jan nisbet ph.d. director, institute on disability university of new hampshire june 1, 2009 add ta...
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Jan Nisbet Ph.D.Director, Institute on DisabilityUniversity of New Hampshire
June 1, 2009ADD TA Institute, Washington, D.C.
Future of UCEDDs
Expanding the FocusThe Olmstead decision and “Real Choices”
provide the foundation for a broader focus.UCEDD’s must be become involved with other
populations who require long-terms services and supports.
Increasingly state systems are striving for vertical and horizontal integration to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Different populations share problems associated with social isolation, employment, transportation, and affordable and accessible housing.
ExamplesSTART Services
supports states to develop integrated mental health and developmental disability services for individuals with dual diagnosis.
Older adults who acquire disabilities are choosing self-directed and in-home support options that are offered by developmental disability systems.
Education as an Example Inclusive Education has
fostered the understanding that children (and adults) require individualized supports.
In order to provide technical support and engage in systemic reform in educational settings, it is impossible to only focus on children with developmental disabilities.
Transition from school to adult life also provides an opportunity to utilize the familiar tool of person-centered planning with other populations.
Moving Toward Integrated Systems
Other Levels of Integration
UCEDDsCan expand their Advisory Structures to include
leaders from Mental Health, Head Start, Child Protection, Juvenile Justice and Aging.
Can position themselves to serve as a translational network for persons who require preventative and long-terms services and supports.
However, the ability to expand the focus requires additional resources, financial and personnel. Dilution will not serve individuals with developmental disabilities or other groups.
The Multi-Disciplinary UCEDD
David T. Mitchell, Executive DirectorInstitute on Disabilities
Temple University
Future development of UCEDDs
• Under-development of pre-service educational training initiative within universities
• Need to transform universities as well as communities
• Disability Studies as expertise for disability-based professionals
Cross-Disciplinary Expertise
• Cross-disciplinary expertise of UCEDDs allow them to function like interdisciplinary departments
• Exert influence across every discipline• Course infusions & course hosting• Disability into diversity missions of university
Professionalization
• Professionalization of students with disabilities at highest level of academy
• Professions that traditionally oversee pwds should be actively seeking to train those who form the base of clientele
• Transformation of devalued experience into scholarly contribution (site of knowledge production vs. object of intervention)
Systemic Accessibility
• Need to implement systemic accessibility (design, operations, supports) parallel to ILCs
• UCEDDs must become proactive employers of pwds – particularly at the highest levels of management
• On-Site PAs & travel-related assistance• Accessible tech for all UCEDD operations• Proactive employment – staff should reflect clientele• Current directors stepping down need to turn network
into less exclusive club (move to identity-based network for future generations of leaders)