Project Description:
1.2 Interdisciplinary Training Description 2009
The Center on Disability and Development's Interdisciplinary Training Program provides an opportunity to study the complex social, political, cultural, and educational issues that surround individuals with disabilities and their families. Our focus on disability studies supports the formation of teachers, activists, practitioners, and researchers who are interested in the phenomenon of disability from various disciplinary perspectives. Our program is designed to prepare graduate students throughout the College of Education and Human Development as well as students from other colleges wishing to make the program part of their degree plan. Our current Fellows are engaged in research, policy, and service projects that make an impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Our program will increase the number of qualified personnel across disciplines that can provide services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Our Interdisciplinary Training Program began training its first Doctoral students in 2006. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Center, our trainees have come from the disciplines of special education, school psychology, and counseling psychology. Our trainees are assigned to work with CDD Center Faculty on projects that directly address our Center's objectives and participate in research, training, and outreach activities under the direction of Center faculty.
Our CDD staff has agreed upon the following program objectives as a template for the future development of our Interdisciplinary Training Program:
1. Develop UCEDD training program at the graduate level
2. Develop CDD seminars and coursework that is interdisciplinary in nature
3. Provide strong research experience, including training and seminars
4. Include community-based practicum for trainees
5. Consider funding short-term stipends, other venues for funding students
6. Build collaboration with Rural Public Health, Medicine, Psychology, along with other disciplines across the Texas A&M University campus.
