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Volume 20, No. 1 – Winter 2012 |
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The Center for Disabilities Studies – Home to the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
As you may know, the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) is part of the Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) at the University of Delaware. CDS is also home to many other programs that support the well-being, inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities
and their families. The mission of CDS is to enhance the lives of individuals and families through education, prevention, service and research related to disabilities. The Center promotes independence and productivity so individuals and families can fully participate in the life of their communities in Delaware and beyond. Furthermore, CDS is:
- One of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Education, Research and Service nationwide, with core funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Developmental Disabilities
- The largest research and service center in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Delaware
- A hub for the professional and personal development of students through coursework, internships, assistantships and participation in research and demonstration projects
- Home to the interdisciplinary Disabilities Studies Minor, one of the fastest–growing minors on the UD campus
- A place where staff and faculty cultivate student learning by:
- Teaching or co–teaching courses to graduate and undergraduate students
- Delivering guest lectures to UD graduate and undergraduate students
- Supporting graduate students with full assistantships
- Providing experiential opportunities to graduate students
- Providing internship opportunities to undergraduate students.
The Center for Disabilities Studies is organized into units, the focus of which are described in the rest of this article.
The Transition, Education and Employment Model (TEEM) programs use a person–centered approach to offer people with disabilities a comprehensive set of services, supports and opportunities that will enable them to develop the skills needed to increase their independence, lead productive lives and participate in the community as adults. Programs include: the Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) postsecondary education program; Employment Services; and Community Connectors. All of these programs are pioneering innovative strategies designed to advance policy and practice.
The Health and Wellness unit focuses on improving the health and well–being of individuals with all types of disabilities across the lifespan—and their families—through education, information dissemination, technical assistance, research, policy work and systems change activities. It includes all health–related initiatives within CDS, allowing for optimal coordination of activities in this area. This unit houses Healthy Delawareans with Disabilities (HDWD), Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities (EPID), Family Support and Healthcare Alliance Delaware (Family SHADE), Developmental Screening Campaign, health care transition initiatives and other health–related projects.
The School Age unit conducts training, technical assistance, evaluation and research for a variety of projects that promote student success. Programs include: Adapting Curriculum and Classroom Environments for Student Success (ACCESS) and the Delaware Positive Behavior Support Project (DEPBS). This unit also provides technical assistance and monitoring for afterschool programs funded through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.
The Assistive Technology (AT) unit, which includes DATI, also focuses on accessible instructional materials (AIM), various forms of language representations (e.g., pictures and videos) and recycling of durable medical equipment.
The Disabilities Studies Minor engages undergraduate students from across the University in learning about the policies, services and systems that support the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. The minor requires students to complete 18 credits, nine of which are from required courses. Three electives are selected from courses focusing on human development, social systems and service delivery offered by various colleges and departments. CDS delivers the minor in partnership with the School of Education and Department of Human Development and Family Studies. The Center provides administrative, advising, fiscal and instructional support, with its faculty and staff serving as instructors in key courses. The minor is one of the largest in the University with 2011–2012 enrollment approaching 300.
The Dissemination and Advocacy unit—through publications, a website, informational meetings, advocacy efforts and other activities—works to ensure that people with disabilities and their families have access to current information about legislation, services and supports that will help them participate fully in community life. Dissemination and advocacy activities are directed toward legislators, the media and other members of the community to make them aware of the supports and services that people with disabilities need in order to be fully included in society.
You are encouraged to learn more about CDS, its projects and more at www.udel.edu/cds.
