Center for Disabilities Studies

Attention special education professionals and administrators!

The Special Education Administrative Leadership (SEAL) Program at the University of Delaware is an approved alternate route to certification as a special education administrator in Delaware.

This 23-month program includes:

• Four core courses held virtually
• Development of a meaningful action research project
• Job-embedded and external internships
• Ongoing mentoring from experienced special education leaders

Virtual classes begin in January and are held one evening per week. The application window is open until December 2, 2024, but admission is on a rolling basis until the cohort is full. Limited slots are available.

For more information, email Stephanie Kaznica at [email protected] or visit: https://www.cds.udel.edu/seal/

The 2024 TEDxUniversityofDelaware event will be held next Friday, September 27, at 5:00 p.m. in Mitchell Hall. This year's event is themed around "DIS/RE:Connection," and we are thrilled to announce that Jess Monahan, Spectrum Scholars Research Manager, will be one of the eight featured speakers!

Jess is a neurodivergent researcher and advocate who, as a first-generation, lower middle-class college student, drove a campus bus full-time, while maintaining excellent grades—with undiagnosed ADHD and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress (C-PTS).

She now collaborates with neurodivergent college students to unpack environmental and systemic barriers to success and identify ways to push back on the systems that we exist in. She is excited to share her story of navigating college, inviting the audience to rethink what we consider mental health disorders.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://bluehens.evenue.net/events/PFW-PF02

The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024 stopped by STAR Campus at the University of Delaware on Thursday, honoring the 100-year fight for freedom and justice within the disability community.

Since starting their 20,000-mile journey in February, the caravan has traveled across the United States, connecting with local organizations to raise awareness about issues like accessible housing, employment, transportation, and the right to vote.

We were proud to host the Disability Caravan—thank you to all of the UD students and staff and members of the community who came out to learn, celebrate, and support!

The Disability Caravan will finish their route in October in New York. For more information, visit: https://thedisabilitycaravan.com/

Mark your calendars for . Register before November 1 to take advantage of early bird pricing! For more information, visit: https://lifeconferencede.org/registration/

🗓️ Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 LIFE Conference! Join us on January 29th at Bally's Dover Casino from 8 AM to 4:30 PM for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment. This year's theme, *We Are Worthy*, celebrates the value of every individual. Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, a professional, or simply eager to learn more, this is the conference you don't want to miss.

👉 Register today: lifeconferencede.org/registration

The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) is seeking young adults (ages 18-30) to spread the word about assistive technology (AT).

AT Champions will work with DATI staff members to create stories and videos about AT for social media. The goal is to increase AT awareness and use. Delaware AT Champions will also work with other AT Champions from states close to Delaware.

You must have–and be willing to share–personal experience with AT. This could include things that help with mobility, hearing, vision, using a computer, learning, reading and writing or planning and organization.

Our ideal candidate is creative, excited to share about AT, open to learning with and from others, and eager to develop leadership skills. You must have experience creating videos and posting to social media.

As an AT Champion, you will:

• Devote at least 10 hours per month to this project between October 2024 and April 2025

• Attend monthly virtual meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month, 3:00-4:30 p.m. with other AT Champions

• Meet in person and virtually with DATI to create social media about AT for CDS social media channels

• Earn $25 per hour (up to $1,500)

Interested?

Please send a letter of interest, including why you would like to be considered for this position, to Madeline Laquer at [email protected] no later than September 15, 2024. If you have questions, email them to Madeline or call her at 302-831-6494.

Join us and The Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice 2024 tomorrow at STAR Campus!

The Disability Caravan is brought to you by individuals with disabilities, advocates, and allies committed to raising awareness of the need for all eligible citizens to have the opportunity to vote and to live in their communities of choice. Join us to:

1️⃣ Learn about the issues important to the disability community and where elected officials stand on these issues

2️⃣ Promote the passage of the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, a federal legislation that assures people with disabilities’ right to community living

3️⃣ Listen to stories of people with disabilities that have fought for their right to live in their communities with or without supports

Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: University of Delaware STAR Campus parking lot, 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713

For more information, visit: https://thedisabilitycaravan.com/

We hope to see you there!

