Leah Bernard

Why did you choose DHD at UIC?
The Department of Disability and Human Development is recognized nationally and internationally for its contributions to disability studies. Faculty, staff, and students are actively contributing to research and community efforts. Furthermore, the department is connected to the AUCD network.

What do you want to do with a DHD degree?
My future goals include research to create changes in access to health care and mental health care for persons with disabilities, extend disability education across interdisciplinary groups, and expand leadership across disability communities.

Research Interests
Broadly, my research interests involve health disparities among people with disabilities. In particular, I am interested in the role of social determinants of health in access to health care and mental health care for adolescents with disabilities.

Education
MSW, Master of Social Work, University of South Dakota, 2020 BA, Psychology and Sociology, Southwest Minnesota State University, 2018