Disability Policy Analysis

In this assignment, you will be asked to analyze a local, US or international policy related to disability using the steps outlined below. This can be an issue of ongoing political debate or an issue that has not yet gained the attention of policy makers. A policy analysis defines the problem or issue at hand, describes its background and provides a balanced assessment of options that policy makers could pursue to resolve the problem. Be as specific as possible.

The paper should be written in a scholarly manner; refer to the “Supplemental Materials Documents” folder for information on what constitutes “scholarly” and conclude with a recommended course of action for policy makers. You must use at least ten (10) sources; at least five (5) must be scholarly. Your paper should follow the format of this policy paper, both in terms of style and content, although you are not required to have figures, graphs, tables, etc.

https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=sppp (Links to an external site.)

In other words, it should contain the following sections, clearly marked, in this order.

Introduction: Whether the issue is expanded health care, improved educational achievement, or more effective and efficient transportation options (to name just a few), you should identify a specific issue and articulate why it is important for disabled people. (5 pts) Articulate its importance with respect to human rights as discussed throughout the quarter.
Policy actions: Outline previous efforts, if any, to address the problem. To detail the issue and any prior policy responses, you should use a range of sources, including books, articles from scholarly journals, previous policy analyses, government reports, legislative materials and news articles. Summarize the results of prior policy efforts and identify the major stakeholders. (10 pts)
Implications of the problem: What happens if the problem is not effectively addressed? (5 pts)
Policy options: What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of each? (10 pts)
Summary and preferred alternative: Recommend a policy action, based on your analysis of a set of alternatives. Articulate reasons, supported by facts and evidence, why the policy proposal you have chosen would be the best avenue for addressing the problem in question. (10 pts)
Bibliography (in APA), writing, editing/proofreading, following prescribed format: (10 pts)

Your grade will not be determined by whether this policy action should go to Congress. I realize that this is probably new to most of you. Rather, your grade will be determined based on well written evidence that you have thought through/researched the problem and potential solutions. Your grade will also be determined by the extent to which you follow the prescribed format, your writing is clear and concise, and you submit a polished, proofread analysis.

I suggest that you choose your policy issue as early in the quarter as possible so that you have plenty of time to research and think through the issues. While you are not required to consult with me, I welcome your questions and would be happy to provide guidance as needed. Students who wait until the end of the quarter to begin this assignment generally do not do as well as those who start early on.