What to Expect
Thinking about enrolling in our program? Find out what you can expect.
Students must complete a minimum of 13 credit hours. All students are required to complete DHD 440 Introduction to Assistive Technology and DHD 590 Field Experience. Students also choose an area of focus for their field experience and must take an assessment course in that area.
Students work with their faculty advisor to choose elective courses based on their professional goals and area of focus. Elective courses cover a range of topics:
- Communication
- AT in educational settings
- Access
- Design
- Environmental modification
- Seating and wheeled mobility
Most students take 1-3 credits of coursework per semester and complete the program within four semesters (e.g. fall, spring, summer, fall). Individual courses taken prior to admittance may be applied toward certificate requirements. Students must maintain a B average overall and only courses with a grade of C or above will meet completion requirements.
Courses
Explore semester schedules — including courses, activities and opportunities — by clicking through the tabs below.
Summer online courses
| Credit Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | CRN | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHD 549 | 3D Printing in Assistive Technology | 1 credit | 24380 | 3D printing is an emerging tool within assistive technology. Covers the basics of 3D printing in assistive technology for customizing and fabricating low-cost adaptive devices without needing to own a 3D printer. |
| DHD 550 | Technology to Support Universal Design for Learning | 1 credit | 24381 | Provides an introduction to universal design for learning and technology to support the 3 main areas: multiple means of engagement, multiple means of representation, and multiple means of expression. |
| DHD 559 | Ergonomics and Safety for Workers with Disabilities | 1 credit | 22144 | The course highlights various aspects of reasonable accommodation at jobsites, including the provision of ergonomic equipment, modified- and custom-tools, computer workstations, environmental features, and emergency evacuation equipment. |
| DHD 567 | AAC for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 2 credits | 22151 | Explores augmentative communication methods and intervention strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Course Information: Taught online. Extensive computer use required. |
| DHD 569 | Environmental Modification | 1 credit | 22141 | The course highlights accessibility changes to public and private spaces, especially housing, which are needed due to the Americans with Disabilities Act, age-in-place trends, and community integration initiatives of individuals with disabilities. |
| DHD 594 | Special Topic: Assistive Technology and Transportation | 2 credits | 20697 | Systematic study of advanced selected topics in disability and human development. |
ATCP Summer lab-based courses
| Credit Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | CRN | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHD 441 | Adaptive Equipment Design and Fabrication | 3 credits | 24654 | Examination of the interaction between design and disability, through comparison of appropriate design theories, materials, and work on consumer-based issues. |
Summer
Resources
Student handbook
Complete description of courses, field experience options and policies
UIC Disability Resource Center
Empowering the UIC community with the knowledge, resources and skills necessary to ensure full access and engagement for students with disabilities in all aspects of college life
UIC Disability Cultural Center
Engage an understanding of disability as a social justice issue and a site for identity, community and culture
Fall online courses
| Credit Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | CRN | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHD 440 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 credits | 16027 | Selected topics in this course will introduce students to the principles and practices of assistive technology devices and services used by people with disabilities. |
| DHD 548 | Assistive Technology Tools for Education | 3 credits | 45509 | Explores a range of tool features, specific products, and training strategies to support active participation and learning in educational settings for students ages 3-22 with high and low incidence disabilities. |
| DHD 553 | Assistive Technology for individuals who are Visually Impaired or Blind | 1 credit | 42865 | An overview of assistive technology for people who are blind or visually impaired, including screen magnification software, screen reading software, OCR software, braille technologies, low vision devices, and smart phone/tablet accessibility. |
| DHD 562 | Mobile Technology and Computers: Built-in Accessibility Features | 1 credit | 48805 | Focuses on accessibility options that are built into the Windows and Mac Operating systems as well as accessibility options built into the iOS and Android (multiple platforms) systems. |
| DHD 568 | Supporting Augmentative Communication in Educational Settings | 3 credits | 48806 | Explores instruction and intervention strategies that can be used in inclusive K-12 settings to aid language and educational growth for students who use augmentative communication systems. |
| DHD 594 | Special Topic: Computer & AAC Access Assessment | 2 credits | Systematic study of advanced selected topics in disability and human development. | |
| DHD 590 (by arrangement) | Field Experience | 1 credit | Opportunities for guided experience working with agencies, families, and persons with disabilities providing concrete, practical applications of concepts and principles of disability and human development. |
Spring semester
| Spring online courses | Course Name | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHD 440 | Introduction to Assistive Technology | 3 credits | Selected topics in this course will introduce students to the principles and practices of assistive technology devices and services used by people with disabilities. |
| DHD 494 | Disability, Communication, and Social Participation | 2-3 credits | Systematic study of selected topics in disability and human development. |
| DHD 554 | Augmentative Communication Assessment | 3 credits | Augmentative communication assessment strategies and evaluation of materials development. Utilizes case examples for discussion of specific approaches for different ages, disabilities, and settings. |
| DHD 555 | Consideration, Assessment, and Documentation of AT in PreK-12 Educational Settings | 3 credits | An introduction to the delivery of assistive technology (AT) services in the PreK-12 educational setting. Includes the legal foundation, models of AT service delivery, and practical components of AT consideration, assessment, and documentation. |
| DHD 556 | Seating and Positioning for Wheelchair Mobility | 1 credit - first 5 weeks | Focuses on assessment of seating & positioning for functional use of a manual/powered wheelchair for those with physical disabilities. Assessment procedures, technology selection, funding, & applicable research are covered. |
| DHD 557 | Manual and Powered Wheelchair Technologies | 2 credits - last 10 weeks | Covers manual and powered wheelchair designs and components used by individuals with physical disabilities. Performance adjustments, access methods, electronics, transportation standards, securement systems, funding and related research are included. |
| DHD 566 | Introduction to Microcontrollers in Assistive Technology | 2 credits | Introduces students to entry-level electronics utilizing microcontrollers. Students are guided in constructing projects with an Assistive Technology focus (i.e., adaptive switches, alternate computer input controls and EADL devices). |
| DHD 590 (by arrangement) | Field Experience | 1 credit | Opportunities for guided experience working with agencies, families, and persons with disabilities providing concrete, practical applications of concepts and principles of disability and human development. |