Welcome to the Center for Disabilities Studies
Our Mission
The mission of the Center for Disabilities Studies is to enhance the lives of individuals and families through education, prevention, service, and research related to disabilities. We promote independence and productivity so individuals and families can fully participate in the life of their communities in Delaware and beyond.
Complete the Autism Spectrum Disorder Survey
The Center for Disabilities Studies is conducting a statewide needs assessment survey for families and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The needs assessment, which includes a survey and listening sessions, will be used to inform a statewide planning process to improve the system of services to individuals with ASD. CDS received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration to act as state lead for the statewide planning process.
Click here for links to the survey in English and Spanish and for information about the listening sessions.
National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition honors Delaware as top text4baby state
NHMHBC hosted a press event and brunch on January 30, 2012 to honor the Center for Disabilities Studies and all the state's partners for their first place win in the State Enrollment Contest. Senator Thomas Carper and Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf spoke at the event. Read the press release.
New Edition of Connecting the Dots is available
The Center for Disabilities Studies and Delaware Family Voices/Family to Family Health Information Center have created a new edition of Connecting the Dots, A Guide to Finding Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs in Delaware. The guide includes suggestions about where to begin your search for information and services; extensive lists of resources for first steps and next steps; a glossary of terms; commonly used acronyms; and stories about families who have been successful in finding support for a child with disabilities or special health care needs
This guide is may be seen or downloaded from this website. To request a printed copy, contact Mary Thomas at maryt@udel.edu.
Support our work
As a research and public service center at the University of Delaware, the Center for Disabilities Studies relies on public and private support from individuals, corporations, foundations and state and federal entities to operate its programs. All gifts to the Center for Disabilities Studies are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Learn how you can help fulfill our mission by contributing to CDS.
CDS in the News
Durable medical equipment partnership with Goodwill of Delaware
(December 2011)
The News Journal featured the durable medical equipment business established by Goodwill of Delaware through a partnership with the Center for Disabilities Studies. The Center received a federal grant to examine the feasibility of the equipment reconditioning, reuse and recycling concept, and Goodwill is providing the retail aspect. Goodwill starts rehabbing medical equipment was in the business section on December 19, 2011.
What’s Next?
Visit the Calendar of Events for more information about future events, including
Feb. 15 - Lunchtime Learning
Did you know?
- The 2010-2011 CDS Annual Report/ 2012 Calendar is now available. View it online or contact msands@udel.edu or 302-831-3038 to receive a copy.
- CLSC applications are available for the 2012-2013 school year. Please contact Mary Thomas at maryt@udel.edu before applying.
- The Summer 2011 issue of delAware - "Strengthening Connections"- is available online. Request a printed copy at
- Read about CDS projects, staff and events in "Project Bridge."
- February 2012
- January 2012
- November-December 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011 issue
- June-July 2011 issue
- May 2011 issue
- The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CDD) has a website dedicated to information about the critical importance of the Social Security disability, survivor and retirement insurance programs for people with disabilities and their families.
- Guide to the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services In Delaware. See the "Want to Know How DDDS Works" page at
www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds.
- Consumer-focused health care website - www.healthcare.gov - helps consumers take control of their health care. It includes a special section for people with disabilities. Spanish version: www.CuidadodeSalud.gov. Find more information about being healthy with a disability at GoHDWD.org.