Delaware's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is led by the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS). We are part of a national network of LEND programs that provide leadership training to self-advocates, family members, and graduate students or early career professionals who serve people with disabilities.

We are currently recruiting from the community and partner organizations for a few different roles within the LEND program. We are currently recruiting for:

1️⃣ Family trainees
2️⃣ Family mentors
3️⃣ Family panelists
4️⃣ Self-advocate trainees
5️⃣ Self-advocate mentors
6️⃣ Self-advocate panelists

All positions are compensated; stipend amounts vary.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Kaznica by email: [email protected] or phone: 302-831-3206.

Last chance to register!

Join us at CDS for a free, in-person event to get motivated, inspired, and empowered to vote in the 2024 elections.

This Thursday, August 15, starting at noon, Joann Kingsley, University of Delaware alumna and Voting Rights Advocate from the Disabilities Law Program at Delaware’s Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) will lead a presentation entitled, "Voting Rights & Accessibility for Delaware Voters with Disabilities."

Learn about the measures Delaware has taken to improve accessibility throughout the electoral process, the recent Delaware Supreme Court decision regarding Early Voting and Permanent Absentee Status, and the federally protected voting rights for people with disabilities.

She will talk about the importance of having a plan, the various voting options available, some likely barriers, and the strategies to overcome them. The Delaware Department of Elections will also demonstrate the accessibility features of the voting machine.

Before and after the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to practice using a voting machine, register to vote or update their registration details, and request an absentee ballot, if needed.

Registration is required. To sign up, visit: https://forms.fillout.com/t/2sLaNQdznCus

Join us at CDS for a free, in-person event to get motivated, inspired, and empowered to vote in the 2024 elections.

Next Thursday, August 15, starting at noon, Joann Kingsley, University of Delaware alumna and Voting Rights Advocate from the Disabilities Law Program at Delaware’s Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) will lead a presentation entitled, "Voting Rights & Accessibility for Delaware Voters with Disabilities."

Learn about the measures Delaware has taken to improve accessibility throughout the electoral process, the recent Delaware Supreme Court decision regarding Early Voting and Permanent Absentee Status, and the federally protected voting rights for people with disabilities.

She will talk about the importance of having a plan, the various voting options available, some likely barriers, and the strategies to overcome them. The Delaware Department of Elections will also demonstrate the accessibility features of the voting machine.

Before and after the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to practice using a voting machine, register to vote or update their registration details, and request an absentee ballot, if needed.

Registration is required. To sign up, visit: https://forms.fillout.com/t/2sLaNQdznCus

Join us at CDS for a free, in-person event to get motivated, inspired, and empowered to vote in the 2024 elections.

On August 15, starting at noon, Joann Kingsley, University of Delaware alumna and Voting Rights Advocate from the Disabilities Law Program at Delaware’s Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI) will lead a presentation entitled, "Voting Rights & Accessibility for Delaware Voters with Disabilities."

Learn about the measures Delaware has taken to improve accessibility throughout the electoral process, the recent Delaware Supreme Court decision regarding Early Voting and Permanent Absentee Status, and the federally protected voting rights for people with disabilities.

She will talk about the importance of having a plan, the various voting options available, some likely barriers, and the strategies to overcome them. The Delaware Department of Elections will also demonstrate the accessibility features of the voting machine.

At this event, participants will have the opportunity to practice using a voting machine, register to vote or update their registration details, and request an absentee ballot, if needed.

Registration is required. To sign up, visit: https://forms.fillout.com/t/2sLaNQdznCus

Earlier this month, we celebrated 11 students who participated in this summer's UDiscover program, our intensive, two-week exploratory and discovery learning opportunity for high school students with disabilities.

Over the two weeks, with the support of the UDiscover coaching staff, these students stayed on the University of Delaware campus and participated in job shadowing, course sit-ins, college visits and completed workshops on goals setting, self-advocacy, and career exploration, as well as engaged in a number of independent living and advocacy-focused activities.

