Project Description:
The Interdisciplinary Graduate-level Developmental Disabilities Training Program addresses the need for advocates, community leaders, and consumers of research as it informs practice and policy on developmental disabilities. It is designed to advance trainees' academic credentials and is open to our pediatric fellows, LEND trainees, and graduate students in medicine, nursing, education, psychology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work and related fields at UC Davis or nearby CSUS. The focus 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. The core curriculum is composed of didactic and experiential components, all of which are competency based. 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 participate in a variety of community programs and in clinics at UC Davis and regional FQHCs serving persons with DD across the age span. Trainees gain experience in partnering with service providers in rural communities by participating in telehealth assessment and virtual therapy programs that serve rural populations.
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Leadership
