation of service in different parts of the world.

The teaching is based on a problem-oriented and collaborative approach to learning in which the tasks provide opportunities for the student to take active responsibility for their learning. The teaching methods include lectures, seminar, group assignments and study visits.

The course coordinator decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be supplemented. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the course coordinator. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student cannot retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

Part 1- Environment and participation- theories and concepts is examined through a combined oral and written individual examination as well as participation in seminar.
Part 2- Participation in the everyday life is examined through oral presentation of a group assignment as well as active participation in examination seminar.

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to resit the examination on five more occasions. If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examination will be provided. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. In case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination.

If there are special grounds, or a need for adaptation for a student with a disability, the examiner may decide to deviate from the syllabus's regulations on the examination form, the number of examination opportunities,  the possibility of supplementation or exemptions from the compulsory section/s of the course etc.   Content and learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities may not be changed, removed or reduced.

An examination will be made available for a period of one year in the event of the course being discontinued or a new course syllabus being devised.

Course evaluation is carried out according to the guidelines established by the Board of Education.
The course will not be credited in a degree together with another course the student has completed and passed which completely or partly corresponds to the contents of this course.