2023 UIC Department of Disability and Human Development Annual Report

Department of Disability and Human Development Annual Report 2023 Department of Disability and Human Development annual report 2023.

Cover page featuring Two women in masks extending their arms in a dance routine. One uses a wheelchair.

Logo of the University of Illinois Chicago institute on disability and human development and logo of the University of Illinois Chicago college of Applied Health Sciences.

Table of Contents Welcome Statement Table of Contents.

02

welcome 2.

DHDstatement.

Academic Page Programs DHD academic programs. Page 3.

DHD Faculty. Page 4.

Disability DHDResearch.

Faculty Page 5.

DHD Arts Program. Page 6.

DHD Alumni Making a Mark. Page 7.

Disability Research DHD Grants.

Page 8.

Bridging Aging and Disability in Research. Page 9.

Fostering Research Exchanges. Page eleven.

Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic. Page thirteen.

DHD Arts Program The LEND Program. Page fourteen.

Americans with Disabilities Act Center. Page fifteen.

Assistive Technology Unit. Page sixteen.

DHD Alumni a Mark Support DHD. PageMaking seventeen.

03 04 05 06 07

DHD Grants

08

Bridging Aging and Disability in Research

09

Fostering Research Exchanges

11

Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic

13

The LEND Program

14

Americans with Disabilities Act Center

15

Assistive Technology Unit

16

Support DHD

17

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Welcome Statement Page two.1, 2024, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department Starting January of Disability and Human Development (DHD) will have new leadership with Professor Carrie WelcomeSandahl Statement. serving as the Interim Head and Professor Sarah Parker Harris as the Associate Head. I have had the pleasure of serving as the head for 23 years and am proud of the growth and quality of the department’s academic, research, and1, service programs.

DHD began a department 1997 Starting January 2024, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) as Department of Disabilityin and Human Development (DHD) will have new leadership with Professor Carrie Sandahl serving as the Interim Head and Professor Sarah Parker Harris as the Associate Head. I have had and was created by its Institute on Disability and Human Development (Illinois’ the pleasure of serving as the head for 23 years and am proud of the growth and quality of the department’s academic, research, and University Center of Excellence ina Developmental Institute service programs.

DHD began as department in 1997 andDisabilities). was created by its The Institute on Disability and Human Development (Illinois’ University Center and of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities).

The Institute serves as the researchin and public service arm of the DHD. I will serves as the research public service arm of the DHD. I will continue continue in my current role as the Director of the Institute and look forward to the new leadership in the department. my current role as the Director of the Institute and look forward to the new Dr. Tamar A key driving our mission this year is accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. One of our major plans is toHeller revise the leadership in thefocus department. master’s degree with a proposed title of “Masters of Disability and Inclusion” with two tracks, Disability Studies, and Disability Accessibility.

Our academic courses are continually working towards universal design and inclusive education. The Co-Operative Career Experience for

A key focus Students drivingwith our mission this year is accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. of our Intellectual Disabilities provides us challenges in supporting students and enabling accessibility in our classes.One The social determinants of health undergird much of this year’s research focus.

Funded research projects are addressing the accessibility of such major plansimportant is to revise the master’s degree with a proposed title of “Masters of Disability and Inclusion” aspects as housing, transportation, leisure, and health promotion sites and programs. Some examples include an evaluation of with two tracks, Disability Studiesprogram and Disability Accessibility.

Our academic courses areofcontinually working the state’s housing navigation for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and study accessibility in adaptive sports. Another project willinclusive create a machine learning technique to rapidly generate data essential to building a more integrated towards universal design and education.

The Co-Operative Career Experience for Students with transportation system for people living with disabilities and explore the role of the built environment on community participation in Intellectual employment.

Disabilities provides us challenges in supporting students enabling accessibility We are actively promoting inclusive research strategies that include peopleand with disabilities as not only participantsin butour as key determinants researchers and co-researchers.

Oneundergird of the projectsmuch is working with Special Olympics to includefocus. athletes Funded with intellectual and classes. Thealso social of health of this year’s research research developmental disabilities as co-researchers. The Great Lakes ADA Center is a major resource for ADA technical assistance, information projects aredissemination, addressing the accessibility such important asPeople housing, transportation, and research on accessibility. Aof related project is the Hispanicaspects Outreach for with Disabilities in Employment. leisure, and health This promotion sites and programs. Some examples include an evaluation of the state’s housing summer (August 4 to 8, 2024) Chicago will be hosting the World Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of navigation program for adults with intellectual and and ofopportunity accessibility Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD). As chairdevelopmental of the local organizing disabilities committee, I invite you study to take this to connect with colleagues from around the world, develop new collaborations, and exchange ideas.

With its emphasis on inclusive research in adaptivethe sports.

Another project will create a machine learning technique to rapidly generate data conference welcomes the participation of self-advocates, providers, and families. Thank you to all our staff, students, supporters, essential to and building a more integrated transportation systemandfor people living with disabilities andandexplore collaborators who have jointly worked to promote the accessibility inclusion of people with disabilities, their families, their communities. the role of the built environment on community participation in employment. We are actively promoting inclusive research strategies that include people with disabilities as not only participants but also as key researchers and co-researchers. One of the projects is working with Special Olympics to include athletes Photo caption: Headshot of Tamar Heller, a woman wearing a white collared shirt and black blazer. with intellectual and developmental disabilities as co-researchers. The Great Lakes ADA Center is a major resource forsigned ADAby:technical assistance, information dissemination, and research on accessibility. A related project is the Hispanic Outreach for People with Disabilities in Employment.

Tamar Heller, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor,.

Department Head (till December 31, 2023). summer (August 4-8,on2024) will be hosting Director of the Institute DisabilityChicago and Human Developnment.

This the World Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD). As chair of the local organizing committee, I invite you to take this opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world, develop new collaborations, and exchange ideas. With its emphasis on inclusive research the conference welcomes the participation of self-advocates, providers, and families. Thank you to all our staff, students, supporters, and collaborators who have jointly worked to promote the accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities.

Tamar Heller, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor, Department Head (until December 31, 2023) Director of the Institute on Disability and Human Developnment

3

DHD Academic Programs Highlights From DHD Students Page 3.

This summer Sydney Erlikh, DHD PhD student, featured dancing with Maypril Krukowski, an artist Highlights From DHD Students. from Chicago, and using a wheelchair in the photo This summer Sydney Erlikh, DHD PhD student featured dancing with Maypril Krukowski, an artist from Chicago, to the left,at curated performances at the Art Institute and using a wheelchair in the photo to the left, curated performances the Art Institute of Chicago. "Cripping the Galleries" is a series of programs hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Art Institute of is a series of of Chicago.

"Cripping the Galleries" Chicago in close collaboration with "Bodies of Work: A Network of Disability Art and Culture." Four works took place programs hosted by theThe Museum of Contemporary in the museum galleries examining the histories of disability that the spaces and works evoke. artists explored different strategies for accessibility in performance such as prerecorded open and audio the description by the dancers and Art Chicago Art Institute of Chicago in close live scripted or improvised audio description. collaboration with "Bodies of Work: A Network of In addition to Erlikh, another DHD student, Maggie Bridger, and 3 other neurodivergent, and disabled artistsworks from Disability Art andsick, Culture."

Four took place Chicago: Anjal Chande, Shireen Hamza, and Kris Lenzo, participated in the project. Erlikh is also part of Unfolding Disability in neurodivergent the museum Futures (UDF) a grassroots collective for disabled, sick, injured, and artistsgalleries in Chicago. Theexamining artists currently the histories participate in the Southside Artists in Sacred Spaces. Learn moreof about the performances UDF:spaces and works evoke. The disability thatand the https://www.unfoldingdisabilityfutures.com/ artists explored different strategies for accessibility https://thevisualist.org/2023/08/cripping-the-galleries-dance-performance/ https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/the-art-of-access/ in performance such as prerecorded open audio https://www.aam-us.org/2023/10/06/disrupting-museum-behavior-an-exploration-of-the-art-institute-of-chicagosdescription by the dancers and live scripted or cripping-the-galleries/ . improvised audio description.

Want to learn more about our academic programs?

DHD Academic Programs.

for information about the Graduate Studies in DHD.

In addition Erlikh, Studies. another DHD student, Maggie Bridger, and three other neurodivergent, sick, and PhDto in Disability scan QR code or visit the link: go.uic.edu/DHDPhD disabled artists from Chicago: Anjal Chande, Shireen Hamza, and Kris Lenzo participated in the project.

Erlikh is also part of Unfolding Disability Futures (UDF), a grassroots collective for disabled, sick, injured, for information about Undergraduate Studies. and neurodivergent artists in Chicago.

The artists currently participate in the Southside Artists in Sacred DHD Major.

Spaces. Learn more about the performances and UDF: scan QR code or visit the link: go.uic.edu/DHDBachelor. https://www.unfoldingdisabilityfutures.com https://thevisualist.org/2023/08/cripping-the-galleries-dance-performance for information about the Graduate Certificate Programs. https://chicagoreader.com/arts-culture/the-art-of-access Disability Legal Studies email: DLStudies@uic.edu https://www.aam-us.org/2023/10/06/disrupting-museum-behavior-an-exploration-of-the-art-instituteof-chicagos-cripping-the-galleries for informaiton about the Disability Ethics. scan QR code or visit the link: Go.uic.edu/Dhddecp

for informaiton the our Undergraduate Studies.

Want to learn more about about academic programs?

DHD Minor. scan QR code or visit the link: go.uic.edu/DHDMinor

Graduate Studies in DHD

Undergraduate Studies DHD Major go.uic.edu/DHDBachelor ...

Graduate Certificate Programs Disability Legal Studies DLStudies@uic.edu

Undergraduate Studies DHD Minor go.uic.edu/DHDMinor ...

to contact the DHD Office Student Affairs.

PhD inofDisability Studies Email: dhdosa@uic.edu go.uic.edu/DHDPhD or call Phone number: 312-996-1508.

Disability Ethics Go.uic.edu/Dhddecp DHD Office of Student Affairs

Email: dhdosa@uic.edu

Phone: 312-996-1508

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DHD Faculty DHD Faculty.

New Faculty Join DHD New Faculty Join DHD. David Camacho, PhD, MSW, MSG Assistant Professor.

David Camacho, PhD, MSW, MSG Assistant Professor

Dr. Camacho joins DHD from the University of Maryland, Baltimore where he served as Assistant Professor in Social Work.

Dr. Camacho joins DHD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Camacho earned his PhD in Social Work in Advanced Clinical Practice at Columbia University.

His postdoctoral is inas Baltimore where hetraining served Behavioral Geriatrics from the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Camacho’s research Assistant Professor in Social focuses on developing and testing strategies that enhance the prevention and management of prevalent and morbid conditions Work.

Photo caption: Headshot of David Camacho, a man with short black hair wearing a black polo shirt.

associated with aging (e.g., chronic pain, loneliness, cognitive impairment) among Latino (Hispanic/Latinx) and other minoritized older adults. His work has been supported by the Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program, Columbia Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Alzheimer’s Disease Disparities, Cornell’s Translational Research Institute on Pain in Later Life, and

Dr. Camachotheearned his PhD in Social Work in Advanced Clinical Practice at Columbia University. His National Institute on Aging. His research is informed by his extensive direct clinical practice as a bilingual (English/Spanish) and postdoctoralbicultural training is in Behavioral Geriatrics from the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Geriatrics and (Mexican and American) clinical social worker as well as his personal experiences as a caregiver. Dr. Camacho has held Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Camacho’s research focuses on developing and testing strategies that enhance the multiple clinical and research appointments across a variety of community settings in Los Angeles and New York. prevention and management of prevalent and morbid conditions associated with aging (e.g., chronic pain, . loneliness, cognitive impairment) among Latino (Hispanic/Latinx) and other minoritized older adults. His Azadeh Safaeian, PhD. work has been supported by the Council on Social Work Education Minority Fellowship Program, Columbia Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Alzheimer’s Disease Disparities, Cornell’s Translational Research 2023 B2F Scholar.

