Center for Disabilities Studies : About Us

Located at the University of Delaware in the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy the Center for Disabilities Studies is one of over sixty University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in the country.

Community Advisory Council
The Center for Disabilities Studies is supported with its work through the contribution of their Community Advisory Council (CAC). The CAC is composed of individuals with developmental disabilities and related disabilities; family members of individuals with developmental disabilities; representatives from disability-related training, service, and advocacy organizations; and representatives from state agencies. Meetings of the CAC are held a minimum of three times a year.

The CAC for the 2008 Fiscal Year include:

Executive Committee
Rita Landgraf, Chair
Tina Fields, Vice Chair
Elizabeth Nolan, Vice Chair
Judy Brimer, Secretary

Members
Marie-Anne Aghazadian, Parent Information Center of Delaware
Martha Brooks , Department of Education
Aaron Deede, advocate
Russ Dynes, Division of Public Health
Micki Edelsohn, parent
Tony Glenn, DFRC
Ann Grunert, Special Olympics Delaware
Andrea Guest, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Brian Hartman, Delaware Disabilities Law Program
Linda Heller, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
Peggy Hirsh, parent
Kyle Hodges, State Council for Persons with Disabilities
Ray Hunt, advocate
Jack Jadach, Leach School
Yolanda Jenkins, Division of Child Mental Health Services
Dan Keating, Bancroft NeuroHealth
Michael Kelleher, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Tom Kelly, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
Brenda Kramer, parent
Pat Maichle, Developmental Disabilities Council
Karen Mancini, University ADA Coordinator
Raetta McCall, Freedom Center for Independent Living
Daniese McMullin- Powell, State Council for Persons with Disabilities
David Michalik, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance
Laurie Nicoli, parent
Terry Olson, Mosaic, Inc.
Alfred Onuonga, Delaware Center for Justice
Ann Phillips, parent
Paul Poplawski, Adult, Adolescent & Family Psychologist
Marianne Smith, Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
Bob Valihura, Delaware State Representative

If you would like more information on the CAC, please contact Tracy Mann at 302-831-3150.

Our partners

Association of University Centers on Disabilities

CDS is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). AUCD is a national network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice through research, education, leadership and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities.

Administration on Developmental Disabilities

The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the U.S. Government organization responsible for implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, known as the DD Act. ADD, its staff and programs, are part of the Administration for Children and Families, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.