At the Closing Ceremony, students had an opportunity to share their stories, highlight their favorite moments, and reveal their plans for the future.

"Kalina has always been afraid to open up to others, especially new people, but I saw a change in her personality from her first day on campus," said UDiscover parent, Sarina Ridgway. "Though I was concerned about her ability to communicate and be safe away from home for two weeks, she showed her family and I her growth in capabilities, independence, and making connections with her peers, which has been difficult for her in the past. I am so thankful I came across this program."

To learn more about UDiscover, visit our website: https://www.cds.udel.edu/clsc/transition-options-for-high-school-students/

It’s not too late to sign up!

Next Tuesday, the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), Delaware Natural Resources Police, and Delaware State Parks is hosting a free Practice Traffic Program for autistic drivers and passengers.

During the practice traffic stop, participants will drive their car in a parking lot. There, the police will pull the driver over like they would if a driving mistake was made. Then, participants will practice the steps of a traffic stop and have the opportunity to meet the police and ask them questions.

Who: Delaware residents. Autistic drivers and passengers of all ages are welcome.
What: Practice Traffic Stop
When: Tuesday, July 23, between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Rain or shine.
Where: Lums Pond State Park

Interested drivers can sign up to participate in a 30-minute practice driving traffic stop. Registration is required, and limited spots are available.

For more information and to sign up, visit: https://www.delawareautismnetwork.org/practice-traffic-stop/

Autistic drivers and passengers of all ages are welcome to participate in a Practice Traffic Program, to be held at Lums Pond State Park later this month.

This free program, held in partnership with the Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA), Delaware Natural Resources Police, and Delaware State Parks, offers autistic drivers and passengers the opportunity to practice a live traffic stop in a safe, friendly environment. It's a great way to meet the police and ask them questions.

Who: Delaware residents. Autistic drivers and passengers of all ages are welcome.
What: Practice Traffic Stop
When: Tuesday, July 23, between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Rain or shine.
Where: Lums Pond State Park

Interested drivers can sign up to participate in a 30-minute practice driving traffic stop. Registration is required, and limited spots are available.

For more information and to sign up, visit: https://www.delawareautismnetwork.org/practice-traffic-stop/

The Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) is partnering with the Delaware Natural Resources Police and Delaware State Parks to host a Practice Traffic Program for autistic drivers.

This free program allows autistic drivers and passengers to work with the police in a safe, friendly space to practice a live traffic stop and is a great way to meet the police and ask them questions.

Who: Delaware residents. Autistic drivers and passengers of all ages are welcome.
What: Practice Traffic Stop
When: Tuesday, July 23, between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. Rain or shine.
Where: Lums State Park

Interested drivers can sign up to participate in a 30-minute practice driving traffic stop. Registration is required, and limited spots are available.

For more information and to sign up, visit: https://www.delawareautismnetwork.org/practice-traffic-stop/

Join us on Wednesday!

Caitlyn Bukaty, research associate from Think College, will review the current state of postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disability and the work Think College is doing to support, refine, and increase these opportunities nationwide.

She will share the most recent national data related to federally funded postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability (TPSIDs), including program and student-level characteristics, activities, achievements, and post-graduation outcomes.

Caitlyn A. Bukaty, Ph. D. is a Research Associate at the UMass Boston Institute for Community Inclusion.

Registration is required. To sign up for this Lunchtime Learning event, visit: https://udel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7EmXRoETTJm1KJAdnLXjZw?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0OJI12ZRYRYQ4-Go6hbb3851MC71VC6HVkyGiVv5hHpk9iTsf0MvFfU7Q_aem_KZfCk7RhnFMqMH9K9jQbzw #/registration

CDS needs your feedback!

Can you please take a moment to answer this brief survey (just three questions!) about our website (https://www.cds.udel.edu/)? Please submit your responses by Wednesday, June 26.

All answers to the survey will be received anonymously. Complete the survey here: https://delaware.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3VIN4gICjqfVjLg

Thank you for your help!