Institute on Pain in Later Life,as and National Institute Research on Aging.

His research is informed by his extensive Dr. Safaeian joins DHD a 2023the Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral Associate. direct clinicalPhoto practice a bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural (Mexican clinical social caption:as Headshot of Azadeh Safaeian, PhD, a woman with curly black hair wearing aand plaidAmerican) blazer. worker as well as his personal experiences as a caregiver. Dr. Camacho has held multiple clinical and research appointments a variety community in Los Angeles and York.

Dr. across Azadeh Safaeian was aof postdoctoral fellow settings in Comparative Literary Studies for the New 2022-2023 academic year at Northwestern University before joining UIC in the Department of Disability and Human Development as a Bridge to Faculty Scholar. Her research and teaching interests include disability and trauma studies, care studies, film theory, and animal studies. Located at the intersection Azadeh Safaeian, PhD of critical disability studies and trauma theory, her current book project attends to the discursive and non-discursive representations 2023 B2F Scholar

of somatic pain and psychological trauma in the literatures and cinemas of minority groups in the context of the Middle East. Her

project DHD examines Dr. Safaeian joins asa aselection 2023 of multiethnic and multilingual war memoirs, novels, and films. Dr. Safaeian’s research has been funded by several fellowships and awards, including the American Council of Learned Societies Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2021Bridge to Faculty Postdoctoral 2022) and the Social Science Research Council’s Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship (2020-2021).

Research Associate.

Dr. Azadeh Safaeian was a postdoctoral fellow in Comparative Literary Studies for the 2022-2023 academic year at Northwestern University before joining UIC in the Department of Disability and Human Development as a Bridge to Faculty Scholar. Her research and teaching interests include disability and trauma studies, care studies, film theory, and animal studies. Located at the intersection of critical disability studies and trauma theory, her current book project attends to the discursive and non-discursive representations of somatic pain and psychological trauma in the literatures and cinemas of minority groups in the context of the Middle East. Her project examines a selection of multiethnic and multilingual war memoirs, novels, and films. Dr. Safaeian’s research has been funded by several fellowships and awards, including the American Council of Learned Societies Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2021-2022) and the Social Science Research Council’s Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship (2020-2021).

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Disability Page 5. Research Disability Research.

Everybody Moves!

Understanding Disparities in Leisure Participation Everybody Moves! Understanding Disparities in Leisure Participation.

The well documented benefits of participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for people with The well documented benefits of participation in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for people with disabilities span physical, mental, and social health. LTPA also promotes social participation, belongingness, disabilities span physical, mental, and social health. LTPA also promotes social participation, belongingness, and connectedness with peers. Despite these benefits, people with disabilities are less active than their and connectedness with peers. Despite these benefits, people with disabilities are less active than their counterparts with out disabilities. Moreover, we know that people with disabilities from racial minority counterparts with out disabilities. Moreover, we know that people with disabilities from racial minority background experience health disparities such as chronic conditions. Participation in LTPA can help reduce background experience health disparities such as chronic conditions. those disparities. However, there is limited knowledge of the intersection of disability, ethnicity, and race . within the research in LTPA. Therefore, Dr. Delphine Labbé (PI) with her team (Dr. Monika Stodolska at Urbana Participation in LTPA can help reduce those disparities. However, there is limited knowledge of the Champaign, Dr. Casey Herman/UIC, Dr. Yochai Eisenberg/UIC) will be conducting a community-based intersection of disability, ethnicity, and race within the research in LTPA. Therefore, Dr. Delphine Labbé (PI) project to explore access to and participation in LTPA for people with intersecting marginalized identities with her team (Dr. Monika Stodolska at Urbana Champaign, Dr. Casey Herman/UIC, Dr. Yochai Eisenberg/ of disability and Latinos and Black/African American background. It is funded by the National Institute UIC) will be conducting a community-based project to explore access to and participation in LTPA for people on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDDILRR) Minority-Serving Institutions with intersecting marginalized identities of disability and Latinos and Black/African American background. grant. Everybody Moves! will explore three different levels of influence on LTPA including learning about . the experiences of individuals with disabilities, exploring organizations providing LTPA opportunities, and It is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDDILRR) examining overarching policies impacting LTPA to better understand the needs and factors that impact LTPA Minority-Serving Institutions grant. Everybody Moves! will explore three different levels of influence on LTPA participation. Using the findings from these sources, the team will develop evidence-informed priorities including learning about the experiences of individuals with disabilities, exploring organizations providing and recommendations to support equitable access to LTPA for people with disabilities from ethnic and LTPA opportunities, and examining overarching policies impacting LTPA to better understand the needs and racial minority groups. For this project, the team is engaging with the Chicagoland Disabled People of factors that impact LTPA participation.

Color Coalition (CDPOCC) and other community partners working with and for people with disabilities and .

Latinos and Black/African American communities.

Using the findings from these sources, the team will develop evidence-informed priorities and recommendations to support equitable access to LTPA for people with disabilities from ethnic and racial minority groups. For this project, the team is engaging with the Chicagoland Disabled People of Color Coalition (CDPOCC) and other community partners working with and for people with disabilities and Latinos and Black/African American communities.

Photo caption: A female adult riding a bike with a disabled male adult who is riding an adaptive bike.

Dr. Labbé has worked on various community-engaged projects on Adaptive LTPA for the past 10 years. She recently worked on understanding the benefits of virtual programming for people with disabilities (https:// ahs.uic.edu/disability- human- development/ community- health-and- disability- inclusion- research-andtraining-programs/going-virtual/). The study’s findings suggest that people with disabilities can achieve physical and emotional health benefits when participating in adaptive online LTPA, including a strong social benefit. Staff attitude and knowledge as well as the staff's ability to adapt to participant needs played important roles in facilitating participation. This study offered insights into how online LTPA could support the health-promoting behavior of people with disabilities during the pandemic and beyond.

Photo caption: A female adult riding a bike with a disabled male adult who is riding an adaptive bike.

Dr. Labbé has worked on various community-engaged projects on Adaptive LTPA for the past 10 years.

She recently worked on understanding the benefits of virtual programming for people with disabilities (https://ahs.uic.edu/disability-human-development/community-health-and-disability-inclusion-researchand-training-programs/going-virtual). The study’s findings suggest that people with disabilities can achieve physical and emotional health benefits when participating in adaptive online LTPA, including a strong social benefit. Staff attitude and knowledge as well as the staff's ability to adapt to participant needs played important roles in facilitating participation. This study offered insights into how online LTPA could support the health-promoting behavior of people with disabilities during the pandemic and beyond.

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DHD Arts Program DHD Arts Program

Exploring the Disability Experience Exploring the Disability Experience

by Dr. Carrie Sandahl, The Program on Disability Art, Culture, and Humanities (PDACH) Founded andFounded directedand bydirected Dr. Carrie Sandahl, The Program on Disability Art, Culture, and Humanities (PDACH) is a creative research lab dedicated to exploring disability experiences through the arts. Dr. Sandahl and her is a creative research lab dedicated through the arts.

Sandahl and her students had an exciting to andexploring productivedisability year. The experiences program received funding from theDr. Ford Foundation, students had3Arts, an exciting and productive year.Initiative The program received funding from the FordtheFoundation, and the UI system’s Presidential to support its activities.

This program is also home of Chicago’s Bodies of Work, a consortium of organizations that supports the development of new in of 3Arts, and the UI system’s Presidential Initiative to support its activities. This program is also thework home disability arts and culture in unexpected ways.

Chicago’s Bodies of Work, a consortium of organizations that supports the development of new work in disability arts and culture in unexpected ways.

The 3Arts/Bodies of Work Residency program is central to its programming, which includes customized residency experiences with four Chicago-based Deaf and disabled artists. Along with program partners The 3Arts/Bodies WorkofResidency program is central its programming, which includes at theof School the Art Institute of Chicago, AccesstoLiving, and UIC’s Disability Cultural Center,customized students and faculty work closely with these artists on projects centered on the creation of new work, public residency experiences with four Chicago-based Deaf and disabled artists. Along with program partners programming, professional development, mentorship, and advocacy for Disability Art & Culture.

This year, at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Access Living, and UIC’s Disability Cultural Center, students our artists included graphic novelist Bianca Xunise, playwright Kennedy Healy, percussionist Tommy Carrol, and faculty work closely with these artists on projects centered on the creation of new work, public and vocalist Stephanie Alma. This summer also wrapped up a two-year term in the Museum of Contemporary programming, professional development, mentorship, andisadvocacy Disability Art & Culture.

This year, Art’s (MCA) Community Partnership Program, which a mutually for beneficial arrangement between local our artists included graphic novelist Xunise, Kennedy Healy, percussionist Tommy arts organizations and the Bianca museum.

Bodies playwright of Work advised the MCA on disability representation in Carrol, the museum, held focus groups on accessibility, and created programming for the Commons Series.

Students and vocalist Stephanie Alma. This summer also wrapped up a two-year term in the Museum of Contemporary in Dr. Sandahl’s graduate seminar designed andis implemented sensory-friendly morningsbetween for the MCA Art’s (MCA) Community Partnership Program, which a mutuallytwo beneficial arrangement local in consultation with the museum’s Education Department, focusing on disability-led experiences related to arts organizations and the museum. Bodies of Work advised the MCA on disability representation in the their exhibition programming. These highlights were among a full roster of collaborative programming that museum, held focus groups oninclusive accessibility, created programming for the Commons Students included the annual dance and program Counter Balance, engagements with visitingSeries. artist Carmen in Dr. Sandahl’s graduate seminar designed implemented two sensory-friendly mornings forUrbana the MCA Papalia, an artist talk by Ghanian artistand Yajim Amadu, an artist exchange with the University of Illinois Champaign, art-making workshops, and The Chicago Inclusive Dance Festival.

With each activity, PDACH in consultation with the museum’s Education Department, focusing on disability-led experiences related facultyprogramming. and students are These key contributors to the disability art aand locally, nationally, and to their exhibition highlights were among fullcultural rostermovement of collaborative programming internationally.

that included the annual inclusive dance program Counter Balance, engagements with visiting artist Carmen Papalia, ancaption: artist talk

by Ghanian artist Xunise Yajim Amadu, aninartist exchange with after the University of Photo 3Arts/BOW artist Bianca celebrating the DHD's auditorium their Illinois Urbana Champaign, art-making workshops, The Chicago Inclusive Dance Festival. panel presentation “Spoken Doodle,” whichand featured four queer, BIPOC cartoonists sharingWith their each work on intersectional disability issues.

Pictured from left to right: Eileen Chavez, Mariah Rose activity, PDACH faculty and students are key contributors to the disability art and cultural movement Marie,and Bianca Xunise, and Sage Coffey. Photo credit: Dani Torta Bones Fuentes. locally, nationally, internationally.

Photo caption: 3Arts/BOW artist Bianca Xunise celebrating in the DHD's auditorium after their panel presentation “Spoken Doodle,” which featured four queer, BIPOC cartoonists sharing their work on intersectional disability issues. Pictured from left to right: Eileen Chavez, Mariah Rose Marie, Bianca Xunise, and Sage Coffey.

