Fieldwork

The Disability Studies Fieldwork Requirement (4 credits) helps students learn directly from people with disabilities through a wide variety of community partnerships in sports, schools, health care, direct support provision, the arts, and many other spheres of life.

You can fulfill your fieldwork requirement through taking four credits of community-based education, offered year-round.

ENG 404: Disability Studies Internship (4 Credits)
PSY 406: Psychology Practicum (4 credits)
SPED 420: Applied Experience in Special Education (3 credits)

Alternatively, you can fulfill the DS Fieldwork Requirement by combining classroom knowledge with internships in a choice of two service-learning classes: WGS 411 or GLBL 435.

The Disability Studies Experiential Learning Coordinator is happy to help you make a community engagement plan tailored to your interests and career goals.

Internship Guidelines

Internship Forms

Pre-Approved Internship Opportunities

Design your Own Fieldwork Opportunity

Internship Guidelines

Students minoring in disability studies are responsible for making contact with possible internship sites. You can choose a community partner from our internship site list or pursue your own interests. Many students participate in summer activities or paid work which might qualify for internship credits.

To qualify for the disability studies fieldwork requirement, an internship must meet the following guidelines:

Interns must have direct contact with people with disabilities.
The internship site must have a supervisor who oversees student work and signs off on paperwork.
Students receive one UO credit for every 30 hours of internship.
It’s the student’s responsibility to make contact with possible sites. You can choose a community partner from the Internship Site List or pursue your own interests.
Many students have summer activities or paid work which might qualify for internship credits.

Applying for Internships

Nonprofit organizations and schools are run by very busy people who may respond slowly to your email. Try calling the contact person or, if you’re really having trouble, try showing up in person at the school or office.

Background Checks

Internship sites often require a background check. Make sure to ask any potential site if they require a background check and what kind (Oregon or national). You will sometimes have to pay a fee for a background check, but the Oregon type is much quicker and costs less.

If you are from out of state, make sure to find out whether or not your prospective site requires an out-of-state background check, as these can be lengthy and expensive. Please act as soon as possible if you wish to volunteer at a place that requires a background check.

Trainings

Many internship sites require volunteer training. Their websites often include information on upcoming information sessions and orientations. You can count training sessions as part of your fieldwork hours.

Disability Studies Internship Forms

There are four documents necessary to receive approval and a passing grade for your fieldwork.

Internship Forms and Step-by-Step Guide

Financial Support

Want to receive financial support for your internship? Consider applying for a UO Hands-on Learning Scholarship.

UO Hands-on Learning Scholarship

Fieldwork Advising

Our director of disability studies is happy to help you find an internship and make a community engagement plan tailored to your interests and career goals. To register for the ENG 404 Disability Studies Internship, first make an advising appointment with Jade Fraley or Dr. Trapp.