Disabilities Specialist Program

A Program That Puts the Focus on Abilities

The Disabilities Specialist Program—An exciting opportunity for students to explore the career path of supporting people with disabilities.

Each person brings unique gifts and skills to enrich society.

People with disabilities are an integral part of the fabric of Connecticut? communities. Each person brings unique gifts and skills to enrich society. By working together, people with disabilities and those who support them can create an unbeatable team. Learn from people who live the experience. Explore the field of disabilities across the life-span by meeting and learning from people who live the experience. Courses include:

• Children with Disabilities
• Adults with Disabilities
• Children and Adults with Disabilities and the Learning Process
• Issues and Trends in Disabilities

“The Disabilities Specialist Program gave me the skills and knowledge to make a difference in someone’s life.”
—Recent graduate

“Through this program, students have come to realize the tremendous contributions people with disabilities make to Connecticut communities.”
—Former Advisory Committee Member

Career Opportunities

The Disabilities Specialist Associate Degree and Certificate Programs provide educational opportunities for people currently employed and those interested in working in the disability field. Through individual consultation, each student will pursue a course of study with an emphasis upon the unique vocational goals he or she wishes to achieve.

While specific skills instruction is provided, the focus of the curriculum is on building a strong knowledge base coupled with a positive value base that will prepare each student to assist children and adults with disabilities toward the goals of full community inclusion and participation. Students will recognize and enhance the dignity, respect and contribution of every child and adult with a disability.

A Variety of Settings

Most work settings are in schools, workplaces, community associations, apartments and homes in the community. Concepts that are stressed include “community-building” and individual capacity-building techniques and procedures. Creativity, sensitivity, and a capacity to concentrate on the abilities of the whole person are essential characteristics of a disability specialist.

Opportunities
Many companies value an employee who understands how to work with and include men and women with disabilities into the work force. With the national and state policy emphasis on community inclusion, new job opportunities are being developed by professional service delivery agencies, by companies who wish to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and by individuals with disabilities who are employing men and women who provide personal assistance services.