Photo credit: Dani Torta Bones Fuentes.

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DHD Alumni Making a Mark

DHD Alumni Making a Mark.

Photo caption: Dr. Luca Badetti, A man wearing a button down shirt, tie, and pullover sweater., authored 'Hope in Dr. Darkness: LeavingPhD'16, Night,' published yearUniversity

by Paulist Press.

Luca Badetti, teaches atthis Loyola Chicago’s John Felice Rome

Center. His interdisciplinary background in disability studies, clinical psychology,

Dr. Luca Badetti, PhD'15, teaches at Loyola University Chicago’s John Felice Rome Center. His interdisciplinary theology, and philosophy, and his community leadership experiences inform background in disability studies, clinical psychology, theology, and philosophy, and his community his book Following his previous book You: Wisdom leadership experiences inform writing. his book writing.

Following his previous book"I"IBelieve Believe ininYou: Wisdom fromfrom Community with Persons with Disabilities on Believing in Ourselves Community with Persons with Disabilities on Believing in Ourselves and the Other (New City Press, Rev.and Ed. the 2021)", Badetti’s newOther book ”Hope Darkness“ on 2021)", finding hope at night.

(NewinCity Press,focuses Rev. Ed. Badetti’s new book ”Hope in Darkness“

focuses on finding hope at night.

Night can be an experience of disorientation and loss, but also of new life and direction. Through stories Dr. Luca Badetti, can be an experience of disorientation and loss,grapple with at night— and reflections, theNight book journeys through some fundamental questions people authored Hope in of identity, meaning, and relationships—and explores ways in which individuals and communities questions but also of new life and direction. Through stories Darkness: Leaving can grow through them. caption: Cover of the book Hope inthrough Darkness:some Leaving Night by Luca Badetti and Photo reflections, the book journeys Night, published this fundamental questions people grapple with at night— Photo caption: Amy Lulinski, a woman wearing a yellow shirt, featured with self-advocacy specialists year by Paulist Press. of identity, and relationships—and Liz Weintraub in a questions blue shirt and Tia Nelismeaning, in a pink shirt. explores ways in which individuals and communities Dr. Amie Lulinski, PhD'14, has served as Thethem.

Arc of Illinois' Executive Director since June 2021. She highlighted can grow through

the pivotal role her time at DHD played in her career. DHD connected her with early-career professionals and mentors through IDHD and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). In 2011, as Dr.sheAmie Lulinski, PhD'14, has served aschanges The Arc of Illinois' Executive Director AUCD's Policy Fellow, contributed to efforts to block significant to Medicaid policies that would negatively affect people disabilities.

Mentorship from DHD such as Drs. Mary Kay in sincewith June 2021. She highlighted thefaculty, pivotal role herGlenn timeFujiura, at DHD played Rizzolo, David Braddock, Sarah Parker Harris, and Tamar Heller, significantly shaped her professional journey. her career. DHD connected her with early-career professionals and mentors Their support not only enabled her to work on meaningful projects but also fostered lasting friendships through IDHD and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities with colleagues. In her current role, Dr. Lulinski collaborates with advocates and families sharing stories of In 2011, AUCD's Policy Fellow, she contributed tothe efforts to block triumph, frustration,(AUCD). and heartache.

She as actively educates General Assembly members about challenges significant changes and barriers to successful community living.to Medicaid policies that would negatively affect people

with disabilities. Mentorship from DHD faculty, such as Drs. Glenn Fujiura, Mary Dr. Amie Lulinski (first Dr.Kay Photo caption: Benjamin Salentine, A man wearing button downand shirt, tie, and greysignificantly blazer, Rizzolo, David Braddock, Sarah aParker Harris, Tamar Heller, serves on the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion. from left) with self shaped her professional journey. Their support not only enabled her to work on advocacy specialists meaningful also fostered friendships Dr. Benjamin Salentine, PhD'23, isprojects honored but to be appointed bylasting Governor Pritzker to with servecolleagues. on the IllinoisIn her Liz Weintraub current role, Dr.Through Lulinskihis collaborates withwith advocates families sharing stories Commission on Equity and Inclusion. lived experience disability,and as well as his professional (standing inand middle) academic endeavors and frustration, volunteer experiences within She the actively non-profit and community-based of triumph, and heartache. educates General Assembly and Tia Nelis. organization sectors, Dr. Salentine hasthe played a pivotaland role barriers in realizing positive andcommunity impactful change members about challenges to successful living. for minority and underrepresented populations. He was the focus of an employee spotlight for disability awareness month at UI Health, while also being featured in 2023 Crain’s Notable Leaders in Health Care. He participated in a radio on National PublicPhD'23, Radio – WBEZ Chicago Reset, upon the Dr.interview Benjamin Salentine, is honored to bereflecting appointed by legacy Governor of the ADA. Dr. Salentine has contributed to publications regarding disability and healthcare (The Atlantic and Pritzker to serve on the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion. Through Undark Magazine). The culmination of his media presence, committee appointments, board memberships, his lived experience well asthehis professional andgroups, academic academic and professional efforts all seek to with add todisability, and furtheras highlight voice of marginalized endeavors volunteer experiences within non-profit and communitywhile positively impacting effortsand aimed at diversity, equity, inclusion, and the access.

Dr. Benjamin Salentine serves on the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

based organization sectors, Dr. Salentine has played a pivotal role in realizing positive and impactful change for minority and underrepresented populations.

He was the focus of an employee spotlight for disability awareness month at UI Health, while also being featured in 2023 Crain’s Notable Leaders in Health Care.

He participated in a radio interview on National Public Radio – WBEZ Chicago Reset, reflecting upon the legacy of the ADA. Dr. Salentine has contributed to publications regarding disability and healthcare (The Atlantic and Undark Magazine). The culmination of his media presence, committee appointments, board memberships, academic and professional efforts all seek to add to and further highlight the voice of marginalized groups, while positively impacting efforts aimed at diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

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DHD Grants DHD Grants Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Networks (ASIAAN), 9/1/23-8/31/23, (PI: Mansha Mirza, Co-PI: Sumithra Murthy, Co-Is: Kelly

FY 2023 New Grants and Contracts Hsieh, Yochai Eisenberg, Rooshey Hasnain).

Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Hispanic Outreach for People with Disabilities Americans with Disabilities Act Participation Action Research Consortium. National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Networks (ASIAAN), 9/1/23-8/31/23, (PI: Mansha in Employment, Ford Foundation, 2023-2024 Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) 9/1/2022- 2027 (Co-PIs: Joy Hammel, Lex Friedan, Co-I: Robin Jones).

Mirza, Co-PI: Sumithra Murthy, Co-Is: Kelly Hsieh, (Team: Sarah Parker Harris (Professor), Robert Gould Yochai Eisenberg, Rooshey Hasnain).

(Associate Clinical Professor), Mariana Torres Garcia Analysis of Movement Out of State Operated Developmental Centers (SODC).

(Post- doctoral Fellow), Robin Jones (Great Lakes of Human Services-Division of Developmental Disabilities (IDHS-DDD), 2023-2024 (PI: Kelly Hsieh, Co-PI: Tamar Americans Illinois withDepartment Disabilities Act Participation ADA Center Director), Claudia Diaz (Great Lakes ADA Heller).

Action Research Consortium. National Institute Center Associate Director), Oscar Gonzalez (ADA on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Spanish Language Outreach Project Coordinator), Assistive Technology Services to Williams Consent Decree Members. IDHS-Division of Mental Health (DMH), 2022-2023 (PI: Glenn Research (NIDILRR) 9/1/2022-2027 and two graduate student research assistants.)

Hedman).

(Co-PIs: Joy Hammel, Lex Friedan, Co-I: Robin Jones).

MindWalk, Roybal Midwest Center/National Technology Services to Colbert Consent Decree Members. IDHS, 2022-2023 (PI: Glenn Hedman).

Analysis ofAssistive Movement Out of State Operated Institute on Aging (NIA), 6/1/2023-5/31/2024, (PI: Developmental Centers (SODC).

Sumithra Murthy, Co-PI: Katie Keiling Arnold, Co-Is: ATU to Clients of Illinois Dept of Human Services- Home Services and Rebab Services combined. IDHS-Division of Rehabilitation Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Kelly Hsieh & Rooshey Hasnain).

Services (DRS), 2022-2023 (PI: Glenn Hedman).

Developmental Disabilities (IDHS-DDD), 2023-2024 (PI: Kelly Hsieh, Co-PI: Tamar Heller).

Patient Instructor Training Program for BIPOC Bodies of Work Strategic Planning Process. Ford Foundation, 2022-2024 (PI: Carrie Sandahl). adults with Intellectual and Developmental Assistive Technology Services to Williams Disabilities. WITH Foundation, 2022-2023 (PI: Kiyoshi Convergence Accelerator Program Track H: Automating Transportation Affordances for People Living with Disabilities Using a Consent Decree Members. IDHS-Division of Mental Yamaki).

Machine Learning Approach, 1/1/2023-12/31/2023. (Subcontract PI: Yochai Eisenberg, PI: Brent Chamberlain (Utah State University/ Health (DMH), 2022-2023 (PI: Glenn Hedman).

National Science Foundation).

Special Olympics Research and Evaluation Assistive Technology Services to Colbert Consent Translation and Dissemination Project Year 3.

Hispanic Outreach for People with Disabilities in Employment, Ford Foundation, 2023-2024 (Team: Sarah Parker Harris (Professor), Decree Members.

IDHS, 2022-2023 (PI: Glenn Special Olympics, 2022-2023 (PI: Lieke Van Heumen).

Hedman). Robert Gould (Associate Clinical Professor), Mariana Torres Garcia (Post- doctoral Fellow), Robin Jones (Great Lakes ADA Center Director), Claudia Diaz (Great Lakes ADA Center Associate Director), Oscar Gonzalez (ADA Spanish Language Outreach Project Strive to Thrive: Supporting Families across Coordinator), and two graduate student research assistants.)

ATU to Clients of Illinois Dept of Human Services- the Aging and Developmental Disabilities Home Services and Rebab Services combined. Networks, 5/1/2023-4/30/2025, Florida Council on MindWalk, Roybal Midwest Center/National Institute on Aging (NIA), 6/1/2023-5/31/2024, (PI: Sumithra Murthy, Co-PI: Katie Keiling IDHS-Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), 2022- Developmental Disabilities (PI: Katie Keiling Arnold, Arnold, Co-Is: Kelly Hsieh & Rooshey Hasnain).

2023 (PI: Glenn Hedman).

Co-PIs: Tamar Heller & Sumithra Murthy).

Patient Instructor Training Program for BIPOC adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. WITH Foundation, 2022-2023 Bodies of Work Strategic Planning Process. Ford Supportive Housing Evaluation. Illinois Council Kiyoshi Yamaki).

Foundation,(PI: 2022-2024 (PI: Carrie Sandahl). on Developmental Disabilities, 2022-24 (PI: Kelly Hsieh, Co-PI: Tamar Heller).

Special Olympics Research and Evaluation Translation and Dissemination Project Year 3. Special Olympics, 2022-2023 (PI: Lieke Van Convergence Accelerator Program Track H: AutomatingHeumen).

Transportation Affordances for The Arc2022 FY 2022 AmeriCorps State and People Living with Disabilities Using a Machine National Public Health AmeriCorps. The Arc US to Thrive: Supporting Families across the Aging and Developmental Disabilities Networks, 5/1/2023-4/30/2025, Florida Council Learning StriveApproach, 1/1/2023-12/31/2023. Health and Fitness for All and HealthMatters Program Disabilities (PI: Katie Keiling Arnold, Co-PIs: Tamar Heller & Sumithra Murthy).

