Center for Disabilities Studies

CDS’ Debby Boyer selected for national MTSS forum Debby Boyer, MS, an associate director of the University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) and director of its School-Age Services Unit, has been recognized as a leading expert in education and has been selected as one of only 70 professionals nationwide to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Forum. This prestigious event will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and technical assistance experts to discuss advancements in MTSS. At CDS, Boyer oversees the Delaware Multi-tiered System of Support Technical Assistance Center (DE-MTSS TA Center). Established by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) in partnership with CDS in the fall of 2023, the DE-MTSS TA merged the historical Adapting Curriculum & Classroom Environments for Student Success (ACCESS) and Delaware Positive Behavior Support (DE-PBS) initiatives to provide professional development and technical assistance to Delaware educators Read More

Making an impact: the Delaware UCEDD’s Spectrum Scholars The University of Delaware’s Spectrum Scholars, a college-to-career program for autistic students launched in 2018, has graduated its first two students.

For The Record, June 16, 2023 CDS research manager Jess Monahan’s publication in a peer-reviewed journal concerning mental health assessments of autistic college students and CDS Health and Wellness unit director Sarah Mallory’s conference award for her presentation on COVID-19 vaccine access for people with disabilities are highlighted in this roundup of UD-campus achievements.

New technology gives older adults, disability community sense of independence Karen Latimer of the CDS-run Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) demonstrated devices that can help older Delawareans remain independent and safe in their homes at a May 15 event held with the Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities. Devices that support individuals with disabilities throughout the life span are available at DATI’s resource centers for a free trial period.

Presentation on autism and mental health will focus on improving care Because certain mental health conditions can present differently in people with autism, and be experienced more often by these individuals, the CDS-led Delaware Network for Excellence in Autism (DNEA) will hold an online training May 16 for clinicians, family members and others. Participants can increase their understanding of autism and co-occurring diagnoses so they can better support autistic individuals and their mental health. DNEA Director Alicia Fletcher will co-present.