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Alumni across the globe
Patrick Ojok ‘15 PhD DS, head of community and disability studies at Kyambogo University, is working to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Africa.
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Award-winning faculty
Tamar Heller, distinguished professor and department head, received the Arc of Illinois 2019 Paulauski Advocate Award.
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Fostering social change
From understanding to social change, we are the only department in the disability studies field that provides a path from Minor to PhD and anything in between.
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Interdisciplinary experience
We are home to the Illinois LEND, a statewide interdisciplinary training program designed to improve the health and well being of individuals with disabilities.
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Disability arts and culture
We are home to Bodies of Work, a network of artists and organizations advancing disability arts and culture.
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Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience
A two-year certificate program that prepares students with disabiliies for a career in their chosen field.
Your partner in 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.
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.
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Stats and Facts
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Institute on Disability and Human Development
The UIC Department of Disability and Human Development is home to Illinois’ only federally-designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service.
IDHD is a national leader in interdisciplinary academic training, community service, research and information dissemination all related to people with disabilities.
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What sets us apart
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Academic programs
Name | Type | Description | Apply |
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Minor in Disability and Human Development | On Campus | Examine aspects of society that uniquely impact the experience and development of people living with disabilities | Apply |
BS in Disability and Human Development | On Campus | A broad, interdisciplinary degree that addresses all aspects of the disability experience by blending theory, research and practice | Apply |
MS in Disability and Human Development | On Campus | Preparing future leaders in human services, research, and scholarship in the disability field | Apply |
PhD in Disability Studies | On Campus | Examine how addressing disability in its full complexity can promote the full participation, self-determination, and equal citizenship of people with disabilities in society | Apply |
Assistive Technology Certificate | On Campus or Online | Preparing professionals to deliver state of the art assistive technology services to people with physical, cognitive or sensory disabilities | Apply |
Co-Operative Career Experience Certificate | On Campus | Helping students with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve competitive careers in the community | Apply |
Disability Ethics Certificate | On Campus or Online | Specialized training in a critical approach to ethical dilemmas concerning life with disability | Apply |
Disability Legal Studies Certificate | On Campus or Online | Examine and apply an interdisciplinary approach to key debates, theories, research, and practice related to disability and law | Apply |
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Continuing education and community training
To promote a culture of lifelong learning and engagement, innovation, and involvement, we offer continuing education for professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills related to disability as well as community education events for individuals interested in learning more about disability.
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Recent News
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DHD alumna Sandy Guttman opens a Chicago art gallery
Monday, April 17, 2023
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Thursday, April 6, 2023
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Timotheus “T.J.” Gordon Jr. among Crain’s Chicago Business 2022 Notable Black Executives and Leaders
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
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UIC-based national research center receives $2.5 million grant
Monday, November 21, 2022
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Nexus Project focuses on racial bias and equity in disability employment
Monday, July 11, 2022
Upcoming Events
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May
31
Autism and Cardiac Outcomes: Delving into the Genetic Connection
Wednesday, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm