Project Description:
An Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies is being offered by the Institute for Human Development. Students from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply to the certificate program. The purpose of this new certificate program is to prepare students to work with individuals with disabilities across the life span and their families in educational, residential employment, recreational and day program settings. Students will acquire knowledge and skills through the 12-15 hour program of courses and practica.
The Graduate Interdisciplinary Certificate in Disability Studies is composed of four major content areas: Disability Core, Fieldwork/Practicum/Internships, Interdisciplinary Seminar, and Interdisciplinary Independent Study or Research.
Students participating in this program are required to complete courses in all four content areas except for Interdisciplinary Independent Study or Research. Students electing to conduct research or independent study are only required to complete 3 hours of fieldwork/practicum or internship credit.
CONTENT AREAS:
Disabilities Core (3 Hours): The Disabilities Core area is a prerequisite for later applied training components of the Certificate Program. The purpose of the Disabilities Core component is to provide the student with a basic understanding of etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities, assessment and intervention approaches, and the contexts for service delivery to individuals having developmental disabilities. One of the following: ESE 640, EPS 702, ESE 548, or ESE 649.
Fieldwork/Practicum/Internships (3-6 Hours) - The intent of the fieldwork/practicum/internship component of the Certificate program is to provide student trainees with experiences in applied, service delivery settings. Students may choose to enroll in 3-6 hours of course credit and will be able to choose to participate in supervised training experiences according to their interests and the availability of training sites. DIS or Departmental 608.
Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 Hours) - The seminar is intended to expose students to the roles and functions of the various disciplines typically involved in providing services to persons with disabilities and to give students a foundation in critical issues in service delivery. The seminar will cover topics such as: interdisciplinary teaming processes and procedures, provision of culturally competent services, person/family centered services, positive behavioral support, assistive technology, consultation and supervision, and provision of individualized instruction. DIS or Departmental 698.
Interdisciplinary Independent/Research Studies (1-3 hours) (Optional) - The independent and research studies is optional for the student. The purpose of the independent study project is to allow a student to concentrate on gaining knowledge and skills in a specific area of providing services to individuals with disabilities. DIS or Departmental 697, 685, or 699.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
