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Bachelor of Disability Studies and Special Education

Overall goals of the program

Overall Goal of the Programme

The Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies and Special Education (DSSE) aims to equip students to serve as educators, and social justice advocates, preparing people with disabilities to achieve their full potential in society as God intended. Graduates will be trained to support persons with disabilities through education, advocacy, leadership, and ministry.

Description of the Programme

The Bachelor of DSSE is an integrative program that combines special education and disability studies expertise, underpinned by a Christian worldview. The program covers various areas such as education, behavior management, therapeutic methodologies, holistic counseling, leadership, advocacy, and evangelism.

The program equips students to become leaders and change agents in classrooms, daycare centers, churches, communities, slums, orphanages, government offices, medical centers, and athletic ministries. Students will be prepared to create awareness, lead initiatives, advocate for law reform, and promote the well-being of persons with disabilities across Africa.

This three-year degree program prepares students for careers as special needs education teachers, sign language interpreters, behavior specialists, support-group specialists, counselors, social workers, advocates, human rights advocates, public policy analysts, government officials, recreation and sports coaches, caretakers, pastors, and disability ministry leaders.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the Bachelor of DSSE, students will be able to:

  1. Teach and Educate Students with Disabilities: Provide instruction in subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, vocational skills, and socialization in both academic and community settings, including primary, secondary, and adult education.
  2. Individualized Education Plans: Design and implement individualized education plans that meet the needs of each student with disabilities.
  3. Scaffolding and Learning Strategies: Use appropriate scaffolding, teaching methods, and learning strategies to accommodate and modify lessons for each student.
  4. Behavior and Social Role Management: Manage and model appropriate behavior and social roles for students with disabilities, enabling their integration into society and educational settings.
  5. Specialized Services: Provide educational, social, and behavioral services to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, autism, and health impairments, both in mainstream and specialized educational settings.

Entry Requirements

For International Students:

  • A high school diploma or certificate that qualifies for admission to a degree program in your home country.

For Ugandan Students:

  1. Requirements for Direct Entry Scheme:
  • Uganda Certificate of Education (‘O’ Level) with a minimum of five (5) passes.
  • Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (‘A’ Level) with a minimum of two (2) principal passes obtained at the same sitting.
  • The minimum requirement for direct entry from the 8-4-4 system is a C+ or its equivalent from a Higher Education Certificate.
  1. Requirements for Mature Age Entry Scheme:
  • A pass of 50% or higher in the Mature Age Examination, obtained and certified from a center recognized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
  1. Diploma Holders:
  • Candidates with a relevant diploma in Community Based Rehabilitation, Mobility and Rehabilitation, Special Needs Education, Sign Language Interpreting, Social Work, Community Development, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, or related fields from a recognized institution are also eligible for entry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of DSSE program can pursue a wide range of careers in the disability and special education sector, including:

  • Special Needs Education Teacher
  • Behavior Specialist
  • Sign Language Interpreter
  • Social Worker
  • Counselor
  • Disability Advocate
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Government Official for PWDs
  • Recreation and Sports Coach
  • Disability Ministry Leader
  • Pastoral Care for Persons with Disabilities

This program offers the skills needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and lead advocacy efforts across Africa.

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