Interdisciplinary Disability Awareness and Community-Engaged Learning (IDACEL)

2026

The Interdisciplinary Disability Awareness and Community-Engaged Learning (IDACEL) Program offers opportunities for students from a variety of disciplines to increase their awareness, knowledge, and understanding of people with disabilities and their families across the life span. Taking advantage of this program will broaden a student's experience and promote interaction with individuals with disabilities. IDACEL gives opportunities to use a student's growing expertise to benefit individuals with a variety of disabilities from birth to seniors. IDACEL has three main components that are carefully designed and implemented to enhance the trainees' awareness, knowledge, and skills and prepare them to become part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team in the workplace. 1. Didactic. People with disabilities as well as faculty and professionals from a variety of disciplines conduct a series of interactive seminars and presentations over two semesters. These seminars use a collaborative, solution-focused approach in resolving real issues faced by individuals with disabilities and their families in achieving full community participation. Individuals with disabilities and family members also participate in seminars, adding their personal experience and expertise. 2. Community-Engaged Learning Activities. Students participate in a range of community-engaged learning activities that provide examples of interdisciplinary community-based and family-centered services. Students participate at the sites according to their time commitment to the program, the requirements of their discipline, and their own personal interests. Community-Engaged Learning sites include: (1) The Utah Assistive Technology Program (UATP) Lab, which supplies training in the fabrication, modification, and repair of assistive technology products; (2) Common Ground offers outdoor recreation for youth and adults with disabilities; (3) Stride Services, which provides day training and support for individuals with severe disabilities; (4) OPTIONS for Independence, which offers services that promote independence and choice to people with disabilities as a nonresidential Independent Living Center; (5) Project PEER, which supports students with cognitive disabilities, aged 18-21, and facilitates transition from the public school system; and (6) Up To 3 Program, which benefits infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. 3. Research. Seminars provide basic information about disability-related research.

Training

Training Trainees

Education & Early Intervention, Child Care-Related Activities, Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban

Regional

N/A