(Subcontracton Developmental PI: Yochai Eisenberg, PI: Brent Scale-Up with AmeriCorp Members, 2022-2024 (PI: Chamberlain (Utah State University/National Science Jasmina Sisirak, Co-I: Beth Marks).

Foundation).Supportive Housing Evaluation. Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, 2022-24 (PI: Kelly Hsieh, Co-PI: Tamar Heller).

The Arc2022 FY 2022 AmeriCorps State and National Public Health AmeriCorps. The Arc US Health and Fitness for All and HealthMatters Program Scale-Up with AmeriCorp Members, 2022-2024 (PI: Jasmina Sisirak, Co-I: Beth Marks).

Photo caption: Four horizontal green circles at the bottom of the page with an icon in each one. inside the first Circle is one eye, second circle has a computer screen, third circle has a wire and wire trimmer tool head, and fourth circle has an index finger pointing on a cell phone screen).

9

Bridging Aging and Disability in Research

Page 9.

Strive to Bridging ThriveAging and Disability in Research Strive to Thrive.

Page nine.

Strive to Thrive is an investment of the Florida BridgingStrive Aging to and Disability Research.

Thrive is aninCouncil investment the understand Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to help understand ways Developmental Disabilities to of help Strive tothat Thrive. aging family caregivers of people with intellectual ways that aging family caregivers of people with and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Florida thrive. from the Institute on Disability and Human Development at UIC, Dr. Katie Arnold (PI) and Dr. intellectualResearchers and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Strive to Thrive is an investment of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council to help waysIDD that and agingthe family caregivers Sumithra Murthy (Co-PI), are exploring what can help advance theunderstand person with whole family to Florida thrive. Researchers from the Institute on of peoplethrive. with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Florida thrive now and into the future.

Researchers from the Institute An environmental scan of at theUIC, literature on this topic was conducted as the first step. Next a survey Disability and Human Development Dr. Katie on Disability and Human Development at UIC,will Dr. Katie Arnold (PI) and Dr. Sumithra Murthy (Co-PI), are families exploring across what canFlorida. help advance and focus group instruments be developed gather information from Findings Arnold (PI) and Dr. Sumithra Murthy (Co-PI), toare the person with IDD and the whole family to thrive.

An environmental scan of the literature on this topic was conducted as the first helpcan inform the development of family-focused exploring will what help advance the person withresources for individuals with IDD and their aging family step. Next a survey andtofocus group instruments will be developed to gather information from families across Florida. Findings will help caregivers thrive.

IDD and the whole family to thrive. An environmental inform the development of family-focused resources for individuals with IDD and their aging family caregivers toplants. thrive.

Photo caption: and her adult daughter watering scan of the literature on An thisaging topicmother was conducted Photo caption: An aging mother and her adult daughter watering plants. as the first step. Next a survey and focus group MindWalk instruments will be Project developed to gather information MindWalk Project. from families across Florida. Findings will help inform Older Southof Asian family caregivers resources of adults withfor intellectual and/or developmental disabilities experience the development family-focused Older South Asian family caregivers ofstress adults with intellectual and/or developmental experience elevated psychological Photodisabilities caption: An aging mother and her elevated psychological due to caregiving individuals with IDD and their aging family caregiversresponsibilities, service access and cultural/linguistic stress due to caregiving responsibilities, service access and cultural/linguistic barriers, and stigma/discrimination.

A pilot trial to assess adult daughter watering plants. to thrive. barriers, and stigma/discrimination. A pilot trial to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12the feasibility preliminary efficacy of a 12-week mindful walking intervention (combining physical activity and cognitive weekand mindful walking intervention (combining physical activity and cognitive training) for this training) population

MindWalk Project

for this population ≥50isyears) is being conducted to explorethe thepreliminary preliminary efficacy of the intervention that includes 1) self- 1) (age ≥50 (age years) being conducted to explore efficacy of the intervention that includes paced downloadable modules, 2) a prescribed mindfulness walking regimen, 3) self-reporting of regimen adherence by the self-paced training downloadable training modules, 2) a prescribed mindfulness walking regimen, 3) self-reporting

Older South Asian family caregivers of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities experience elevated psychological stress due to Roybal Center for Health Promotion andstudy, Translation (through the National Institute on Aging), is led Health

by Dr. Sumithra Murthyand (PI), Dr. Katie check-ins.

This one-year funded by the Midwest Roybal Center Promotion Translation caregiving responsibilities, service accessforand cultural/linguistic barriers, and Arnold (Co-PI), and Co-I’s Drs. Kelly Hsieh, Rooshey Hasnain, and Mark Dixon. photo caption: Logo, Mindwalk Project, a green silhouette (through the Nationalstigma/discrimination.

Institute on Aging), is led byADr. Sumithra Murthy (PI), Dr. Katie Arnold (Co-PI), Copilot trial to assess the feasibility and and preliminary of a person withHsieh, a red FitBit on oneHasnain, arm and a picture of a flower within the head.

I’s walking Drs. Kelly Rooshey and Mark Dixon. efficacy of a 12-week mindful walking intervention (combining physical activity Photo caption: Logo, and Mindwalk Project, a green silhouette of a person walking withyears) a red FitBit on one arm cognitive training) for this population (age ≥50 is being conducted Virtual Future Now. of a flower within the head. and aispicture to explore the preliminary efficacy of the intervention that includes 1) self. paced downloadable training modules, 2) a prescribed mindfulness walking The Future is Now has developed and is testing a virtual version (VFIN) with funding from the National Institute on Disability Independent regimen, 3) self-reporting of regimen adherence by the participants, and 4) Living and Rehabilitation Research (PI: Tamar Heller, Co-PI Katie Keiling Arnold). The VFIN is a 6-week online training to help families of Virtual Future is Now. motivational/ reminder texts with weekly accountability check-ins. This onepeople with disabilities plan for the future; especially, as parents age. V-FIN uses a person-centered and . intellectual and developmental year study, funded by the Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and family-centered approach that balances the needs both the individualawith disabilities and (VFIN) their family.

Families discuss various topics The Future is Now has developedof(through and is testing virtual version with funding Translation the National Institute on Aging), isfrom led the

by National Dr. Sumithra during the Zoom session including Independent building relationships and self-determination, supporting community living, choosing education, Institute on Disability Living and Rehabilitation Research (PI: Tamar Heller, Co-PI Katie Keiling Murthy (PI), Dr. Katie Arnold (Co-PI), and Co-I’s Drs. Kelly Hsieh, Rooshey work, andArnold). retirement, and identifying a successor of support for when the current caregivers can no longer fill the role.

The training The VFIN is aHasnain, 6-week online training to help families of people with intellectual and developmental and Mark Dixon. participants, and 4) motivational/ reminder with weeklyand accountability check-ins.reminder This one-year study, funded by the Midwest of regimen adherence by thetexts participants, 4) motivational/ texts with weekly accountability

helps families break down the planning process into sections identifyage. an action plan andapriorities specific to their family.

V-FIN has disabilities for the future; especially, asand parents V-FIN uses person-centered and family-centered Virtual Future isplan Now also developed a trainthat the trainer program that expands the reach to more families the country. have launched it in Illinois approach balances the needs of both the individual withacross disabilities and We their family.

Families discuss

California and topics will provide morethe opportunities for families in Illinois.

If you arerelationships interested, please Katie at kkeiling@uic.edu. various Zoom session including building andcontact self-determination, supporting The and Future is Now hasduring developed and is testing a virtual version (VFIN) with funding from the National choosing education, work, and retirement, and identifying a successor of support Institute oncommunity Disabilityliving, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (PI: Tamar Heller, Co-PI KatieforKeiling when the current caregivers can no longer fill the role.

The training helps families break down the planning Arnold). The VFIN is a 6-week online training to help families of people with intellectual and developmental identify as an parents action plan priorities to their family.

V-FIN has also disabilitiesprocess plan forinto thesections future;and especially, age.and V-FIN uses aspecific person-centered and family-centered developed a train the trainer program that expands the reach to more families across the country.

We approach that balances the needs of both the individual with disabilities and their family. have Families launched it in during Illinois and and will provide more opportunities for familiesand in Illinois.

If you are discuss various topics theCalifornia Zoom session including building relationships self-determination, please contact Katie at kkeiling@uic.edu. supportinginterested, community living, choosing education, work, and retirement, and identifying a successor of support for when the current caregivers can no longer fill the role. The training helps families break down the planning process into sections and identify an action plan and priorities specific to their family. V-FIN has also developed a train the trainer program that expands the reach to more families across the country.

We have launched it in Illinois and California and will provide more opportunities for families in Illinois. If you are interested, please contact Katie at kkeiling@uic.edu.

10 Page 10

Bridging Aging and Disability in Research Bridging Aging and Disability in Research.

Page ten.

Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Networks

Bridging Aging and Disability in Research.

Aging Services Inclusive of AsianThe American Networks.

ASIAAN (Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Networks) Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Networks.

project is developing a technical assistance and resource development center for caregivers, service organizations and community groups who The ASIAAN (Aging Services Inclusive of Asian American Networks) project is developing a technical assistance and resource The ASIAAN (Aging Services Inclusivework of Asian American project is developing a technical assistance with AsianNetworks) American older adults. Led by principal investigator development center for caregivers, service organizations and community groups who work with Asian American older adults. Led and resource development center Dr. for caregivers, service organizations and community groups who work Mansha Mirza, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (OT) by principal investigator Dr. Mansha Mirza, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (OT) and Co-PI Dr. Sumithra Murthy, Visiting with Asian American older adults. and Led by principal investigator Dr. Mansha Mirza, Associate Professor of Co-PI Dr. Sumithra Murthy, Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor of Clinical Assistant Professor of Disability and Human Development (DHD), it is funded by a three-year grant from the Administration for Occupational Therapy (OT) and Co-PI Dr. Sumithra Clinical Assistant of Disability Disability andMurthy, HumanVisiting Development (DHD),Professor it is funded by a three-year Community Living in the Department of Health and Human Services. The project team is working with a broad range of community and Human Development (DHD), itgrant is funded by a three-year grant from the Administration for Community from the Administration for Community Living in the Department and service organizations, including the Illinois Department on Aging, Chinese American Service League, Coalition for a Better Chinese Living in the Department of Healthofand Human Services.

The project team is working withisaworking broad range Health and Human Services.

The project team with a broad American Community, South Asian American Policy and Research Institute, Metropolitan Asian Family Services, and the South East Asia of community and service organizations, including the Illinois Department on Aging, Chinese American range of community and service organizations, including the Illinois Center. ASIAAN will develop culturally sensitive health literacy curricula in multiple Asian languages for older Asian Americans and their Service League, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, AsianService American Policy and Department on Aging, Chinese South American League, Coalition for caregivers and an interactive map of age-related community resources. Undergraduate DHD students will create intergenerational Research Institute, Metropolitan Asian Family Services, and the South East Asia Center.

ASIAAN will develop a Better Chinese American Community, South Asian American Policy social media resources about aging and age-related needs for Asian Americans to generate more awareness among communities and culturally sensitive health literacy curricula in multiple Asian languages for older Asian and their and the and Research Institute, Metropolitan AsianAmericans Family Services, families. Additional DHD and OT collaborators on the grant include Drs. Kelly Hsieh, Yochai Eisenberg, Rooshey Hasnain, and Jenica Lee. caregivers and an interactive map of age-related community resources.

