The Institute for Human Development, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities housed at Northern Arizona University (NAU), will launch its brand new Disability Resource Specialist Graduate Certificate in Spring 2021!

Applications are now being accepted for the Disability Resource Specialist (DRS) Graduate Certificate program. The DRS certificate is targeted at persons who want to advance their career by developing and refining their skills in professions related to disability advocacy and access. This fully-online program is one of only five programs in the country that gives graduates the knowledge to support students with disabilities in academic environments. Jamie Axelrod, Past President of the AHEAD Board of Directors, is the lead instructor and brings a wealth of experience in disability professions to further enhance student learning.

Unique to the DRS program at NAU is that both the coursework and experiential learning opportunities approach disability concepts through the lens of a social model of disability, as opposed to a medical model. This gives students the ability to understand the complexities of the human experience by providing knowledge that promotes a deeper understanding of disabilities and the resources that promote access and inclusion for these students. For further information on prerequisites, course descriptions, FAQs, and information on how to apply, please visit https://nau.edu/ihd/disability-resource-specialist/.

About the Institute for Human Development

The Institute for Human Development is home to a wide range of interdisciplinary programs, efforts that support its mission of facilitating ongoing improvements in access, attitude, and inclusion for people with disabilities. IHD, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, is one of the nation's premier centers focused on promoting full inclusion by advancing attitudes that value persons with disabilities and enhancing access to all aspects of the human experience. IHD is a dynamic, multi-faceted environment staffed with faculty and professionals representing a range of human service disciplines and offering a broad spectrum of resources and programs for both NAU students and members of the community.

Cathron Donaldson, PT, DPT
UCEDD Training Director
Institute for Human Development
[email protected]
(928) 523-6397