Sign up for this free lunchtime learning webinar!

Join Caitlyn Bukaty, research associate from Think College, to review the current state of postsecondary education options for students with intellectual disability and the work Think College is doing to support, refine, and increase these opportunities nationwide.

She will share the most recent national data related to federally funded postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disability (TPSIDs), including program and student-level characteristics, activities, achievements, and post-graduation outcomes.

Caitlyn A. Bukaty, Ph. D. is a Research Associate at the UMass Boston Institute for Community Inclusion.

Registration is required. To sign up, visit: https://udel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7EmXRoETTJm1KJAdnLXjZw #/registration

We celebrated 10 students who graduated from our Career & Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program at last Thursday's University of Delaware College of Education & Human Development Convocation ceremony.

"Convocation is an opportunity to reflect on the enormous growth that our students have undergone in all areas—from independent living and social skills building to career exploration and beyond," said CLSC Program Manager Jay Sellers. "At the graduate reception, students and their families remembered the struggle that it was to get to college, and milestones like these affirm that, 'Yes, it was all worth it.' Our students worked so hard to grow and achieve their goals while at UD, and they're on their way to achieve more."

CLSC offers individuals with intellectual disabilities academic, career, and independent-living instruction at UD that prepares them for future employment or further education.

As day students or students living on campus in residence halls, for two years or four years, they participate in classes, clubs, campus events, internships, and work experiences.

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems?

Join us as staff from the Systematic Process for Enhancing and Assessing Communication Supports (SPEACS) Project present: Communication Strategies to Use at Home, a virtual webinar hosted by the Parent Information Center of Delaware next Thursday, June 6, from noon to 1:00 p.m.

In this session, you'll learn valuable communication strategies to support your child's communication journey, how to effectively demonstrate the skills you want your child to learn, and how to implement these strategies at home.

Learn more and register for this virtual webinar here: https://picofdel.org/event/family-professional-learning-series-speacs-communication-strategies-to-use-at-home/

Earlier this month, we celebrated six Spectrum Scholars students' graduation from the University of Delaware, including three students from the now-complete inaugural 2019 cohort.

At this celebration event, we recognized these students for their accomplishments and the challenges they've overcome throughout their time at UD—a true reflection of how the cumulative efforts of students, families, UD, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. have created a supportive environment for autistic and neurodivergent students.

Congratulations!

Last week, UD Art and Design' Professor Ashley Pigford demonstrated his PushnDraw® prototype to a few members of our Assistive Technology team.

"It's a pretty interesting product all around," said Senior Assistive Technology Manager Anthony Kokoszka. "PushnDraw® allows individuals with disabilities to engage in writing and tablet use and improve their participation in school, work, and other activities. Though it's primarily designed for children, I can see potential for this technology to be used in a variety of applications."

PushnDraw® is an assistive writing and drawing system designed for people with limited motor control in their hands. To learn more about this device, visit: https://buff.ly/3yp9cYE

Join the conversation!

Created in coordination with the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), including the Office of Equity and Innovation, and the Video Project, we are hosting a virtual viewing of the documentary Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools on Monday, May 13, from 5:30-7:30 via Zoom.

Pushout is a feature length documentary that takes a deep dive into the lives of Black
girls and the practices, cultural beliefs and policies that disrupt one of the most important factors in girls’ lives—education.

The Zoom room opens at 5:00 p.m., and the film will begin promptly at 5:30. Following the screening, Drs. Tyffani Dent and Dana Farrior are hosting a live Q&A session and discussion.

Register for this free event here: https://buff.ly/4dBRxwT

ICYMI: Late last month, Assistive Technology Specialist Madeline Laquer and Philadelphia Independence Network's David Miller held an information session on "Enhancing Independence at Home through Technology" at the Audion on the University of Delaware's campus.

Individuals, families, and professionals from across the state attended this free event to learn about the features of today's top smart home devices, what considerations need to be made before purchasing these devices, and how to implement this technology as part of an individual's support plan.