Undergraduate DHD students will South East Asia Center. ASIAAN will develop culturally sensitive health Article credit to Sonya Booth. Photo caption: An older Asian couple holding hands. create intergenerational social media resources about aging and age-related needs for Asian Americans literacy curricula in multiple Asian languages for older AsiantoAmericans generate more awareness among communities and families.

Additional DHD andmap OT collaborators on the and their caregivers and an interactive of age-related community Aging in the Suburbs grant include Drs. Kelly Hsieh, Yochai Eisenberg,Undergraduate Rooshey Hasnain,DHD and Jenica Lee. Article credit to Sonya resources. students will create intergenerational Booth. social media resources about aging and age-related needs for Asian Aging in the Suburbs was a needs assessment for adults ages 50 and older who are living in Cook County suburbs (PI: Dr. Kelly Hsieh, CoPhoto caption: An older Asian couple holding hands.

Americans to generate more awareness among communities and Photo caption: older Asian concluded PI: Dr. TamarAn Heller).

The assessment in summer 2023 with intakes from older adults, caregivers, and providers, with more than . families. Additional DHD and OT collaborators on the grant include Drs. couple holding hands.

600 participants surveyed and 100 participating in focus groups. The results showed variations in how people access services including Aging in the Suburbs.

Kelly Hsieh, Yochai Eisenberg, Rooshey Hasnain, and Jenica Lee. Article technology, nutrition, and housing based on education, race, and geographic location. People who are Black and live in south suburbs . credit to Sonya Booth. tend to have less access to services compared to those who live in the north. Linguistic need was an issue highlighted by immigrants. One Aging in the Suburbs was a needs assessment for adults ages 50 and older who are living in Cook County of the Korean participants explained “We rarely reach out to the government offices because it's hard to get the language services.” An suburbs (PI: Dr. Kelly Hsieh, Co-PI: Dr. Tamar Heller). The assessment concluded in summer 2023 with intakes Arabthe immigrant explained the lack of knowledge of existing services stating, "We didn't plan to age early. We are not like other Americans Agingfrom in Suburbs older adults, caregivers, and providers, with more than 600 participants surveyed and 100 participating who plan ahead.” The full needs assessment can be accessed using the following link: https://bit.ly/2023aging in focus groups. The results showed variations in how people access services including technology, nutrition, Project logo withaproject title of Aging in the Suburbs Aging and inPhoto thecaption: Suburbs was needs assessment for and subtitle of A Comprehensive Needs Assessment of Cook housing based on education, race, and geographic location. People who are Black and live in south County Suburbs 50+ Population in black text.

Orange and blue bubbles graphic on top of the text with a smiling man in a small adults ages 50 and older who are living in Cook County suburbs tend to have less access to services compared to those who live in the north. Linguistic need was andKelly two women hugging in another bubble. Heller).

Below the The titles text are light green and blue bubbles with people in bubbles suburbsanbubble (PI: Dr. Hsieh, Co-PI: Dr. Tamar issue highlighted by immigrants. One of the Korean participants explained “We rarely reach out to the including two women smiling, two men in outdoor coats, and three assessment concluded in summer 2023 with intakeswomen laughing and hugging. government offices because it's hard to get the language services.” An Arab immigrant explained the lack from older adults, caregivers, and providers, with more of knowledge of existing services stating, "We didn't plan to age early. We are not like other Americans who than 600 participants surveyed and 100 participating plan ahead.” The full needs assessment can be accessed using the following link: https://bit.ly/2023aging in focus groups. The results showed variations in how . peoplePhoto access services including technology, nutrition, caption: project logo with project title of Aging in the Suburbs and subtitle of A Comprehensive and housing based on education, race, and geographic Needs Assessment of Cook County Suburbs 50+ Population in black text. Orange and blue bubbles graphic location.

People who are Black and live in south suburbs on top of the text with a smiling man in a small bubble and two women hugging in another bubble. Below tend tothe have less access to services compared to those titles text are light green and blue bubbles with people in bubbles including two women smiling, two who live in the north. Linguistic need was an issue men in outdoor coats, and three women laughing and hugging.

highlighted by immigrants. One of the Korean participants explained “We rarely reach out to the government offices because it's hard to get the language services.”

An Arab immigrant explained the lack of knowledge of existing services stating, "We didn't plan to age early. We are not like other Americans who plan ahead.” The full needs assessment can be accessed using the following link: https://bit.ly/2023aging

11 Page 11.

Fostering Research Exchanges Fostering Research Exchanges.

European Union Center Funds International Disability Projects European Union Funds International The European UnionCenter Center at the UniversityDisability of IllinoisProjects.

Urbana-Champaign has provided funding for three international disability projects through the Department of Education Title VI funds. These projects enabled The European Union Center the Universitythe of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has provided funding for three exchanges with faculty in theatNetherlands, Czech Republic, and Belgium. international disability projects through the Department of Education Title VI funds. These projects enabled

Connecting with Inclusive Research Teams exchanges with faculty in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Belgium.

Courtney Krueger DHD Connecting faculty Dr. with LiekeInclusive van Heumen and Special Olympics Research Teams. athlete Courtney Krueger have worked together as an inclusive since 2019 and developed a virtual DHD research faculty Dr.team Lieke van Heumen and Special Olympics athlete Courtney Krueger have worked together as training to support people intellectual disabilities to training to support people with intellectual an inclusive research team with since 2019 and developed a virtual workdisabilities as inclusive researchers. will take their to work as inclusiveThey researchers.

They will work take their work internationally with travel to the internationally travel the Netherlands in spring Netherlands with in spring 2024to to guest lecture at the University of Amsterdam and exchange experiences with 2024 other to guest lecture at the University of Amsterdam andStudies in Utrecht, hosted by Professor Alice inclusive researchers at the University of Humanistic exchange experiences with otherininclusive researchers at to the European Union Center funding, Dr. Schippers and Disability Studies the Netherlands.

In addition the University Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, hosted van Heumenofand Courtney’s work is sponsored

by Special Olympics International through the U.S. Centers

by Professor andand Disability Studies in for DiseaseAlice ControlSchippers and Prevention the Golisano Foundation. the Netherlands.

In addition to the European Photo caption: headshot of Courtney Krueger wearingUnion a blazer and a lanyard with various graphics. and Center funding, Dr. van vanHeumen Heumen and Courtney’s is geometric background. headshot of Lieke wearing black againstwork a colorful, sponsored by Special Olympics International through the Lieke van Heumen U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Golisano Foundation.

Making Curricular Adaptations.

Making Curricular Curricular Adaptation:Adaptations Disability, Hollywood Films, and Cultural Context” explored how the feature-length documentary film "Code of the Freaks" (2020) which offers a disability cultural critique of Hollywood

Curricular Adaptation: Disability, Films,university and Cultural Context” explored how through the feature-length representations of disability, andHollywood its accompanying curriculum ‘travels.’

With funding documentary film "Code ofDr. the Freaks" (2020) which disability cultural critique of Hollywood the European Union Center, Alyson Patsavas and Dr. Carrieoffers Sandahlapartnered with Dr. Kateřina Kolářová representations of disability, and its accompanying university curriculum ‘travels.’

With funding of Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic to develop and pilot lesson plans that brought "Code of thethrough the European Center, Dr. Alyson Patsavas, and Dr. Carrie Sandahl partnered with Dr. Kateřina Kolářová Freaks"Union into two different classes within the Gender Studies program in the Faculty of Humanities at Charles of Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic to develop and pilot lesson plans that brought "Code of the University.

Freaks" into two different classes within the Gender Studies program in the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University.

These lessons facilitated a discussion of the relationship between the history of disability representation traced in Hollywood cinema and representations found within other cultural and historical contexts.

TheseClassroom lessons discussions facilitated led a discussion of the relationship the history of disability to rich dialogue about the role ofbetween social, cultural, and historical contextsrepresentation in traced in Hollywood cinema and representations found within other cultural and historical shaping both disability representations and their reception among viewers. The lessons were taught in contexts.

Classroom led to in rich aboutprogram the roleatofCharles social,University, cultural,“Intersectionality: and historical contexts Englishdiscussions within two courses thedialogue Gender Studies Theory in shaping both and disability representations and their reception among viewers. The lessons were taught in English within Methods” and “Feminist Cultural Studies.” two courses in the Gender Studies program at Charles University, “Intersectionality: Theory and Methods” and “Feminist Cultural Studies.”

12 Page 12.

Fostering Research Exchanges Fostering Research Exchanges.

Exchanging Ideas with University Exchanging IdeasLeuven with Leuven University.

With fundingWith fromfunding the European Union Center, Dr. Tamar Heller, DHD faculty, PatrickDevlieger, Devlieger, DHD from the European Union Center, Dr. Tamar Heller, DHD faculty,and andDr. Dr. Patrick DHD adjunct faculty and anthropology Professor at Leuven University Belgium, led the initiative “International adjunct faculty and anthropology Professor at Leuven University, Belgium, led the initiative “International Seminar Series and Symposium on Disability Inclusion.”

Dr. Devlieger came totoChicago towork workonon a proposal Seminar Series and Symposium on Disability Inclusion.”

Dr. Devlieger came Chicago to a proposal to study a leprosy colony still in existence in Hawaii.

Dr. Heller provided a lecture in an anthropology class to study a leprosy colony still in existence in Hawaii. Dr. Heller provided a lecture in an anthropology class at Leuven University was aand jurist an international disability filmfilm festival filmsfrom from Poland, at Leuvenand University wasina jurist in an international disability festivalfeaturing featuring films Poland, Australia, andAustralia, Canada.and TheCanada. winning film titled ”Out of Water” from Polish director Gracjana Piechula is The winning film titled ”Out of Water” from Polish director Gracjana Piechulaabout is a hearing child of deaf adults (CODA), Zosia, who together with her dad sets off to fight for her dream about a hearing child of deaf adults (CODA), Zosia, who together with her dad sets off to fight for her dream swimming competition.

Along theAlong way, the they encounter complications that put therole roleofof interpreter swimming competition. way, they encounter complications that putZosia Zosia in in the interpreter and intermediary between her deaf her father the rest the Having startstotobebe only and intermediary between deafand father and theof rest of world. the world.

Havingaavoice voice starts notnot only a a privilege for the girl, but also a burden.

More exchanges are planned for this year including the showing privilege for the girl, but also a burden. More exchanges are planned for this year including the showing of of the film “Codethe offilm the“Code Freaks” accompanied by oneby ofone its producers, Dr. Dr. Alyson andparticipation participation of the Freaks” accompanied of its producers, AlysonPatsavas, Patsavas and of of Dr. Devlieger Dr. in DHD classes.

Devlieger in DHD classes.

ContinuingContinuing Practicums with Taiwanese Students Practicums with Taiwanese Students The Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) has maintained an MOU with the Taipei The Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) has maintained an MOU with the Taipei Medical Medical University’s College of Nursing and the School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care since 2016.

University’s College of Nursing and the School of Gerontology and Long-Term Care since 2016. As part of As part of itsits International Practicum course, 2-4 upper undergraduate or graduate students majoring in International Practicum course, 2-4 upper undergraduate or graduate students majoring in Gerontology Gerontology and andLong-Term Long-Term Care engage in mentorship, research, and educational events facilitated by Care engage in mentorship, research, and educational events facilitated by DHD. Dr. Kelly DHD. Dr. KellyHsieh Hsiehcoordinates coordinates this program, crafting a four-week curriculum emphasizing the intersection this program, crafting a four-week curriculum emphasizing the intersection of disability of disability and andaging. aging.

