UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 9
October 31, 1996
Disabilities center has new name and new home

     The University's Center for Disabilities Studies-formerly
the University Affiliated Program for Families and Developmental
Disabilities-is now administered by the College of Urban Affairs
and Public Policy.
     Formerly administered by the University's Research Office,
the center would become part of the proposed new college being
formed by the reorganization of the colleges of Education, Human
Resources and Urban Affairs and Public Policy.
     The Center for Disabilities Studies continues to fulfill its
mission to serve as a central focal point linking the expertise
of the University to the day-to-day challenges faced by persons
with disabilities, their families and the agency personnel who
work to enhance their lives.
     "Under Don Peters' leadership, the Affiliated Program had
reached a point where it became apparent that it needed a more
formal organizational structure and an academic home for its
educational programs," Provost Mel Schiavelli said .
     The center will continue to have University-wide
participation by faculty, staff and students as it responds to
local, state and national needs for research, training and
technical assistance.
     "Our mission is still to enable people with disabilities to
achieve the personal goals of greater independence, productivity
and inclusion in their communities," Donald Peters, Amy Rextrew
Professor of Individual and Family Studies and director of the
center, said.
     The Center for Disabilities Studies currently has about
$600,000 in federal, state and private foundation grants and
contracts.
     "In addition to offering a series of credit and certificate
programs for agency and school personnel, we have recently begun
an eight-week job training program-Employment Connections-to
place people from welfare entitlement programs into jobs with
community-based programs that serve people with developmental
disabilities," Peters said. Employment Connections was initiated
through a grant from the Delaware Economic Development Office and
has continuing funding from the Longwood Foundation.
     "We are also excited about the Transitions Partnership
Program with the Red Clay School District," Peters added. This
program brings 16 Red Clay students, ages 19-21, with moderate to
severe disabilities to the UD campus. "This is a much more
appropriate social and educational setting for them because of
their age. Their teachers tell me everyone on campus has been
very welcoming."
     "The mission of the Center for Disabilities Studies is very
much consistent with that of the new college," Dan Rich, dean of
the College of Urban Affairs and Public Policy, said. "I expect
that its work will continue to have significant benefits for the
wider community."
                                             -Mary Helen Callahan