Annual Report 2012 finalmk

IDHD ANNUAL
REPORT 2012
Ph.D. Student
Lex Bolyanatz
invites the presidential
candidates to the
National Forum on
Disability Issues
Institute on Disability and
Human Development
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities for the State of Illinois
Removing barriers to the advancement of people with disabilities in society
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UCEDD
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
The entities now known as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
(UCEDDs) were initially created over four decades ago with the enactment of Public Law 88-164
(1963) to serve people with developmental disabilities. Currently authorized under the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act), UCEDDs are a
resource for Americans with a wide range of disabilities. UCEDDs are leaders in academic training
and education, direct services, technical assistance (information sharing), and research and
dissemination all related to people with disabilities. UCEDDs receive their core funding from the
Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) within the US Department of
Health and Human Services.
The Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD), the UCEDD for the State of Illinois,
was established on July 1, 1988 at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). IDHD is the research
and public service arm of the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) within the
College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS). IDHD is dedicated to promoting the independence,
productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society.
National Network of UCEDDs
Puerto Rico
Guam
American Samoa
C.N. Mariana
Islands
Virgin Islands
Above:
Map of the National Network of UCEDDs
The majority of states have 1 UCEDD, 8 states have 2, and 2 states have 3 UCEDDs.
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IDHD BY THE NUMBERS FY 2012
21 !! ! !
60 !! ! !
73 !! ! !
25 !! ! !
497 ! ! !
! ! ! !
3,500 ! ! !
5,000! ! !
34,000!! !
$10,648,246!
Faculty members
Research and/or training projects
Students in the MS and PhD programs
Publications by student trainees
Community education training events in
Illinois
Items in the DHD Braddock Library
Service hours provided in the Family Clinics
People who benefitted from training events
Leveraged funds
Director of Graduate
Studies Carrie Sandahl (left)
speaks with University of
Illinois president Bob Easter
(right). Both attended the
Smithsonian Folklife and
Cultural Heritage Festival
where UIC and UIUC
shared an exhibit on
disability.
Director of
Community
Education Katie
Arnold and her
husband Gary
Arnold
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ACADEMIC TRAINING AND
EDUCATION
IDHD houses the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) in
the College of Applied Health Sciences. Home to internationally and nationally
acclaimed leaders in the field of disabilities, DHD is dedicated to the
interdisciplinary study of disability with the goal of removing barriers to the
advancement of disabled persons in society. DHD conducts scholarship and
community-based service across the spectrum of disability, including
advocacy, culture, education, health promotion, history, policy, and technology.
Through DHD we offer a Master of Science (MS) in Disability and Human
Development designed to prepare students for leadership in human services,
as well as research and scholarship in the disability field. Specializations
include Health Promotion, Social Policy, Management & Leadership, Arts &
Humanities and Assistive Technology.
Doctoral studies are available through an interdisciplinary PhD program in
Disability Studies at DHD. The PhD Program prepares scholars and
researchers for leadership roles in the study of disability as a complex
phenomenon. It is the first PhD program dedicated to Disability Studies in the
United States and one of only a few in the world.
Finally, DHD offers certificate programs in Assistive Technology or
Management and Leadership in non-profit disability organizations. Designed
for working professionals both of these certificate programs provide skills
useful for the working in and with the disability community.
Ph.D. student Aly
Patsavas (left), her
partner Katerina
Kolarova (standing) and
Ph.D. Alumni Kelly PerryMunger (right) at the
Chicago Disability
Pride Parade
(Top) Director of Graduate Studies
Carrie Sandahl, Disability Studies
student Sarah Franz, UIC
Chancellor Paula Allen-Meares, and
DHD Head Tamar Heller with the
disability ‘wheel of justice’ at the
Smithsonian Folklife and Cultural
Heritage Festival
(Middle) First year Masters student
Susun Xiong holds a sign inviting
the presidential candidates to the
National Forum on Disability Issues.
(Bottom) LEND trainees test out
assistive technology in DHD’s ATU
(Assistive technology Unit) as part
of one of their didactic training
sessions.
