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.

​We are the only department in the disability studies field that provides a path that includes a full range of graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs. Our faculty, staff and students come from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and countries around the world. We are committed to integrating research and academics with community engagement, and emphasize universally-designed instruction and the expression of disability pride.
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 Inclusion 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 (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.

Apply to LEND

Tuition

Tuition is determined by the University of Illinois Chicago and may change from time to time. You can always find the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees on our college’s tuition and financial aid webpage.

Financial aid

Loans, grants, scholarships and student employment can make college more affordable and accessible. Familiarize yourself with the options available to you, and contact us when you need help.

Scholarship and awards

We offer scholarships and awards for academic achievement and financial need to students who enroll in our programs. We do not offer scholarships or awards to applicants. View our list of college-, department- and program-specific scholarships and awards.

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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

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