Teaching

I also teach disability studies courses in Duquesne University’s Psychology Department. My classes revolve around disability narratives from a variety of vantage points that are informed by social justice and intersectionality.

My classes…

• Examine disability as conditions that have historical, legal, cultural, attitudinal, and global implications 

• Provide students learning experiences and resources so they can cultivate a better understanding of "disability" as a way life is experienced and impacted due to social determinants of health 

• Give students the resources to recognize and challenge attitudinal barriers, systemic inequities, and discuss the concept of access as a human right

• Forge an advanced understanding of disability as an identity, a community, and as a culture, not just as a diagnosis

Student testimonials:

• “Everything. Dr. Whitman is the best professor I have had at Duquesne University. She creates a welcoming and safe environment in the classroom and it really allows students to talk through the issues at hand, even if they are sensitive topics. She has a way of stimulating my thinking in ways I never have before. In her class I never drifted in and out of paying attention, she had my full attention for 50 minutes each class. Dr. Whitman, teaches with such enthusiasm and passion, and each of her assignments were tailored to further help us understand and think deeply about the topics. Dr. Whitman has had the greatest impact on my learning since I have been at Duquesne, and she has changed the way I view the world and how I want to go about my career. I am passionate about her class and the issues we discussed and I want to go out into the world after graduation and be an advocate for change. My eyes are open wider after taking her class, and I thank her for that. She was also so kind to meet with me one on one and talk to me about her career to help me navigate graduate school options. She took the time to guide me and give me advice and I appreciate that. I only wish that Dr. Whitman taught more courses, because I would take a class with her again in a heartbeat.”

• “I am not exaggerating when I say that this has been the best class I have ever taken at this university in every facet you can think of. She is enthusiastic, caring, engaging, passionate and fair about her assignments, even in an online environment. She creates a space that is welcoming, non judgmental and open for learning. I cannot begin to express how much I will take her material into my practice as a therapist one day and I would fully say that she made me a better clinician with her teaching. Every student should have to take her course at least once, especially in the liberal arts school, and I will greatly miss her upon graduation."

• “In this class, I have learned more about myself as well as the world around me and how I can be an educator, as well as an ally. I am leaving Duquesne after four years with more knowledge from this class than I did with most of my other classes. This class should be mandatory at Duquesne, which are my final thoughts!”

• “I just wanted to thank you for a truly enriching class this semester. I honestly learned way more than I could have expected and I really do think it made me a better person.”

• “You turned this semester around for me because I had at least one classroom environment that was a safe space to speak and share.”

Other Cool Things I’m Involved In

As a disability advocate and content expert, I have...

…And delivered keynotes and lectures at numerous events (to name a few):

• The American Ethical Union

• Awaken Pittsburgh

• Inside our Minds

• Pittsburgh’s Woman March

• The ReelAbilities Film Festival

• The Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership Summit

• The Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium

• The Northeast Modern Language Association Convention