Disability Studies to Host Summit and Offer Money-Saving Degree Option

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) concludes its observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October with several exciting announcements from the School’s disability studies programs.

2024 Disability Culture Summit

On November 21, 2024, the CUNY SPS disability studies programs will host an inaugural Disability Culture Summit. Held online, this summit will explore the topic of disability culture & technology, and look at how advances in the fields of accessibility, empowerment, and inclusion are revolutionizing the way disabled people interact with the world.

Featuring individuals specializing in the arts, athletics, and technology to discuss these innovations and challenges, the summit poses the broad question: how do intersections in technology across disability culture successfully address ableism and increase diversity and inclusion?

Speakers include Jerron Herman, performer/director; Ryan Martin, director of inclusive and adaptive sports for the City University of New York; Leroy F. Moore, Jr., founder of Krip-Hop Nation; and Dr. Ashley Shew, associate professor of science, technology, and society at Virginia Tech. Dr. Andrew Marcum, academic director of the CUNY SPS online disability studies programs, and Dr. Brian LeLay, assistant professor of the programs, will host and moderate this online event.

The 2024 Disability Culture Summit is free and open to the public. Visit the summit website to learn more and RSVP.

Zero Cost Textbook Option for BA Program

In another important development, the CUNY SPS BA in Disability Studies has transitioned to a Z Degree program. As of Fall 2024, all current and upcoming students can take their courses and study using a mix of Open Educational Resources instead of publisher’s textbooks.

Dr. Andrew Marcum, the academic director of the CUNY SPS online disability studies programs, noted that this switch is a major move toward accessibility.

“Cost is an accessibility issue because, for many people, it can be a barrier to education. Zero textbook courses are a way to lower costs for students without compromising the academic experience and rigor they expect and deserve,” he explained.

In an added benefit, Dr. Marcum observed, “Zero textbook courses also encourage instructors to think more about accessibility from a pedagogical perspective”, by thinking “beyond… the traditional textbook to incorporate different kinds of information and knowledge sharing. For instance, digital texts (as well as videos and images) can be annotated and analyzed by students collaboratively.”

Dr. Marcum also reflected that the move to a Z Degree comes during a milestone for the program, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary over the 2024-2025 year.

“Twenty years ago, the program was essentially just one course…Now, we house two graduate degrees, a BA, and two Advanced (graduate level) certificates…” he said. “We’ve been able to grow in part because we offer an excellent, holistic education in disability that is also affordable, flexible, and strives to be accessible and inclusive...It’s important that our courses and curricula reflect these values.”

About the CUNY SPS Disability Studies Programs

Disability Studies is an emerging academic field that explores disability from multiple perspectives, including the social sciences, humanities, science, and the law. The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers groundbreaking, fully accredited programs within Disability Studies. The School’s offerings include a BA, Advanced Certificate, and MA in Disability Studies, and an Advanced Certificate and MS in Disability Services in Higher Education.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

Press Contact
Prerna Dar
CUNY SPS Chief Marketing Officer
Prerna.dar@cuny.edu