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DHD David Braddock
Library
STUDENTS
The students in the Master of Disability and
Human Development program and the Doctoral
Disability Studies program bring diverse
perspectives with backgrounds from
disciplines spanning the social sciences,
humanities, and health fields and hail from 11
countries.
One of the notable resources
available to our students is the
DHD Braddock Library. Named
after David Braddock, Professor
Emeritus, the DHD Braddock
Library is an extensive collection of
over 3,500 items. With titles from
multiple disciplines engaging with
disability. Many of our holdings are
quite rare and come from the
collections of David Braddock and
Wolf Wolfensberger.
(L) Carli
Friedman,
Randall Owen, Ryan
Perry and Kelly PerryMunger at graduation.
issues. As a result of these networking
(R) Ph.D. student Rob
opportunities many students have joined
Gould and his wife
or have become active members of
Katarina at the 2012
Disability Pride
disability-related organizations, serving as
Parade
board members and/or employees of these
Our graduates are finding careers ranging from
academic appointments in the burgeoning field of
Disability Studies, to leadership positions in social
service and governmental agencies, to advocacy positions
internationally.
IDHD/DHD students are provided with opportunities to
connect with local disability organizations for volunteer and
internship opportunities. The Department has also helped
students become involved with non-disability related
community groups designed to inspire communication and
collaboration around disability
organizations. Students have also seized
opportunities to share the knowledge they have gained by
training others and presenting at conferences across the
world.
During the 2011 fiscal year, IDHD/DHD students and
trainees provided technical assistance to nonprofit and
disability organizations across the US, taking part in 11
committees, boards and consortiums.
Alumni
IDHD/DHD alumni are finding valuable careers and making significant contributions to the field after graduation. Noam
Ostrander, PhD in Disability Studies, was recently promoted to associate professor with tenure at DePaul University. He
has also accepted the director position for the Masters of Social Work Program in DePaul's College of Liberal Arts and
Social Sciences. Further, Noam and Bruce Henderson (also a DHD alumnus) are the new co-editors for “Disability
Studies Quarterly.”
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ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS
IDHD/DHD is a national leader in promoting cultural
DHD Faculty
competence in the disability field. The Center for
Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Charlotte ‘Toby’
Tate
Research (CCBMDR) provides cultural competence training, consultation and technical assistance; and the Great Lakes ADA Center creates
and maintains the Spanish website on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the entire nation. A significant
portion of our faculty and staff are of minority backgrounds and over a dozen different languages are spoken. Furthermore, the IDHD/DHD core curriculum actively promotes the values of cultural diversity and competence. IDHD/DHD is also home to the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program for
the state of Illinois. The Illinois LEND is a partnership between the University of Illinois at Chicago, The University of Chicago, Rush University and Southern Illinois University. The Illinois LEND provides continuing education and technical assistance regarding autism and other developmental disabilities. It is geared to meet the diverse needs of maternal and child health students, professionals, policymakers, families, and self-advocates.
Overall in FY 2012, IDHD/LEND trained 24 long-term trainees from 13 different disciplines, including family
trainees, a self-advocate, and interns in the IDHD DD Family Clinics.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Jenna Hania is a 2012 MSW graduate of the UIC Jane Addams School of Social Work. As part of her
MSW program she interned at IDHD. Jenna was particularly interested in learning how IDHD
collaborated with local programs and organizations and was excited to participate in a number of
activities including co-facilitating a comprehensive five year strategic planning process with L'Arche
Chicago - a local organization serving people with and without disabilities. Jenna also supported the
'Embrace the Space' events in a Chicago neighborhood church where people from the community
were invited to engage in intriguing and educational
activities focused on disability awareness and artistic
expression.
After Jenna's experience at IDHD, she took a position
as a consultant for the closure of the Jacksonville
Developmental Center. In this position Jenna
supported the individuals moving from the institution
in developing relationships and natural supports in
their new community. Reflecting on her internship,
Jenna said, "The experience I had at IDHD was
invaluable. There is a wealth of knowledge and a
phenomenal group of faculty and staff that are
seriously passionate about all areas of disability
studies and community action. The relationships I
developed at IDHD have already proved to be
enriching and provide both personal and professional
support."
SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED:
Carlos Drazen Memorial Scholarship to support graduate students interested in the intersection of
race and disability.
In honor of the memory, vision and passion of Carlos Clarke Drazen, the Department of Disability and
Human Development is pleased to offer the 1st Annual Carlos Drazen Memorial Scholarship. The
purpose of the scholarship is to support educational opportunities for graduate students interested in
the intersection of race and disability.
A brief description of Carlos’ life is impossible; even more challenging is a concise description of the
woman. One part advocate and activist, budding scholar, academic tutor, author, provocateur, student of
everything and friend of everyone who crossed her path, Carlos Clarke Drazen passed away in
December of 2011. She earned her master's in our Disability and Human Development program, and
was preparing to defend her dissertation in our Disability Studies PhD program at the time of her death.
Her special passion was grappling with issues of race and disability, mixed identifies, injustices of all
forms, and always asking the very big questions.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
! The
! The
Ann & Edward Page El Scholarship Award for graduate students in DHD
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation to support women with physical disabilities pursing their
Ph.D. in Disability Studies at UIC.
For more information or to make a gift contact:
Tamar Heller, PhD, theller@uic.edu, 312-413-1647
1640 West Roosevelt Road (M/C 626), Chicago, IL 60608-6904 or visit www.uif.uillinois.edu/gifts/startgiving.aspx and indicate you would like to gift to help IDHD.
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BODIES OF WORK
PDACH serves as the
administrative home for
Chicago’s Bodies of Work, an
organization that supports citywide disability arts festivals and
promotes disability arts and
culture year-round. The Bodies
of Work consortium is
comprised of approximately fifty
partners—arts organizations,
non-profits, health
organizations, and individual
artists.
www.bodiesofworkchicago.org/
DISABILITY ART
SERIES
PDACH’s Disability Arts Series
is a collaboration with
numerous university and city
partners that brings visiting
disability artists to the
community. Artists share work
at both on-campus and city
venues.
ART INITIATIVES
“Disability art” refers to the creative work by people with disabilities
that reflects a disability experience, either in content or form. This
creative expression can be found in every artistic media from the
performing arts, literature, and visual arts to comic books, film, and
design. Disability art has played a key role in articulating what
disability means— politically, personally, and aesthetically. As such,
disability art is considered an integral aspect of both the disability civil
rights movement and “disability culture.”
"
IDHD/DHD’s Program on Disability Art, Culture, and Humanities
(PDACH) furthers research on disability art and culture through arts
criticism, theory, and history; documentation of artists with disabilities
and their work through collecting archival materials and oral histories;
studies on the career development of disabled artists; arts policy; and
arts education, symposia, guest lectures, and conferences. The
program also supports the creation of disability art and culture
through arts classes, projects, and internships; educational programs
for youth with disabilities; access and accommodations for artists and
audiences with disabilities to participate in the arts; and guest artists,
exhibits, and performances in the university and the community.
A sample of some of the events in FY 2012 includes:
! From Aspiration to Artist: A Conversation About Physically
Integrated Dance in Chicago
! Images of Disability in Films for Kids
! Intersections: Exploring Disability, Race, and Community
through Art and Culture
! Outtakes: Annual Disability Culture Cabaret
Performers
Delia Tyler and
Ancel Montenelli
at a PDACH
dance event
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DIRECT
SERVICES AND
TRAININGS
Established more than 20 years
ago, the Developmental
Disabilities Family Clinics
provide quality clinical and
family support services with a
life-span approach, as well as
community education and
training. Their services include
comprehensive interdisciplinary
diagnostic assessments,
specialized individual and group
therapies, and family support in
Spanish and English with a strong commitment to
minority populations. The clinics emphasize the value
of family, resources within the community and a
multidisciplinary approach in providing services.
Eileen
attended
Speech Language
treatment in the
Family Clinics
adult child. The curriculum relies on active participation
and includes speakers who have high functioning
autism and who are college students.
