Tamar Heller

Tamar Heller

Director, DHD Family Clinic

Distinguished Professor, Department Head, Disability and Human Development

Office Phone

312-413-1647

Office

1640 W. Roosevelt Rd., 436 DHSP

Mail Code

626

Office Hours

By appointment

About

I am a distinguished professor and head of the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I direct its University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities and Health, Developmental Disabilities Family Clinics, and TAP autism program.

My research focuses on policies and practices to support individuals with disabilities and their families across the life course. Specific research projects focus on self-directed and family supports, managed care, and health promotion interventions for individuals with disabilities. I have written over 200 publications, including 5 books.

I am a founding member of the national Sibling Leadership Network and Bridging Aging and Disability International.

Selected Grants

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities and Health, PI

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support, Co-PI

Administration on Developmental Disabilities, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities for the State of Illinois, PI

Leadership in the Profession

International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, Vice President of the Americas

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), Former President (2008-10)

Special Interest Group on Aging, Association of University Centers on Disability, Chair

Notable Honors

2012 - International Award, Association of University Centers on Disability

2009 - Autism Ally for Public Policy Award, The Arc/The Autism Program of Illinois

2008 - Lifetime Research Achievement Award, International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, Interest Group on Aging

2005 - Delegate, White House Conference on Aging