Center for Disabilities Studies

Former Milford hospital’s gift shop becomes a hub for assistive tech The University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies celebrated the grand opening of its Kent/Sussex Assistive Technology Resource Center on June 15 at the Milford Wellness Village. The facility — part of the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative — houses literally something for anyone with a disability, said CDS Director Beth Mineo. Individuals can try out devices that interest them at home or at work, free, on loan.

‘Speak with a community, not for a community’ Disability advocate Emily Ladau argued that there is no single way to be an ally or activist in the disability community at the May 2 event hosted by Access:Ability Scholars.

What it takes to make Delaware beaches more accessible for visitors with disabilities Center for Disabilities Studies Director Beth Mineo discusses what it takes to make Delaware beaches and seaside towns more accessible to visitors with disabilities. Also advocating for improvements are CDS Community Advisory Council members Brigitte Hancharick, Terri Hancharick, and Kristin Harvey, and Emmanuel Jenkins, faculty with the CDS-run Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program.

Funding Boost As part of the federal government’s omnibus bill passed in March 2022, the University of Delaware has received $12 million for research, workforce and development. The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) Assistive Technology Resource Centers, led by Center for Disabilities Studies Director Beth Mineo, are among the projects receiving funding.

Excellence in Autism Support Award Goes to Delaware UCEDD Research Manager For her “Outstanding Research on Autism in Higher Education,” Jessica Monahan, research manager with the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies’ Spectrum Scholars program, has won an inaugural Excellence in Autism Support award from the College Autism Network.