Developmental Disabilities Certificate

The graduate certificate in Developmental Disabilities prepares professionals from a broad range of disciplines to play a leadership role in providing services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families. An emphasis is placed on developing skills in the field of disability research. The course work emphasizes a life span and interdisciplinary perspective with an emphasis on promoting self-determination, community integration and inclusion. In addition to a broad, interdisciplinary perspective, students acquire a basic foundation in a number of specific, topical areas such as specialized health care services and financing, inclusive education, behavioral supports, employment and community living options, advocacy, legislation, assistive technology, organizational development and theory, group facilitation, and research proposal development. All courses are taught by an interdisciplinary faculty. Students have the opportunity to participate in a practicum and work directly with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Students also complete a research project under faculty supervision. Three didactic courses (HDI 600, 602 and 604) and one practicum course (HDI 603) are required for the certificate. In addition to the required courses, two or three hours of elective course work is also required; either HDI 601, HDI 605 or one elective from outside HDI courses and those courses required in the student’s degree program.