1. You are here: AUCD Home
  2. Resources
  3. Trainees & Early Career Professionals
  4. Institute on Community Integration (MN UCEDD) To Start Four New Projects

Institute on Community Integration (MN UCEDD) To Start Four New Projects

November 9, 2012

The Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota has received fund­ing for four new projects that build on earlier ICI work and reach across the lifespan. The newly-funded projects in the areas of juvenile justice, wellness, English language learners, and residential services, are:

  • Making a Map: Finding My Way Back (MAP). In partnership with Ramsey County (MN) Community Corrections, Amicus Inc., St. Paul Public Schools, Twin Cities metropoli­tan area postsecondary programs, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, ICI is launching this comprehensive, evidence-based project to support juvenile offenders with disabilities transitioning from juvenile justice facilities into secondary and postsecondary education, employment, and community programs. The project, which begins in January 2013, is funded by a four-year, $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. David R. Johnson ([email protected]) is the Principal Investigator and Jean Ness ([email protected]) is co-PI and project director.
  • Partnership in Wellness: A Training Curriculum for Adults with Intellectual and Develop­mental Disabilities. Focusing on adults with intellectual and/or developmental dis­abilities who require ongoing daily supports, have limited readings skills, and would benefit from learning about improved nutrition and activity, Partnership in Wellness is developing a research-based, universally-designed, health promotion curriculum that addresses the unique learning needs of this population. The project, which has begun in October 2012, is funded by a three-year, $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Sheryl A. Larson ([email protected]) is Principal Investigator and Patricia Salmi ([email protected]) is co-PI and project director.
  • Consequential Validity Related to the AZELLA Kindergarten Placement Test. The goal of this study is to determine (a) whether AZELLA, a placement test meant to determine the level of English proficiency of Arizona kindergarteners whose primary language is not English, is accurately placing students into the appropriate English as a Second Language class; and (b) whether the intended outcome of the placement test - getting students targeted for English instruction to efficiently move out of structured immer­sion classes - is being met. This project, which began in August 2012, is funded by a one-year, $285,000 contract from the Arizona Department of Education. Laurene Christensen ([email protected]) is Principal Investigator.
  • National Residential Information Systems Project and Policy Studies (RISP). For nearly 30 years, this University of Minnesota-based project has gathered, maintained, and analyzed national and state-by-state data on publicly-funded residential and in-home supports for people with disabilities. Funding for the ongoing project was renewed in September 2012 with a five-year, $1.75 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Sheryl A. Larson ([email protected]) is Principal Investigator.

These four are among the 70+ projects at ICI focused on improving community services and supports for people with disabilities, and those at-risk, in communities throughout the country. To learn more about the work of ICI see http://ici.umn.edu.