This initiative provides students with knowledge and practical experience in This initiative provides students with knowledge and practical experience in disability research, disability research, advocacy, culture, policy, and assistive technology. This year, our participants included advocacy, culture, policy, and assistive technology. This year, our participants included four students: Maufour students: Mau-Yuan 'Johnny' Cheng, Tsung-Yu 'Neo' Li, Tsai-Ching 'Callista' Tsai (undergraduates), Yuan 'Johnny' Cheng, Tsung-Yu 'Neo' Li, Tsai-Ching 'Callista' Tsai (undergraduates), and Nan- Ching 'Nancy' and Nan- Ching 'Nancy' Li (graduate). The program entailed field trips to the Chicago Mayor's Office for Li (graduate). The program entailed field trips to the Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, People with Disabilities, Chicago City Hall, Access Living, and Northshore Senior Center. Additionally, they Chicago City Hall, Access Living, and Northshore Senior Center. Additionally, they led a health education class led a health for education class for older adults at a Taiwanese church and received enthusiastic applause older adults at a Taiwanese church and received enthusiastic applause from the participants. Students from the participants.

Students were thrilled to visit DHD’s Assistive Technology Unit, where they had the were thrilled to visit DHD’s Assistive Technology Unit, where they had the opportunity to operate powered opportunity to operate powered wheelchairs. At the end of the program, students presented to the DHD wheelchairs. At the end of the program, students presented to the DHD community, fostering engaging community, fostering engaging discussions with faculty and staff. Overall, students heartily expressed their discussions with faculty and staff. Overall, students heartily expressed their positive experiences and gained positive experiences and gained insights into disability and aging, with a particular appreciation for the insights into disability and aging, with a particular appreciation for the informative site visits: informative site visits: “Through this course, I not only gained “Through course, not only gained knowledge and skills, but also developed confidence in the future. knowledge and skills,this but also I developed I can become a more influential and professional nurse practitioner and provide better confidence inI firmly the believe future.that I firmly believe support a and care to people withand disabilities and developmental disabilities. “ that I can become more influential professional nurse practitioner and provide “I not onlycare participated in the House better support and to people with of Welcome program, which supports individuals with dementia and provides respite caredisabilities. for caregivers, disabilities and developmental “ but also joined elderly ladies in knitting for children in hospitals and played table tennis with senior gentlemen.”

“I not only participated in the House Caption:which TMU students visited Chicago City Hall, from left to right: Nancy Li, Anna Campbell of WelcomePhoto program, supports (Executive Assistant to MOPD Commissioner) Neo Li, Rachel Arfa (MOPD commissioner), Jae Jin Pak individuals with dementia and provides Photo Caption: TMU students visited Chicago City Hall, (DHD staff), Callista Johnny Cheng. respite care for caregivers, butTsai, alsoand joined elderly ladies in knitting for children in from left to right: Nancy Li, Anna Campbell (Executive hospitals and played table tennis with Assistant to MOPD Commissioner), Neo Li, Rachel Arfa (MOPD Commissioner), Jae Jin Pak (DHD staff), Callista senior gentlemen.”

Tsai, and Johnny Cheng.

13 Page 13.

Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic.

New Staff the Disabilities NewJoins Staff Joins theDevelopmental Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic Family Clinic Joyce Chau graduated with her Science in Speech, and LearningUniversity. at Northwestern Joyce Chau graduated with herMaster Master of of Science in Speech, Language,Language, and Learning at Northwestern She University.isShe is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Illinois and a credentialed provider and evaluator a licensed speech-language pathologist in Illinois and a credentialed provider and evaluator for the Illinois Early for the Illinois Early Program.

Intervention Joycehelping is passionate about helping their full Intervention Joyce isProgram. passionate about young children meet their full young potentialchildren in the earlymeet years of potential development in the earlyand years of development and is dedicated in making a positive impact on their is dedicated in making a positive impact on their families. With experience in both outpatient clinicfamilies.

With experience in bothsettings, outpatient clinic and home-based settings, shechildren specializes in working medically and home-based she specializes in working with medically complex including those withwith extreme complex children including those with extreme prematurity, failure to thrive, genetic syndromes, prematurity, failure to thrive, genetic syndromes, cleft lip and palate, tracheostomy/ventilator dependence, feedingcleft lip and palate, tracheostomy/ventilator dependence, tube dependence, and autism spectrum disorder. feeding tube dependence, and autism spectrum disorder.

Joyce usesJoyce a caregiver coaching and child-led approach in her therapy sessions to address uses a caregiver coachingmodel model and child-led approach in her therapy sessions to address family concerns and family concerns and assist families in achieving their goals.

She takes the time to understand each family’s priorities, assist families in achieving their goals. She takes the time to understand each family’s priorities, tailoring interventions tailoring interventions to their unique strengths, needs by recognizing strengths, interests, to their unique needs by recognizing interests, and building a foundation of trust. and building a foundation of trust.

Photo caption: Headshot of Joyce Chau wearing a white blouse with a blurred outdoor background.

Joyce's goal is to caregivers tohome advocate Joyce's goal is to empower caregivers to advocate for their children andempower provide strategies to support

forchildren their access children and provide to support carryover of therapy activities. Joyce aims to help communication throughstrategies various modalities

home carryover therapy Joyce aims to so that they can build relationships and communicate with their of loved ones. In activities. addition to supporting help children inaccess through children with their communication needs, Joyce has specialized training,communication evaluating, and treating feedingvarious modalities that they build relationships and and swallowing difficulties. She collaborates with families toso understand their can culture and routines around

communicate witha nurturing their loved ones.

In children addition to mealtimes to create positive mealtime experiences.

She strives to foster environment where

supporting children with their communication needs, Joyce has specialized in training, evaluating, and treating feeding and She At UIC, Joyce sees Early Intervention children at the Developmental Disabilities’ (DD)swallowing Child and Family difficulties.

Development collaborates with families understand their culture Center and in their home. She also sees children over 3 years old at the DD Family Clinic to to support speech, language, and routines around mealtimes to create positive and feeding development. Joyce also supports the Assistive Technology Unit team with completing augmentative and mealtime experiences. She strives to foster a nurturing alternative communication evaluations in the community. environment where children can safely consume and .

Joyce Chau explore new foods. can safely consume and explore new foods.

DHD Family Clinic - We're here for you:

At UIC, Joyce sees Early Intervention children at the Developmental Disabilities’ (DD) Child and Family .

Development Hours:Center and in their home. She also sees children over 3 years old at the DD Family Clinic to Monday tolanguage, Friday: 9 am to 4 pm support speech, and feeding development. Joyce also supports the Assistive Technology Unit Saturday to Sunday: closed team with completing augmentative and alternative communication evaluations in the community. .

Address: 1640 W. Roosevelt DHD Family Clinic -Rd.We're here for you DHSP 103 You can contact us at: Hours: Chicago, IL 60608 .

Monday–Friday: 9 am to 4 pm You can contact us at: Saturday-Sunday: closed Email: ddfc@uic.edu Email: ddfc@uic.edu .

Phone: 312-413-1871 Address: Phone: 312-413-1871.

1640 W. Roosevelt Rd.

DHSP 103 QR code to learn more about our services or visit the website: Chicago, Scan IL 60608 bit.ly/3GRPGFi .

Learn about our services: bit.ly/3GRPGFi

14 Page 14.

The LEND Program The LEND Program.

IL LEND Program Receives Grant to Improve School Safety IL LEND Program Receives Grant to Improve School Safety.

IL LEND and its partner, Advocate Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Developmental Center (ACH/PDC), have been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Resources and Services Administration IL LEND andHealth its partner, Advocate Children’s Hospital and the Pediatric Developmental Center (ACH/PDC), to address school safety for autistic students.

Even though injuries have been awarded a $50,000 grant by the Health Resources and Services Administration to address school pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of autistic children safety for autistic students. Even though injuries pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of and adolescents, few in few educational autistic very children andprofessionals adolescents, very professionalssettings, in educational settings, where children spend a where children spend a large amount of their time, have the skills identify and appropriately intervene to large amount of their time, have the skills and confidence to screen, and confidence to wandering screen, identify and toappropriately intervene decrease nor the training counsel families about safety. With this grant, IL LEND in collaboration to decrease with wandering nor the training to counsel families about ACH/PDC will pilot ECHO Autism School Safety (EASS) to prepare a new population of interdisciplinary safety. With providers this grant, IL LEND in collaboration with ACH/PDC will and adolescents with autism spectrum in school settings to address the safety needs of children pilot ECHO Autism School Safety (EASS) to prepare a new population disorder and developmental disabilities (ASD/DD) across the state. Photo caption: Photo of a yellow school of interdisciplinary school settings address the safety bus withproviders a small blueinwheelchair sticker ontothe front bumper. needs of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities (ASD/DD) the state.

Introducing New Central Illinois across LEND Faculty

New Central IllinoisofLEND Faculty Dr. Laura Mattie is an Associate Professor in Introducing Speech and Hearing Science at the University Illinois UrbanaChampaign (UIUC). She received her doctorate in education and human development from Colorado Dr.on Laura is an Associate Professordevelopment in Speech and State University. Dr. Mattie’s research focuses early Mattie social, cognitive, and communicative Hearing Science at the University of Illinois Urbanain infants and young children with neurogenetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Champaign (UIUC). received doctorate Williams syndrome) and autism spectrum disorders.

Her work examinesShe syndromespecificher patterns of early in education and human development from Colorado development and developmental trajectories. She leads the Development in Neurogenetic Disabilities Lab.State Dr. top Mattie’s research focuses on early social, Photo caption: headshot of Dr. Laura MattieUniversity. wearing a black and a purple cardigan. cognitive, and communicative development in infants and young children with and neurogenetic disorders (e.g., Down Dr. Marie Moore Channell is also an Associate Professor in Speech Hearing Science at the University syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome) of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She received her doctorate in developmental psychology from and autism spectrum Her work examines syndromethe University of Alabama. Dr. Channell’s research focuses on disorders. the development of language, cognition, specific patterns of early development and developmental and social-emotional skills in individuals with Down syndrome or other neurodevelopmental disorders trajectories. leads the Development in Neurogenetic associated with intellectual disability, particularly duringShe middle childhood and adolescence.

The longDr. Laura Mattie Disabilities Lab. term goal of this work is to improve postsecondary education and employment opportunities and support independent living outcomes for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability in general. She

Dr. Marie Moore is also an Associate Lab Professor leads theChannell Intellectual Disabilities Communication (IDCL). Together, Drs. Mattie and Channell will direct in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois the IL LEND Central Illinois training site and be a resource to LEND trainees in the region.

Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

Sheof received her wearing doctorate in top and a navy cardigan.

Photo caption: headshot Dr. Marie Moore an orange developmental psychology from the University of Alabama. Dr. Channell’s research focuses on the development of language, cognition, and social-emotional skills in individuals with Down syndrome or other neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability, particularly during middle childhood and adolescence. The long-term goal of this work is to improve postsecondary education and employment opportunities and support independent living outcomes for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disability in general. She leads the Intellectual Disabilities Communication Lab (IDCL). Together, Drs. Mattie and Channell will direct the IL LEND Central Illinois Dr. Marie Moore training site and be a resource to LEND trainees in the region.

15

Page 15.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Center.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Center HOPE – Hispanic Outreach for People with Disabilities in Employment.

