Select your topic and begin researching for the Program Development Paper. Your idea should be original, and for the final paper you will have to explain it in detail. (For this assignment, you do not have to address the financing of your program. Try to be somewhat realistic, but do not concern yourself with how it would be funded. This is your opportunity to design an ‘ideal' program to improve quality of life and participation for people with disabilities. Some past topics have included employment programs, recreation programs, classes in high school or elementary schools for disability awareness, etc.. )

Select your topic and include a paragraph description of the program you plan to develop. Provide 2 sources that you plan to use (in APA format), with a brief summary of each article's content. You will receive feedback on your topic selection, and can begin work on the project. Begin work on your reference page; you are required to use at least 4 sources outside of class texts, which must be journal/scholarly articles.

For the final research-based paper, you will identify a problem faced by people with disabilities that presents a barrier to their participation in society. You are urged to select a topic which is relevant to your work or personal interest to make this project a more meaningful learning experience. The goal of this paper is to synthesize all of the material we have covered in order to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of a diversity model approach to disability, the needs of specific populations, and practice approaches sensitive to disability culture.

The paper will begin with a definition of the problem, including an historical perspective. You will need to think critically and design a macro- or meso-level solution or program, based in disability theory, to address the barrier and facilitate greater participation for persons with disabilities. You will outline the program in detail, including the philosophy, setting, and role of human service providers and people with disabilities.

Your paper must be completed in APA format, and must reference four (4) or more scholarly/academic sources, such as peer-reviewed journal articles. You may use the course texts as references in addition to other research findings, but these do not count toward the four (4) outside sources required. The length requirement for the body of the paper is five (5) pages; this does not include the title, abstract or reference pages.

Textbooks from the class... :

Mackelprang, R., & Salsgiver R. . (2015). Disability: A diversity model approach in human service practice (3rd ed). Belmont, CA: Oxford University Press. [ISBN-978-0-19-065640-9]

Shapiro, J. . (1993). No pity: People with disabilities forging a new civil rights movement.New York: Three Rivers Press. [ISBN-978-0-8129-2412-1]

APA. (2010). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association . [ISBN-978-1-4338-0561-5.