Our interdisciplinary Assistive Technology Unit (ATU)
One mother confided: "I am thankful for my experience has been providing services to underserved individuals
with developmental disabilities in northern Illinois for
here. [They were] very helpful and informative. I look
the past 20 years. Assistive Technology (AT)
forward to a brighter future for my son.”
evaluations are provided to approximately 300
individuals of all ages with a range of disabilities each
The Autism Clinic and The Autism Program (TAP)
year.
training center at UIC is a specialty clinic serving
children, adolescents, and adults with known or
The ATU is the largest mobile Assistive Technology (AT)
suspected Autism Spectrum Disorders and their
program in the country and the only one in Illinois.
families in the city of Chicago and surrounding areas.
Its services, which are provided in both English and
Over 90% of ATU services are provided in the
Spanish, include diagnostic assessments,
community. Through a fleet of seven mobile units, the
interventions, community education, parent training,
ATU provides evaluation and implementation services
and support.
to individuals in their home, school, work, or recreation
setting. A very different model than traditional centerGrupo SALTO, a monthly support group of over 425
registered Hispanic families of children with an autism based programs, the community-based approach
enables the assistive technology devices to be tried
spectrum disorder (ASD), offers educational sessions
for parents, a sibling support group, as well as an arts, out in the environment in which they will be used.
dance, and music program for children with ASD.
The ATU also participates in research activities in the
field of assistive technology, and is committed to
During the summer of 2011, the Clinics piloted The
academic excellence and leadership development for
Transition Program, a program for high schoolers
professionals and consumers. ATU clinicians teach in
and/or students who are in college and have high
the Department of Disability and Human
functioning autism. The curriculum focuses on issues
to consider when making choices about future college Development's (DHD) Rehabilitation Technology Track.
As an alternative for working professionals, an
placements (e.g., including researching a school,
Assistive Technology Certificate Program is offered
seeking out and applying for financial assistance) as
well as navigating social situations they may encounter that consists of a 4 course sequence. The ATU also
offers a variety of seminars and workshops with
while at school, developing student connections, and
Continuing Education Credits available for working
participating in study groups and social activities.
While students are in the classroom, their parents meet professionals.
separately to discuss ways to support their young
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
(L) The Illinois Team at the
Chicago Self-Advocacy Summit
sponsored by the Administration
on Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities.
(Bellow) ATU Director Glenn
Hedman gives a presentation
about the ATU to students
IDHD provides various types of"technical assistance (TA) at
the local, state, national and international levels to build
capacities in communities and advance the full and active
participation of individuals with developmental disabilities
and their families in community activities. Technical
assistance highlights from FY 2012 include:
Self Advocacy Specialist, Tia Nelis, coordinated and
conducted advocacy activities across the State and
nationally to promote the inclusion and meaningful
participation of people with disabilities. Tia was the keynote
presenter at the L'Arche International General Assembly in
Georgia. Over 500 people came from L'Arche communities
around the world for a weeklong conference. While she
presented, her speech was simultaneously translated into
three languages and from there translated into over twenty
additional languages.
and several webinar series including ones on legal issues
www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/ADALegal/, accessible
technology www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/
AccessibleTechnology/ and architectural accessibility
www.accessibilityonline.org
The National Task Group on Intellectual Disability and
Dementia is a collaboration of the American Academy of
Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, The American
Association of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and
DHD’s RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities. It
has been instrumental in promoting the inclusion of
developmental disabilities in the National Alzheimer Project
Act. The document “My Thinker is Not Working” can be
downloaded at rrtcadd.org.
IDHD staff was part of the planning and implementation
of the Self-Advocacy Summits: "Allies in Self-Advocacy"
The Sexuality and Disability Consortium (SDC) supports in collaboration with the Association of University Centers
on Disability (AUCD) and funded by the Administration on
people with disabilities to enhance healthy sexuality and
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD). The
relationships. The goal is to promote best practice
approaches for people with disabilities, families,
summits brought together self-advocates to assess what is
professionals and policymakers, with a focus on people
happening in the states in self advocacy, to plan steps to
with I/DD. This year, the SDC held a Community Forum on strengthen and enhance efforts, and to develop
Sexuality and Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities for 70 recommendations. The report can be downloaded at http://
people with disabilities, family members, and professionals. testaucd.files.wordpress.com/
2012/10/2012allies_report_web1.pdf . For an accessible
summary visit http://testaucd.files.wordpress.com/
DBTAC Great Lakes ADA Center offers several distance
2012/10/self-advocacy-summit-reportlearning opportunities including a monthly audio
conference series www.ada-audio.org/ProgramInformation/ summary2012_final.pdf .
