Q Welcome to Week 1! This week’s activities will introduce you to one another, and cover a wide range of concepts and issues that provide a solid foundation for the coming weeks. Remember to respond to all sections of the discussion by Wednesday, midnight (EST) and to respond to at least two of your colleagues and/ or the instructor by the end of the week. Reflections on Disability The study of disability is much broader than one would assume initially. As we will see throughout the next eight weeks, it covers a wide range of issues and attitudes that reflect the foundation of our culture; the very fabric of our society is reflected in the history of disability in America. Our attitudes towards the less fortunate (if that is how we view people with disabilities), our ideas of fairness, justice, equality, our morals, and our ethics are all expressed in this one area of study. Let us not forget the importance of empathy-the ability to put oneself in someone else’s shoes-in our understanding of those who may be “different”. Not only is it critical in how we view persons with disabilities, but it forms the framework for public policy. Learning about disability is learning about ourselves, our morals, ethics, prejudices, and biases. But most importantly, it is also an exploration of our society. Question 1: What is your current definition of “disability”? What are your current views about people with disabilities? Have you been either directly or indirectly affected by a disability or know someone with a disability? What are your views about your disability, or that of someone you know? What do you hope to gain from this course? What are you curious about with respect to this subject matter? How do you foresee that the course will impact your current or future career? Question 2: Read the article: Preventing Disability in the Elderly found as a file in this week's content and respond to the following: A) What struck you most about the article? B) What question(s) does it elicit for you to consider as we study various disability issues in the coming weeks?