This graduate level course will provide in-depth coverage on the state-of-the-art approaches for applying principles of universal design and high reliability organizations to preventing these injuries and illnesses. These principles include topics from the fields of biomechanics, ergonomics, and human factors. In particular, we will focus on the needs of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, who are likely to experience the greatest negative impacts of injury and illness. You will learn how to prevent injury and illness for yourself, the people you care about and for society.

The course will consist of a combination of lectures from the instructor and student seminar presentations. The evaluation for the course will be project-based. Students will be asked to develop a preventative approach based on the topics discussed and develop a plan for how it could be implemented and/or evaluated (5-page proposal). Each student will present their proposal in an initial 20-minute oral presentation (in weeks 5 and 6) and a final 20-minute oral presentation followed by class discussion (in weeks 11, 12) on their chosen solution. All students will be asked to provide constructive feedback on their peers’ written and oral communication skills and will be evaluated on the quality of their feedback.