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RESEARCH
Housed at a RU/VH (Research University/Very High Research, formerly Research I) University, IDHD/DHD
places great emphasis on research-oriented activities and training opportunities. IDHD/DHD is a nationally
recognized research program where faculty, staff, and students engage in a variety of research-related
activities, many of which are integrated across community services projects thereby creating a direct link
between research and practice. The Institute on Disability and Human Development is very active in
research:
Lulinski-Norris, Rizzolo and Heller (2012) updated a multi-year database containing transition and outcome
information on individuals who had transitioned out of Illinois state operated developmental center (SODC)
during FY02-09. Additionally, Sorensen, Rizzolo, Lulinski-Norris and Heller’s (2012) evaluation of the closure
of Howe Developmental Center indicated an increase in guardian satisfaction with closure after the transition
process had completed. Individuals who moved out of Howe and into community placements indicated
satisfaction with their current setting and a desire to remain, while individuals who moved from Howe into
another SODC indicated a desire to move into the community. Download the report here: http://goo.gl/7TlVG
Factor, Heller and Janicki (2012) released "Bridging the Aging and Developmental Disabilities Service
Networks: Challenges and Best Practices". This report identified key issues faced by those aging with
developmental disabilities and the extent to which these issues are being addressed. This project further
identified policy and service delivery issues pertaining to adults aging with developmental disabilities and
their families and includes discussion of the differential and shared philosophies and values underpinning the
aging and developmental disability networks. Download the report here: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/
default/files/add/bridgingreport_3_15_2012.pdf
Finally, our LEND faculty did extensive research in the field of DD including numerous genetic studies, a
review of pediatricians’ knowledge and attitudes about the special education system, research on access to
oral health services for urban low-income Latino children as well as an evaluation of training strategies to
implement the Picture Exchange Communication System.
A summary of each of our research and training centers is available on page 14 and 15.
Alumni Sheila Collins (left),
UCEDD associate director Mary
Kay Rizzolo (middle) and selfadvocacy specialist Tia Nelis
(right) at the 2011 AUCD
conference.
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INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
In the preceding academic year, faculty produced over 190 publications, including 53 journal
articles; 4 books; 10 book chapters; 75 fact sheets and brochures; and 50 monographs, technical
reports, contributions to periodicals or other refereed products. Our student trainees and alumni
produced 25 publications including 3 refereed journal articles and 7 non-refereed products.
In addition to dissemination of printed materials, IDHD employs the use of social media tools, such
as social networking, microblogs and YouTube videos, as mechanisms through which to share
information and publications across a broad audience. IDHD maintains an active Facebook group
page www.facebook.com/uic.idhd with 318 members as well as a Twitter feed www.twitter.com/
idhd_uic followed by over 250 individuals and organizations. Since January of 2012, IDHD has
shared information and resources, including publications, through 1,465 Tweets - a reach that is
further compounded through re-Tweets to followers who then share with their members. Use of
such technology not only provides for real-time sharing of relevant information, but enables a
parallel dialogue among professional contemporaries despite differences in location or even time
zones.
Faculty and staff were also very visible through other media outlets including UIC Alumni magazine,
UIC News, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Windy City Times, Community Services Reporter,
Disability Beat Radio, and a Huffington Post Blog.
PRESENTATIONS
Faculty and staff participated in almost 500
presentations to local, state, regional, and
international audiences. Additionally,
students in IDHD/DHD’s Disability Studies
Doctoral and Masters Programs as well as
the LEND program participated in 84
presentations this year.
