
“The content covered in lectures and readings was thought-provoking, the discussions in class were dynamic and engaging, and the professors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I recommend the Disability Studies program to anyone interested in human rights discourse and making society a more inclusive place.”
– Evan Wicklund (BA Disability Studies) Senior Research Officer at Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (Eviance)
Disability Studies
Disability Studies is an interdisciplinary program focused on the critical analysis of disability in society which includes the study of disability as a social, scientific, cultural, historical, and political construction.
Disability Studies will challenge you to think about “disability” and “ability” in a new way. Using a social model lens, the problem becomes a lack of ramps rather than the fact that someone uses a wheelchair. In this program students will begin from an examination and critique of the bio-medical model of disability.
Topics to be considered include human rights, ethics and accountability, adaptive physical activity, sport and recreation, social movements, normalcy, eugenics, genetic engineering, family, sexuality, employment, socialization and development, aging, education, adaptive and universal design, and gender issues.
This is a joint program with Red River College and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree (3-year, 4-year, or Honours) with a Disability and Community Support Diploma from Red River College. Students taking an undergraduate degree in another Major may choose to add a Minor in Disability Studies as a secondary area of interest.
Required High School Courses
You must meet The University of Winnipeg’s general admission requirements. No specific courses required.

Ready to Apply?
Get StartedQuestions about the application process? Contact a student recruitment officer at welcome@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.786.9844.
“The content covered in lectures and readings was thought-provoking, the discussions in class were dynamic and engaging, and the professors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I recommend the Disability Studies program to anyone interested in human rights discourse and making society a more inclusive place.”
– Evan Wicklund (BA Disability Studies) Senior Research Officer at Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (Eviance)
Program Contacts
Dr. Michelle Owen, Coordinator
phone: 204.786.9973
email: m.owen@uwinnipeg.ca
Angela McGillivray, Dept. Assistant
phone: 204.786.9878
email: ad.mcgillivray@uwinnipeg.ca
In any case where The University of Winnipeg Academic Calendar and this webpage differ, the current Calendar takes precedence.
How to Apply
For details on application requirements and deadlines, and to apply online, please visit: uwinnipeg.ca/apply
For more information contact a student recruitment officer at welcome@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.786.9844.
In any case where The University of Winnipeg Academic Calendar and this fact sheet differ, the current Calendar takes precedence.
Program Contacts
Dr. Michelle Owen, Coordinator
phone: 204.786.9973
email: m.owen@uwinnipeg.ca
Angela McGillivray, Dept. Assistant
phone: 204.786.9878
email: ad.mcgillivray@uwinnipeg.ca
website: uwinnipeg.ca/disability-studies
Last Updated: 08/01/2024
“The content covered in lectures and readings was thought-provoking, the discussions in class were dynamic and engaging, and the professors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. I recommend the Disability Studies program to anyone interested in human rights discourse and making society a more inclusive place.”
– Evan Wicklund (BA Disability Studies) Senior Research Officer at Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (Eviance)
Last Updated: 08/01/2024