"I thought the presentation went really well, and it was a great opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families to learn more about smart home technology and promote independence," said Laquer. "Though we weren't able to present at the in January like we originally planned, I'm so grateful we had the opportunity to get this information out there and connect with members of the community."

To stay in-the-know for future events, join our email list: https://buff.ly/3UQSM4f

We're getting closer to our goal!

For students with disabilities, life after high school might be daunting. With your support, more students will be able to participate in our UDiscover summer transition program, which provides opportunities for job shadowing, exploring post-high school education options, learning essential independent living skills, and developing the confidence to say:

"I wasn't sure I could do this before, but now I think I'm ready."

This Giving Day, we ask you to help give more students with disabilities the opportunity to learn essential self-advocacy and problem-solving skills and form lifelong friendships in a person-centered environment.

Visit our project page to learn more about UDiscover and make your gift—and share the link with your network to help unlock additional support for our cause:

I Heart UD Giving Day Show your love for UD by supporting your favorite causes. What will YOU make possible?

Today is Giving Day, where Blue Hens and friends are called to come together and support what matters to them.

This year, we’re raising funds for our UDiscover Summer Transition Program. UDiscover is an intensive, two-week exploratory and discovery learning opportunity for high school students with disabilities in Delaware. This program allows students, ages 16 to 22, to live on campus at the University of Delaware and participate in college and career exploration and social activities that foster independent living skills and prepare them for life after high school.

For many students, this is their first time living on their own, and the lessons learned and confidence gained from these real-life experiences can’t be replicated in a classroom.

To make a donation and learn more about the program, visit: https://buff.ly/3Wp3AYw

The Parent Information Center of Delaware, the University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities, and the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) present: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Home.

Join this Zoom webinar to learn about PBIS and how you can use it to help your child with their behavior, emotions, and social skills at home. In this session, you will learn what PBIS looks like in schools and how you can implement similar strategies at home to support positive, safe, predictable environments to help your child thrive.

What: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at Home
When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom

To register, please visit: https://picofdel.org/event/positive-behavioral-interventions-and-supports-pbis-at-home/

The UDiscover 2024 application is now live!

The UDiscover Program is a 2-week intensive and exploratory opportunity that is designed for high school students with disabilities, age 16-22. This program offers a carefully orchestrated person-centered sequence of individualized and group activities that will result in creating a post-high school plan of action targeting goals for continuing education, training, career outcomes, and independent living outcomes.

Participating students will live on campus and engage in program activities from July 8-July 19. Activities will include job shadowing, college visits, and workshops on goal setting, self-advocacy, and career exploration.

High school students with disabilities from all three counties in Delaware are welcome to apply for this program. There will be a $3,500 fee for UDiscover participants to live on campus with the opportunity to apply for need-based financial aid upon acceptance.

Apply today: https://delaware.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQkWMoMwhveI7GK

Register today for the Enhancing Independence at Home through Technology information session, to be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the Delaware STAR Tower Audion. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Presented by RESNA credentialed Assistive Technology Specialist Madeline Laquer and David Miller of the Philadelphia Independence Network, discover how Smart Home technology empowers individuals with disabilities and older adults to live independently and with enhanced safety.

Join this session to learn about the features of readily-available smart home devices, what considerations need to be made before purchasing these devices, and how to implement this technology as part of an individual's support plan.

Register for this free event here: https://forms.gle/nGX6Wkn2j9fJob819

Save the date for the Enhancing Independence at Home through Technology information session, to be held on Wednesday, April 24, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Delaware STAR Tower Audion.

Presented by RESNA-credentialed Assistive Technology Specialist Madeline Laquer, discover how Smart Home technology empowers individuals with disabilities and older adults to live independently and with enhanced safety.

Join this session to learn about the features of readily-available smart home devices, what considerations need to be made before purchasing these devices, and how to implement this technology as part of an individuals' support plan.

Registration information available soon.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER for the My Life, My Decisions Summit on March 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Get hands on mentorship and professional development from local and national experts. Virtual attendance options available! Visit cds.udel.edu/mylife to register today!