Some of the presentation and seminar
topics included: ADA; Education; Autism;
Sibling Leadership; Accessibility; Physical
Activity; Aggression / Anger Management;
Aging Services; Assistive Technology;
Disability Culture and Art; Clinical Services
for Hispanic Families of Children with DD;
Vocational Rehabilitation; Health Promotion;
Crisis Intervention; Cross-Cultural Issues;
Dating Skills; Disability Rights, Policy Values
and Employment; Dual Diagnosis; Early
Intervention; Empowering Community
Change; Family Support; Nutrition;
Participatory Action Research; and Sexual
Self-Advocacy.
IDHD Senior Research Specialist in Developmental
Disabilities and DHD PhD candidate Amie LulinskiNorris speaks with Ted Kennedy Jr. at the National
Forum on Disability Issues. The goal of the Forum was
to have the presidential candidates present their
positions on issues that relate to people with
disabilities and their families. Ted Kennedy Jr. was
President Barack Obama’s surrogate while
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers represented
Governor Mitt Romney.
NEW GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2012
• Project ATX: Model Demonstration Program of Assistive Technology Digital and Mobile Services
and Training (Hedman; Coleman Foundation)
• Assistive Technology Services to the Clients of the Illinois Department of Human Services Division
of Developmental Disabilities (Hedman; Illinois Department of Human Services)
• Cash and Counseling Demonstration Project (Weiss; Illinois Department on Aging)
• The Autism Program (TAP) (Heller; The Hope Institute for Children and Families)
• 2012 Workshop on Developmental Disabilities Services in Illinois (Yamaki; Shimizu Foundation)
• Microprocessor Knee vs. Mechanical Knee: Impact on Functional Outcomes in Dysvascular
Transfemoral Amputees (Eisenberg; Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
• Autism Now: Adult and Aging Resources (Heller; Arc of the United States)
• The Voting Project (Heller; Self Advocates Becoming Empowered)
• A National Gateway to Self Determination (Heller; University of Missouri - Kansas City)
• RRTC for Health and Function Across Lifespan of Individuals with I/DD--Supplement (Heller;
NIDRR)
• Bodies of Work Disability Art and Culture Series (Sandahl; Chicago Community Trust)
• Independent Evaluation of Illinois Integrated Care Program (Heller; Illinois Department of Public
Health)
• NIDRR Post Doctoral Training Grant (Heller; NIDRR)
• Development of a Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII) (Eisenberg; Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention)
• Systematic Review for the ADA National Network Knowledge Translation Center (Parker Harris,
University of Washington)
• Does VR Effectively Support Community Living? (Balcazar; University of Kansas)
• ADA National Network Regional Center Region V (Jones; NIDRR)
• Jobs for Youth: A Partnership to Promote Employment of Inner-City Youth with Disabilities
(Balcazar; US Department of Labor)
FISCAL YEAR 2012 FUNDING
11%
Federal
State
Other
27%
62%
Source
Funds Leveraged
Federal
$6,582,983
State
$2,851,782
Other
$1,191,945
ADD-UCEDD Core
$535,000
For every $1 IDHD
receives from
AIDD, IDHD
leverages an
additional $19.90
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PROGRAMS AND CENTERS
Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) designs special technology to help people with disabilities be more
independent. The ATU can work with a person at their home or worksite to make the space better for
that person to live and work in. Technologies include augmentative communication devices, computers,
and wheelchairs. www.idhd.org/ATU.html
The Center on Capacity Building for Minorities with Disabilities Research (CCBMDR) seeks to
increase the capacity of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies and community-based organizations
to document the impact of their programs and develop culturally competent services. CCBMDR also
houses the Advocacy and Empowerment for Minorities with Disabilities Program (A&E) which aims to
better understand the unique needs of ethnic minorities with disabilities and develop and empirically
evaluate supportive programs. www.disabilityempowerment.org
The Center on Health Promotion for People with Disabilities (CHP), is a leader in research,
education, and training on health promotion strategies for people with disabilities. http://uic-chp.org
DBTAC Great Lakes ADA Center is one of 10 federally funded technical assistance centers on the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The Center promotes voluntary compliance with the law
through technical assistance, training, consultation and dissemination of materials on employment,
community participation, architectural accessibility and accessible technology www.adagreatlakes.org.