The Hispanic Outreach for People with Disabilities in Employment (HOPE) is part of a broader national Spanish Language Outreach Project (SLO), which is a new five-year collaborative initiative between the ADA National Network (ADANN) ten regional ADA Centers and the ADA Knowledge Translation Center. The SLO project is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and the Ford Foundation, and aims to coordinate ADA outreach with Spanish-speaking The Hispanic Outreach for and People Disabilities The webinar include topics communities, identify national regionalwith ADA-related training, information, and product trainings needs, and develop and sustain new such as: community partnerships. in Employment (HOPE) is part of a broader national foundational concepts of disability, laws, policies, What community does it reach?

Spanish Outreach Project (SLO), which inisthe benefits, rights; in region, Latinowhich communities; TheLanguage HOPE project connects with Spanish-speaking communities six states thatand are part of the disability Great Lakes ADA Illinois,collaborative Indiana, Michigan, initiative Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. regionof has afamily; diverse population, with Latinos a newincludes five-year between the Overall, the thisrole barriers and being facilitators to the second-largest minority group in the region with a population of approximately 4.5 million people and 10% of these with a ADA National disability. Network (ADANN) ten regional ADA implementing disability rights in employment for What arethe the specific and products of this project?

Centers and ADA activities Knowledge Translation Center. Spanish-speaking communities; employment and HOPE focuses on creating, delivering, and evaluating an outreach/training program involving information dissemination, in-person The SLO project is funded by the National Institute Title I; disability advocacy and awareness; applied workshops, and webinar training on employment rights and responsibilities under the ADA (Title I of the ADA). This project targets on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation case scenarios; and tools for application. a broad audience including people with disabilities and their families and localstudies communityand leaders (e.g., from non-profit and service agencies, churches, schools, etc.) in Spanish speaking communities. The outreach/training activities are presented in both Spanish Research (NIDILRR) and the Ford Foundation, and and English both in-person and via webinar in each of the six Great Lakes region states. The webinar trainings include topics such as: aims to coordinate outreach with SpanishWhatinisLatino thecommunities; progresstheso far? foundational concepts ADA of disability, laws, policies, benefits, and rights; disability role of family; barriers and facilitators to implementing disability rights in employment for Spanish-speaking communities; employment and Title I; disability speaking communities, identify national and regional The HOPE project has conducted a series of advocacy and awareness; applied case studies and scenarios; and tools for application.

ADA-related information, and product Webinars in the Great Lakes region, presented What is thetraining, progress so far?

HOPEdevelop project has and conducted a seriesnew of Webinars in the Great Lakes region, presented in localconferences and state conferences needs,Theand sustain community in local and state andandcommunity community events targeting Spanish-speaking communities, and disseminated new bilingual information and products on the rights partnerships.

Spanish-speaking communities, and responsibilities under the ADA for this community. We aim to createevents and sustaintargeting new partnerships to better facilitate knowledge translation of employment and ADA-related information, products, tools, and resources to Spanish-speaking communities.

We and disseminated new bilingual information and anticipate increasing the empowerment of community members and community leaders by providing increased awareness and What knowledge community does it reach? products on the rights and responsibilities under about employment and the ADA.

HOPE – Hispanic Outreach for People with Disabilities in Employment

The HOPE project connects with Spanish-speaking the ADA for this community. We aim to create The team in DHD at UIC is Dr. Sarah Parker Harris (Professor), Dr. Rob Gould (Associate Clinical Professor), Dr. Mariana Torres Garcia communities in the six states that are part of the and sustain new partnerships to better facilitate (Post-doctoral Fellow), Robin Jones (Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center), Claudia Diaz (Associate Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center), Oscar Gonzalez (ADA Spanish Language OutreachIllinois, Project Coordinator), and two graduate student research assistants.

Great Lakes ADA region, which includes knowledge translation of employment and ADAPhoto caption: ADA circular logo with black text Great Lakes ada Center and sub text Dirigiendo sus preocupaciones de ADA in the Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. related information, products, tools, and resources middle and yellow, blue, and pink streamers coming out of the top and bottom of the text with 6 arching open maze squares each Overall, thisof region a diverse population, with to Spanish-speaking communities. We anticipate outside the top andhas bottom streamers followed by green and black dots.

LatinosContact being the second-largest minority group in increasing the empowerment of community the Center Monday to Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm CT at: the region with a population of approximately 4.5 members and community leaders by providing 800-949-4232 or. of these with a disability. millionphone#: people and 10% increased awareness and knowledge about by email adagreatlakes@uic.edu employment and the ADA. . the Great Lakes ADAactivities Center: What Follow are the specific and products of this project?

The team in DHD at UIC is Dr. Sarah Parker Harris facebook: @adagreatlakes HOPE focuses on creating, delivering, and evaluating (Professor), Dr. Rob Gould (Associate Clinical instegram: greatlakesada an outreach/training program involving information Professor), Dr. Mariana Torres Garcia (Post-doctoral website: www.adagreatlakes.org dissemination, in-person workshops, and webinar Fellow), Robin Jones (Director of the Great Lakes ADA . training on employment rights and responsibilities Center), Claudia Diaz (Associate Director of the Great linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/great-lakes-ada-center/ under .the ADA (Title I of the ADA). This project targets Lakes ADA Center), Oscar Gonzalez (ADA Spanish tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adagreatlakes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc a broad audience including people with disabilities Language Outreach Project Coordinator), and two and their families and local community leaders (e.g., graduate student research assistants. from non-profit and service agencies, churches, schools, etc.) in Spanish speaking communities. The outreach/training activities are presented in both Spanish and English both in-person and via webinar in each of the six Great Lakes region states.

Contact the Center Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm CT at: phone#: 800-949-4232 or by email adagreatlakes@uic.edu Follow the Great Lakes ADA Center: www.adagreatlakes.org

@adagreatlakes

greatlakesada

https://www.linkedin.com/company/great-lakes-ada-center/

https://www.tiktok.com/@adagreatlakes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

16

Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) Assistive Technology Academic Opportunities Expand Page 16.

Assistive Technology Unit (A.T.U.).

UCEDD academic options in Assistive Technology (AT) continue to expand. In addition to the popular .

AssistiveAssistive Technology Certificate Program (ATCP), AT will be one of the two Areas of Concentration in the reTechnology Academic Opportunities Expand.

designed DHD Master of Science degree program. The ATCP has 70 active students, and over 250 graduates. options in Assistive Technology (A.T) continue to expand. In addition to the popular Assistive Areas of UCEDD Focus academic include Augmentative and Alternative Communication, AT for Learning, and Comprehensive Technology Certificate Program (ATCP), (A.T) will be one of the two Areas of Concentration in the re-designed DHD AT. The Comprehensive AT focus area isATCP especially appropriate forover professionals hoping broaden Master of Science degree program.

The has 70 active students, and 250 graduates.

Areas ofto Focus include their AT Augmentative Communication, A.T.the for Learning, and Comprehensive A.T..and The Assistive Comprehensive knowledge base, as and theyAlternative work toward achieving Rehabilitation Engineering Technology AT focus area is especially appropriate for professionals hoping to broaden their A.T. knowledge base, as they work Society of North America (RESNA) Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) professional credential. toward achieving the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Assistive Technology Professional (A.T.P) professional credential.

Photo caption: Three people are in the image.

A manissits a wheelchairUIC andcampus is lookingcertificate at a speech generating The ATCP aninapproved and is accredited device that is mounted to his wheelchair. Two women stand next to him. The woman closest to him is looking by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education at the same speech generating device screen. The second woman is looking at something outside of the image.

Programs (CAAHEP). theinIntroduction to the Assistive The speech generating device screen has pictures and words on it Following that are unclear the image. .

Technology course, all coursework is graduate level. Courses

are online and asynchronous, enabling students and working

The A.T.C.P is an approved UIC campus certificate and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied professionals to review the material when it allfits their schedule.

Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Following the Introduction to the Assistive Technology course, coursework is graduate level. Courses are online and asynchronous, studentsdegree and working to review the The Masterenabling of Science AT professionals Area of Concentration will material when it fits their schedule. The Master of Science degree A.T. Area of Concentration will enable students enable students and working professionals to dive deeper into and working professionals to dive deeper into specific AT topics and makes available expanded field experience specific AT topics and makes available expanded field experience opportunities.

opportunities.

Assistive Technology Unit Mobile Capacity Expands

Assistive Technology Unit Mobile Capacity Expands

Through continued support from the Illinois Department of Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) has expanded its mobile unit fleet to 10 vehicles. The vehicles range from sedans to Throughcargo continued the Illinoisboth Department of and shop machinery to clients at their vans, giving support the A.T.U thefrom capability of bringing evaluation equipment home, school, or work environments.

The ATU provides services approximately 1,100 consumers annually, in areas Human Services – Division of Rehabilitation Services, the to Assistive that include Augmentative and Alternative Communication, A.T. for Learning, Computer Access, Seating and Wheeled Technology Unit (ATU) has expanded its mobile unit fleet to 10 Mobility, and Worksite Modification. If you see a mobile unit being driven on the street, it’s being driven by one of our vehicles.occupational The vehicles rangephysical fromtherapists, sedans to cargo vans,pathologists, giving therehabilitation engineers, or architects. therapists, speech-language

ATU the capability of bringing both evaluation equipment shop services programs, please visit For more information on the ATU’s academic andand clinical machinery clients at at: their home, school, or Director work environments. ourtowebsite ww.uicatu.org or ATU Dr. Glenn Hedman ghedman@uic.edu.

The ATU provides services to approximately 1,100 consumers Two women are in an office. The woman in the foreground has her back to the camera. She annually,Photo in caption: areas that include Augmentative and Alternative uses a wheelchair and has a stylus in her left hand to type on a speech generating device that is mounted to Communication, AT for Learning, Computer Access, Seating and keyboard with numbers 0 through 9. her wheelchair. The speech generating device screen displays a QWERTY woman inand the background stands with her arms crossed at the woman in the foreground.

WheeledThe Mobility, Worksite Modification.

If you see looking a mobile . unit being driven on the street, it’s being driven by one of our For more information abouttherapists, the Assistivespeech-language Technology Certificate, visit the below link or occupational therapists, physical scan the QR code: pathologists, rehabilitation engineers, or architects. For more Go.uic.edu/Dhdatcp information on the ATU’s academic and clinical services programs, please visit . our website at : ww.uicatu.org or ATU Director Dr. Glenn Hedman ghedman@uic.edu.

Visit the following website or scan the QR code for more information about the Assistive Technologies Certificate: Go.uic.edu/Dhdatcp

17 Page 17.

Support SupportDHD DHD. Albrecht Global Disability Albrecht Global Disability.

Rachael Wanjagua is a recipient of the Rachael Wanjagua is a recipient of the Albrecht Global Disability Impact Award and a current PhD student in Albrecht Global Disability Impact Award DHD’s Disability Studies program.

She spent fifteen years providing physiotherapy and assistive devices to and a current PhD student in DHD’s children and youth with disabilities in rural Kenya where it is difficult to access healthcare services. During Disability Studies program.

