Since the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981, there has been a transformation of laws concerning persons with disability from a care and control framework to a rights-based framework. This has resulted in significant legislative reforms in Australia at both state and federal level. In 2006, the Australian government signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This course examines these developments and critically evaluates the social construction of disability and the ensuing policies and practices that frame the context within which the legal system operates. The theoretical context and reforms will be assessed through case studies such as access to justice, legal capacity, immigration, discrimination law, employment and access to services. Finally, the role of law and law reform in facilitating change for people with disabilities will be considered. This course is taught intensively.

More information can be found on the Course Outline Website.