It is estimated that 10 percent of the world’s population has some type of disability and more than 25 percent are affected by disability as either caregivers or family members. In the United States, there are approximately 54 million children and adults with disabilities—accounting for more than 18 percent of the population. The Master of Professional Studies in Disability Studies program at Georgetown explores the many roles of disability in social, cultural, historical, and political contexts.

Disability studies programs provide students with the tools to understand disability; to educate and increase awareness among various audiences about the experiences of individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and support systems; and ultimately to contribute to social change.

This program grew out of Georgetown University’s Center for Child and Human Development. Building on the Center’s reputation, the Disability Studies program will have community credibility, draw a diverse group of prospective students and provide an academically rigorous yet applied program of study.

The Disability Studies program will offer you the resources and knowledge that you will need to build a career collaborating with individuals with disabilities and special health care needs and their families to help them meet their goals and become active participants in the community. The program will prepare you to be a leader advocating for individuals with disability, providing community-based services, developing policy, and participating in scholarship in disability studies.