She spent eight of the fifteen years, she lived with fifteen years providing physiotherapy andand supported adults with intellectual disabilities in a communal setting. assistive devices to children and youth . with disabilities in rural Kenya where it Engaging with studiesservices. revealed knowledge gaps on experiences of people with intellectual is difficult to accessdisability healthcare disabilities from the global south. led to implementing research in Kenya to determine services for During eight of the fifteen years, sheThis lived Photo caption: Rachael Wanjagua presenting with her families and people with intellectual disabilities Rachael trained and employed two research assistants with with and supported adults with intellectual reasearh assistants Francis Maiki and Winnie Wanjiku intellectual disabilities setting. who helped interview ten people with intellectual disabilities and ten caregivers disabilities in a communal (left to right).

and conduct four focus groups. Data analysis is ongoing. Preliminary findings of the study with the host disability agency and some of their target parent and teacher groups are: the study increases the knowledge Engaging with disability studies revealed knowledge gaps on experiences of people with intellectual around researching with people with intellectual disabilities in global south contexts and contributes to disabilities from the global south. This led to implementing research in Kenya to determine services for the improvement of local services for people with intellectual disabilities in Kenya. The Albrecht award families and people with intellectual disabilities. Rachael trained and employed two research assistants with facilitated Rachael’s travel from the US to Kenya to train the research assistants and conduct the research. intellectual disabilities who helped interview ten people with intellectual disabilities and ten caregivers Photo caption: Rachael Wanjagua presenting with her reasearh assistants Francis Maiki and and conduct four focus groups. Data analysis is ongoing. Preliminary findings of the study with the host Winnie Wanjiku (left to right).

disability agency and some of their target parent and teacher groups are: the study increases the knowledge around researching with people with intellectual disabilities in global south contexts and contributes to the Disability Research in Zimbabwe. improvement of local services for people with intellectual disabilities in Kenya. The Albrecht award facilitated Rachael’s travel from the US to Kenya to train the research assistants and conduct the research.

Kudzai Shava, with funding from the Albrecht Global Disability Impact fund, is a recent graduate of DHD’s PhD in Disability Studies program and a blind disability rights activist from Zimbabwe. His “Rethinking Disability in Zimbabwe humanResearch rights and citizenship for blind people in Zimbabwe: A qualitative analysis of the visually impaired community and the struggle for social inclusion” research is the first Zimbabwean study that analyzes blind Kudzai people's Shava, with funding from the Albrecht and Global Disability Impact Fund, is a recent knowledge, beliefs and experiences; explores how these could be leveraged and graduate translated of DHD’s PhD ininto Disability Studies program and a blind disability rights activist from Zimbabwe.

His “Rethinking that community’s increased sense of empowerment, self-determination and the capacity to formulate humanstrategies rights and citizenship for blind A and qualitative analysis ofand theexclusion. visually impaired for engaging in activism and people advocacyin in Zimbabwe: the face of overt covert discrimination community and the struggle for social inclusion” research is the first Zimbabwean study that analyzes blind It will immensely contribute to the body of knowledge in disability studies from an African perspective people's knowledge, beliefsAfrican and experiences; and grossly explores how these could leveraged and translated given that the southern region is particularly understudied in this field.be Various stakeholders into that community’s increased sense of empowerment, self-determination and the capacity to formulate can utilize evidence from this research in mainstreaming disability in their programming, policy formulation strategies engaging in activism and advocacy in the that facethe of overt andStudies covertprogram discrimination and exclusion. andfor practice.

Kudzai’s ultimate career goal is to ensure Disability is also offered It will immensely contribute to the body of knowledge in disability studies from an African perspective given at universities in Zimbabwe to enable the training of more scholars in this discipline locally. To this end, that thehesouthern region is particularly grossly understudied in this field. Various stakeholders can endeavorsAfrican to promote institutional partnerships and networking between Zimbabwean and American utilize evidence from this research in mainstreaming disability in their programming, policy formulation academics through collaborative disability research..

and practice. Kudzai’s ultimate career goal is to ensure that the Disability Studies program is also offered at universities in Zimbabwe to enable the training of more scholars in this discipline locally. To this end, he endeavors to promote institutional partnerships and networking between Zimbabwean and American academics through collaborative disability research.

Page 18.

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We appreciate your in-kind donations to our DHD funds.

We appreciate your in-kind donations to our DHD funds Anne Hopkins Scholarship Fund. For DHD graduate students interested in disability and sex, relationshipsScholarship and dating, social model For of disability, Hopkins Fund.

DHD and social entrepreneurship.

Anne graduateCarlos students interested disabilityAward. and sex, Drazen MemorialinResearch To support educational opportunities for DHD graduate relationships and dating, social model of disability, students interested in the intersection of race and disability. and social entrepreneurship.

Edward Page-El Fund MD Student Award Fund. To support educational opportunities for DHD graduate students in socialResearch or medical aspects of neurological disabilities.

Drazeninterested Memorial Award.

Carlos To support educational for Fund DHD To support DHD Disability Studies doctoral students UIC Albrecht Globalopportunities Disability Impact graduateconducting studentsevidence interested in the intersection of based global research, scholarship, practice, education, and policy. race and disability.

UIC Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) Fund. For support of the ATU, including but not limited to equipment modification, community distribution, Edwardpurchase Page-Eland Fund MD Student Award Fund. and educational efforts.

To support educational for the DHD UIC Bodies of Workopportunities Support Fund. For Bodies of Work Project, which is a network of artists and graduateorganizations students interested in social or medical whose art showcases and celebrates the disability experience, housed in DHD. aspects of neurological disabilities.

UIC Disabled People of Color Coalition (DPOCC) Fund. For support of the collaborative work between DHD and the Chicagoland DPOCC including a DHD UIC Albrecht Global Disability Impact Fund.

To scholarship fund, accessibility, accommodations, travel costs, and seminar support.

support DHD Disability Studies doctoral students UIC DHD/OT Black and Latinx Student conducting evidenceandbased research, UIC Disability Human global Development Annual Fund for Excellence. For unrestricted use in the Scholarship Fund. For support of DHD and Department of Disability and and Human Development. scholarship, practice, education, policy.

Occupational Therapy students. Preference is given to students who contribute to the diversity UIC Assistive Technology Unit (ATU) Fund. For UIC DHD/OT Black and Latinx Student Scholarship Fund.

For support DHD and Occupational Therapy of each unit, ofwith further preference given to support students. of the ATU, including not limited to Preference is givenbut to students who contribute to the diversity of each unit, with further preference students that aim to serve or do research with equipment purchase and modification, given to students that aim to serve orcommunity do research with Black and Latinx communities or that are involved in Black and Latinx communities or that are involved or interested in student organizations at UIC that promote Black and Latinx interests in society. distribution, and educational efforts. in or interested in student organizations at UIC Black and Latinx interests UIC of Neal H. Gottlieb Memorial Fund. For that juniorpromote or senior undergraduate students enrolledininsociety.

UIC Bodies Work Support Fund.Scholarship For the Bodies the BS in DHD program who have a physical disability. of Work Project, which is a network of artists and UIC Neal H. Gottlieb Memorial Scholarship organizations whoseStudent art showcases celebrates Photo caption: wearing aand yellow sweatshirt works on a laptop in the foreground. Two other students Fund. For junior or senior undergraduate students are blurred in the background. the disability experience, housed in DHD. enrolled in the BS in DHD program who have a physical disability.

UIC Disabled People of Color Coalition (DPOCC) To support DHD scan QR code or go to: Fund. For support of the collaborative work https://ahs.uic.edu/alumni/give-to-ahs between DHD and the Chicagoland DPOCC including a DHD scholarship fund, accessibility, To support DHD go to: accommodations, travel costs, and seminar https://ahs.uic.edu/alumni/give-to-ahs support.

UIC Disability and Human Development Annual Fund for Excellence. For unrestricted use in the Department of Disability and Human Development.

DHD Department Head (till December 31, 2023) and IDHD Director Tamar Heller, PhD theller@uic.edu IDHD Associate Director Kueifang (Kelly) Hsieh, PhD hsieh@uic.edu Back cover page:

DHD Associate Head and Incoming Interim Head (starting January 1, 2024) . .

Carrie Sandahl, PhD csandahl@uic.edu

DHD Department Head (till December 31, 2023) and IDHD Director .

Tamar Heller, PhDIDHD theller@uic.edu.

DHD Associate Head, Training Director, Director of Graduate Studies .

Sarah Parker PhDDirector skparker@uic.edu IDHDHarris, Associate Kueifang (Kelly) Hsieh, PhD hsieh@uic.edu .

DHD Director of Undergraduate Studies DHD Associate Head and Incoming Interim Head (starting January 1, 2024) .

Robert Gould, PhD rgould3@uic.edu Carrie Sandahl, PhD csandahl@uic.edu. .

DHD Associate Head, IDHD Training Director, Director of Graduate Studies.

Sarah Parker Harris, PhD skparker@uic.edu. . Advisory Committee Self-Advocates and Family Members Consumer DHD Director of Undergraduate Vincent Smith Lisa Cesal Studies.

Abla Gharib Sarah Demissie Robert Gould, PhD rgould3@uic.edu Jessica Buettner Marty Fox Nora Handler Brittany King .

Michael Grice Stevie Hopkins Dorelia Rivera Cathy Saunders Monica Thorns Jada Mercedes Thompson Consumer Advisory Committee Self-Advocates and Family Members Vincent Smith.

Lisa Cesal.

Abla Gharib.

Sarah Demissie.

Jessica Buettner.

Marty Fox. Nora Handler.

Consumer Advisory Committee Organizational RepresentativesBrittany King.

Michael Grice.

Stevie Hopkins.

Dorelia Rivera.

Cathy Saunders.

Tara Ahern/Adam Wiser, Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance Monica Thorns. Jada Mercedes Thompson.

Rachel Arfa/Lauren Hooberman, Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities .

Kathy Carmody (Chair), Institute on Public Policy forRepresentatives.

Persons with Disabilities Consumer Advisory Committee Organizational TaraIllinois Ahern/ Adam Wiser, Illinois Self Advocacy Alliance.

Ryan Croke, Department of Human Services RachelIllinois Arfa/ Lauren Mayor’s Office Education for People with Disabilities.

Lori Clampitt, BoardHooberman, of Education, Special Department Kathy Carmody (Chair), Institute on Public Policy for Persons with Disabilities.

Donald Dew, Habilitative Systems, Inc. Ryan Croke, Illinois Department of Human Services..

Thane Dykstra, TrinityIllinois Services, Lori Clampitt, BoardInc. of Education, Special Education Department.

Amie Lulinski, The Arc of Illinois Donald Dew, Habilitative Systems, Inc...

Thane Dykstra, Services, Inc..

Thomas Jerkovitz, UICTrinity – Specialized Care for Children Lulinski, The Arc of Illinois.

Kimberly Amie Mercer-Schleider/Mariel Hamer/Margaret Harkness, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Thomas Jerkovitz, – Specialized Leanne Mull, Blue Tower UIC Solutions, Inc. Care for Children Kimberly Mercer-Schleider/ Mariel Hamer/Margaret Harkness, Illinois Council on Developmental DisabiliTonya Piephoff/Sarah Myerscough-Muller/Meg Cooch, Illinois Department of Human Services ties .

Division of Developmental Disabilities Leanne Mull, Blue Tower Solutions, Inc. Tonya Piephoff/ Sarah Myerscough-Muller/ Meg Cooch, Illinois Department of Human Services Zena Naiditch/Nicol Beaumont, Equip for Equality Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Teresa Parks, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission Beaumont, Equip for Equality.

Clint Paul,Zena TheNaiditch/Nicol Hope Institute for Children and Families Teresa Parks, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission.

Jessica Sipovic, Illinois Center for Transition Work, UIUC Clint Paul, The Hope Institute for Childrenand and Families.

Laura Wilhelm, Disability:IN Chicagoland Jessica Sipovic, Illinois Center for Transition and Work, UIUC. Laura Wilhelm, Disability:IN Chicagoland.

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