The Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) has announced the launch of its new Specialization in Disability Studies and Incidence, aiming to equip specialists with the tools necessary to understand and analyze the historical processes and social structures leading to the exclusion of individuals living with disabilities. This initiative is not just timely but necessary, as it addresses longstanding issues of discrimination faced by this population across various life aspects, particularly education, health, and employment.
Announced on March 12, 2025, through statement number 137, the decision to create the specialization was made during session 558 of UAM's Academic College, where it received unanimous approval. The program's establishment is particularly significant, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering inclusivity and the recognition of rights for individuals with disabilities.
The new specialization will employ a modular teaching system characterized by quality practical learning. Students will tackle concrete issues related to disability, working collaboratively within groups to develop and discuss solutions. Rather than traditional lectures, instructors will function as advisors and coordinators, guiding students through the learning process.
The program consists of three modules, each spanning one trimester: the first focuses on Historical Processes and Social Actors Concerning Disability, the second on Diversity of Knowledge and Social Responses to Exclusion and Inclusion, and the final module explores Disability within Public, Institutional, and Civil Society Spaces. These modules are underpinned by three transversal axes: processes of exclusion and the social construction of disability, the epistemology of disabilities viewed through intersectional and collaborative lenses, and the advocacy of rights surrounding incidence, accessibility, and inclusion.
Regarding the curriculum's design, UAM conducted comparative research on disability-related programs at both national and international education levels. This analysis was instrumental, allowing the university to identify trends and best practices, which informed the need to incorporate viewing disability through the lens of accessibility and strengthening the capacity for advocating for rights.
The Specialization in Disability Studies and Incidence will be offered at the Xochimilco unit of UAM. This educational initiative is particularly relevant as society grows increasingly aware of the importance of inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
According to the official statement from UAM, "The specialization assumes the society requires subjects with training and skills for research and intervention, as well as relevant and practical knowledge to influence public space and institutions for the recognition of rights, inclusion, and accessibility." This commitment to education signals UAM's role at the forefront of social change concerning disability advocacy.
By focusing on real-world applications and fostering collaboration among students, UAM's program not only prepares its graduates for careers as informed advocates and researchers but also seeks to transform societal perceptions of disability. Educators and students alike will work directly with real-world issues, cultivating skills and mindsets necessary for impactful interventions.
This new specialization reflects the increasing recognition of the need for comprehensive training addressing both the historical and current challenges confronted by people with disabilities. It is hoped this initiative will inspire similar programs throughout educational institutions across the country and beyond, thereby fostering greater societal acceptance and integration of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.