Project Description:
The Interdisciplinary graduate-level DD Training Program includes our pediatric fellows and is also open to graduate students in nursing, education, psychology, and related fields. The focus of the program is on the impact of disability and the provision of care to people with DD. Trainees receive instruction and practical experience in all UCEDD core functions, including teaching, community service, research, and dissemination. The program prepares trainees to be advocates, community leaders, and consumers of research as it informs practice and policy as well as to undertake their own research projects.
The core curriculum is composed of didactic and experiential components. Areas of core competency include values/perspectives, interdisciplinary practice, person and family-centered care and education, research, policy and systems advocacy, and leadership. Trainees increase their knowledge of DD and exposure to medical, legal, social and policy issues related to disabilities. Trainings are co-led by persons with DD and family members, and field work with persons with disabilities is a major training component. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in clinics serving persons with DD across the age span as well as a variety of community-based programs.
Expected benefits: Former trainees will assume leadership positions in the field; they will have experience working with people with DD, they will understand the importance of community inclusion and be familiar with systems of care delivery in California; and they will provide high quality, culturally competent services to people with DD.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
