Education and Training

Students and trainees looking at a spiral bound notebook

We provide training and technical assistance to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to pursue a desired quality of life. Our training focuses on:

  1. interdisciplinary preservice preparation of students and fellows; and
  2. continuing education for professionals to increase knowledge in working effectively with people of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families.

KU LEAP

The goal of the University of Kansas Preparing Leaders to Create Ambitious Educational Programs for Students with Severe Disabilities: Beyond De Minimis, or KU LEAP (PDF), is to prepare four doctoral level scholars who are well qualified for, and can act effectively in, leadership positions in universities in (a) teacher education, (b) research, and (c) service, with specific expertise in the field of special education for students with severe disabilities.

KU ACCESS

The goal of the University of Kansas Access, College, Career, and Extensive and Significant Supports, (KU ACCESS) program is to prepare a cadre of five doctoral level scholars who are well qualified for, and can act effectively in leadership positions in universities in (a) teacher education, (b) research, and (c) service, with specific expertise in the field of secondary education for students with severe disabilities.  

KU LEND

KU Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) training provides graduate and post-graduate level professionals from a variety of disciplines the necessary preparation for becoming future leaders in the field of Developmental Disabilities for the improvement of the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities. The program serves graduate, post-doctoral, continuing education healthcare professionals, and family members of children with disabilities. Trainees participate in 12 areas of leadership competency ensuring a high level of interdisciplinary clinical competence in providing health and related services for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.

SDLMI

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

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. 

Project EARLY

Project EARLY is an Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) doctoral leadership training grant designed to support four PhD students with a focus on early intervention/early childhood special education at KU. The project requires applicants to be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents per the funding agency requirements. 

Project MounTaiN

Project MounTaiN is a 2-year in person and hybrid Master's program in Early Childhood Unified Education. Project MounTaiN scholars can work full-time or hold an additional project fellowship. Project MounTain scholars will learn from national experts to meet the need in: 

  • Intensive intervention strategies
  • Collaboration
  • Family-centered practices
  • Evidence-based interaction
  • Inclusion

Quick Links

Research Projects