Several distance learning opportunities include a monthly audio conference series www.ada-audio.org/
ProgramInformation/ and several webinar series including ones on legal issues www.ada-audio.org/
Webinar/ADALegal/, accessible technology www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/AccessibleTechnology/ and
architectural accessibility www.accessibilityonline.org
The Evaluation and Public Policy Unit conducts applied research and evaluation of policies and
programs that impact individuals with I/DD and their families both in the state and across the nation.
Current activities include: the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities subcontract (in
collaboration with the University of Colorado); rebalancing initiatives (including evaluation of institutional
closures and the Integrated Care initiative); and participation on various state, local, national and
international committees, boards and task
forces that focus on improving the lives of
people with I/DD.
The Family Clinics provide interdisciplinary
diagnostic and treatment services to children
and adults with autism and developmental
disabilities and their families. Its specialty
programs include early childhood, school age,
and adult services, bi-cultural Hispanic services,
and autism programs, including the Autism
Clinic and the TAP Training Center . The clinics
also offer parent training, social skills groups
and individual and group therapy.
www.idhd.org/FamilyClinics.html
LEND trainees
explore the ATU
lab.
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PROGRAMS AND CENTERS
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program. This
one year interdisciplinary training program incorporates both didactic and experiential learning in clinical
and community-based settings. The Illinois LEND program is part of a national network of
interdisciplinary university-based programs. The LEND aims to prepare future leaders who will serve
children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (including related disabilities and autism) and their families
through coordinated, culturally competent, and family-centered care, as well as public health services
and policy systems change. www.illinoislend.org
The Program on Disability Art, Culture, and Humanities furthers research and supports the creation of
disability art and culture. Research includes arts criticism, theory, and history and studies of careers of
disabled artists, arts policy, and arts education. www.idhd.org/PDACH.html
Real Choice Systems Change Grants Rebalancing Initiative: Illinois Initiative to Increase
Community Services for the Frail Elderly. This project targets individuals living in nursing homes who
wish to move back into the community, seniors wanting to remain in the community who need extra
support to do so, and caregivers in need of information or resources to remain in the community. IDHD is
working with the Illinois Department on Aging to identify gaps in Illinois long term care system, identify
consumer preferences for LTC, and create quality assurance tools to ensure quality services.
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with DD: Lifespan Health and Function
(RRTC/ADD). The RRTC/ADD conducts research and serves as a national and international resource on
the health and function of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families as they
age. Its research focuses on ways to improve health, enhance supports, and reduce environmental
barriers to community participation. It has developed nationally recognized training on health promotion
and future planning for adults with DD and their families. www.rrtcadd.org
DHD students, faculty and staff gather at the 2012 annual picnic to kick-off the academic year.
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IDHD CONSUMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Advocates and Family
Members
Lisa Cesal
Jane Doyle
Cathy Ficker-Terrill
Marty Fox
Michael Grice
Nora Handler
Tara Conley
Elbert Lott
Shirley Perez
Dorelia Rivera
Monica Thorns
Stephanie Walton
Kimberly Wilson
Organizational Representatives
Kevin Casey - Division of Developmental Disabilities
Donald Dew - Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Art Dykstra - Trinity Services
William Gorman - The Statewide Independent Living Council of
Illinois
Liz Klug - Chicagoland Chapter Autism Speaks
Zena Naiditch - Equip for Equality
Tony Paulauski - The Arc of Illinois
Kris Risley/Karen VanLandeghem - Community Health Sciences/
MCH UIC School of Public Health
Sheila Romano - Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
Camille Randall - The Hope Institute for Children and Families
Kris Smith - Division of Rehabilitation Services
Jing Zhang - Asian Human Services
Institute on Disability and Human Development
University of Illinois at Chicago
1640 West Roosevelt Road (M/C 626)
Chicago, IL 60608-6904
Director: Tamar Heller, PhD
Phone: 312.413.1647, TTY: 312.413.0453
theller@uic.edu
Associate Director: Mary Kay Rizzolo, PhD
mrizzo3@uic.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Carrie Sandahl, PhD
csandahl@uic.edu
Artistic Director: Carli Friedman
www.idhd.org
The Institute on Disability and Human Development is a University Center for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities, with support from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.