Advancing the lives of people with disabilities and their families around the world.
At the UIC Department of Disability and Human Development, the values of cultural diversity, self-determination and social justice underpin our training, public service and research activities.
Our strength lies in the interdisciplinary nature of our programs, with access to diverse faculty mentors and resources in the health fields, social sciences and humanities.
We are an internationally recognized center for the interdisciplinary study of disability, conducting scholarship and community-engaged service across the spectrum of disability, including advocacy, culture, education, health promotion, history, policy and technology.
Get more than just job training — gain a new perspective that will serve you wherever you choose to go.
Call to action
Academic programs and deadlines
| Program | Description | Fall | Spring | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS in Disability and Human Development | A broad, interdisciplinary degree that addresses all aspects of the disability experience by blending theory, research and practice | Jan. 15 | Apply | |
| Minor in Disability and Human Development | Examine aspects of society that uniquely impact the experience and development of people living with disabilities | Apply | ||
| MS in Disability Access and Inclusion | Preparing future leaders in human services, research, and scholarship in the disability field | Jan. 15 | Apply | |
| PhD in Disability Studies | Examine how addressing disability in its full complexity can promote the full participation, self-determination, and equal citizenship of people with disabilities in society | Dec. 15 | Apply | |
| Assistive Technology Certificate | Preparing professionals to deliver state of the art assistive technology services to people with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities | May 15 | Oct. 15 | Apply |
Check out a webinar on our academic programs
The Illinois Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities program
The Illinois Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) prepares you to serve as a leader and improve the lives of children and families with disabilities, with a focus on autism. The graduate-level interdisciplinary program focuses on clinical, research, advocacy, and policy skills. Graduate students, self-advocates, and family members of people with disabilities interested in building leadership in the disability field are encouraged to apply at Illinoislend.org.
Tuition and fees
Tuition is determined by the University of Illinois at Chicago, and does change every now and then. View the most up-to-date information on the UIC Office of the Registrar website.
Degree programs and ATC
Financial aid
Funding your education can be complex, but we believe that money shouldn’t be a barrier to reaching your goals. We’re committed to making college affordable by helping you through the financial aid process.
Loans, grants, scholarships and student jobs can make college more affordable and accessible. Familiarize yourself with the options available to you, and contact us whenever you need help.
Attend UIC 100% tuition-free
Are you an Illinois resident whose family earns $75,000 or less? You may be eligible for $0 tuition and fees at UIC. Free your mind from the stress of college debt and focus on where this exceptional education will take you. Earn a life-changing 4-year degree — 100% tuition-free — with the UIC Aspire program.
Scholarships and awards
College-specific scholarships and awards
Students in good standing who demonstrate financial need are eligible to apply to college-specific scholarship and awards. For a full listing, visit the AHS tuition and aid page.
Program-specific scholarships and awards
We offer academic achievement and financial need scholarships and awards to students who enroll in our programs. We do not offer scholarships or awards to applicants.
Ann & Edward Page-El, M.D. Scholarship
The Ann and Edward Page-El Scholarship Award recognizes academic excellence and supports educational opportunities for graduate students interested in social or medical aspects of neurological disabilities.
Anne Hopkins Scholarship
The Anne Hopkins Scholarship supports educational opportunities for graduate students interested in any of the following topics: Disability and Sex, Relationships and Dating; Social Model of Disability; and Social Entrepreneurship.
Carlos Drazen Memorial Scholarship
The Carlos Drazen Memorial Scholarship supports educational opportunities for graduate students interested in the intersection of race and disability.
Charlotte A. Tate Award
The Charlotte A. Tate Award for Multidisciplinary Research is awarded to an outstanding student in the Department of Disability and Human Development that demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach across health, society and disability.
DHD/OT Black and Latinx Student Scholarship
The DHD/OT Black and Latinx Student Scholarship is awarded to students in DHD and OT who have financial need. Preference is given to students who contribute to the diversity of each department, with further preference given to students that aim to serve or do research with Black and Latinx communities or that are involved in or interested in student organizations at UIC that promote Black and Latinx interests in society.
Ethel Louise Armstrong Endowed PhD Fellowship
The Ethel Louise Armstrong Endowed PhD Fellowship is awarded to a woman with physical disabilities on behalf of Margaret A. Staton, a disability advocate who has devoted her life to ensuring that no one will experience the disability prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion that she and her peers endured in the past.
Neal H. Gottlieb Memorial Scholarship
The Neal H. Gottlieb Memorial Scholarship award is awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student in disability and human development who has a physical disability.
Questions?
Questions?
Understanding the financial process can be overwhelming, but we’re here for you. Reach out when you need help and we’ll make sure you find the answers you need.
You can contact the DHD Office of Student Affairs:
Email dhdosa@uic.edu
Phone 312.996.1508
Address 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd.
242 DHSP, MC 626
Chicago, IL 60608-6904
News and events
