COVID-19 Resources

We want to provide supports and resources that will be helpful to people with disabilities, their families, and those that support them. Among our roles as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, we provide technical assistance and engage in research to support our state and nation to enhance the self-determination and quality of life of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

We have compiled a variety of available resources that might be useful to support learning and engagement at home and in navigating health and safety.

Additional Resource

Self-Advocates and Families Speak About COVID-19

On July 24, 2021, the Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) held an outdoor celebration of the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. KUCDD interviewed self-advocates and their families to understand their thoughts on COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines.

Why We Should Protect Ourselves from COVID-19

How Has COVID-19 Affected Jobs?

Advice from Self-Advocates and Their Families on COVID-19 Vaccines

Life After COVID-19 Vaccinations

How Do You Keep Informed About COVID-19?

Good Communication for Good Health

Emily Worley, a student at the KU Medical Center, shares advice from KUCDD Consumer Advisory Council members about what health care professionals need to know when working with people with developmental disabilities.
Medical student Emily Worley faces camera with self-advocate Ski, who uses a wheelchair

Good Communication for Good Health (video)

Self-Determination Resources

Enhancing Self-Determination for Transition-Age Students at Home (PDF) 

  • What is self-determination?
  • How can students enhance their self-determination at home?

Self-Determination Inventory System

 The SDIS is a free, online system of tools that can be used to understand self-determination in young people and adults. It includes three assessments: 1) ​​the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report (SDI:SR), where students (13 to 22 years old) self-report on self-determination in their lives, and 2) the Self-Determination Inventory: Parent/Teacher Report (SDI:PTR), where parents/family members/teachers can report on the self-determination of a young person, and 3) the Self-Determination Inventory: Adult Report (SDI:AR), where adults 18 and up can self-report on self-determination in their lives. The information from these assessments can be used to understand more about what supports might be helpful to enhance self-determination in the lives of young people and adults. These assessments have accessible features built-in and can be completed in about 10 minutes.

Visit the links below and learn more about your own self-determination today:

SDI:SR (student self-report)

SDI:PTR (parent/teacher report)

SDI:AR (adult self-report)

SDI Report Guide (PDF) (understand results from your assessment)

Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction

The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) is used by teachers to enable students to:

  • Set goals
  • Make choices and decisions
  • Develop plans to reach goals
  • Track progress toward goals

You can read more about the SDLMI through the SDLMI Teacher's Guide (PDF)  that describes the learning model and how teachers can use the model to support students with or without disabilities.