Interdisciplinary Leadership in Disability Studies Graduate Certificate
The Interdisciplinary Leadership in Disability Studies Graduate Certificate, commonly referred to as the ILDS GC, is offered through the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Graduate Studies and the Institute for Human Development. Courses are available fully online.
The certificate is available as a stand-alone certificate or can be added to a master’s or doctorate program from various disciplines. Some common disciplines we have seen are:
- Social work
- Law
- Medicine
- Urban Planning
- Education
Through this 12-credit hour (four-course) graduate-level program, students will develop and deepen their understanding of disability and become empowered through their knowledge to advocate for individuals with disabilities within their respective career field(s).
Disability Studies is a relatively new, interdisciplinary field focused on the social and cultural context of disability. Similar to women’s studies or African American studies, the field considers disability a social minority group and identifies ways disability is constructed culturally, politically and economically.
For more information or questions, please email ilds@umkc.edu.
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
The LEND program provides graduate level interdisciplinary training as well as interdisciplinary services and care. The LEND training program helps to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence.
TIPS for Kids
In Missouri, the Training in Interdisciplinary Partnerships and Services (TIPS) for Kids program is the LEND program within the state. It provides intensive training for advanced graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly autism. The core training consists of 300 hours over the course of an academic year.
The Institute for Human Development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (IHD UMKC), as a University Center for Excellence (UCEDD), collaborates with the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri to provide expert faculty, facilities, and other necessary resources to provide exceptional interdisciplinary training and services.
Succeed Program (University of Missouri-St. Louis)
The Institute for Human Development also supports post-secondary education of people with disabilities through Succeed – our sister program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The program encourages and facilitates students in gaining independence through academics, vocational experiences and college/residential/student life.
Students can explore their interests in going to college through the ShowMeCollege website.
Student Internship Opportunities
As part of providing educational opportunities and supporting career growth, IHD also offers summer internships for students with disabilities. More information will soon be available on the application process.
