The Sonoran UCEDD is dedicated to ensuring that future and current professionals working with individuals with disabilities and their families have the skills and training needed in order to provide quality services and supports. We do this by teaching courses throughout the university and health sciences, as well as providing professionals working in the community with educational opportunities. Our own interdisciplinary training programs provide the cornerstone of our work, but there are many opportunities to engage students and professionals in further learning about disability. These efforts are briefly described below.
To learn more, click on the title of each section.
Sonoran UCEDD Interdisciplinary Training Programs (Trainees)
Have questions about our programs? Please contact our Training Director, Jacy Farkas at jkbell@arizona.edu.
Undergraduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities
The Certificate Program is for future professionals in a wide range of settings where they will have clients, patients, or even basic science research touching on issues in the lives of individuals with developmental and other disabilities. The certificate provides upper division undergraduate students with an opportunity to complete a twelve credit program addressing the research, policies and practices impacting the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Course work addresses disability within the context of historical, sociopolitical, educational and health-related issues. Students work with community organizations and participate in community events on disability. Certificate students are Sonoran UCEDD trainees with opportunities for training, conference support, and connection with other trainees from across the country.
Disability Policy Fellowship
This one-year fellowship for undergraduate and graduate students intends to enhance students’ knowledge of the process of policy development relevant to the community of individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Fellows participate in community engagement, leadership, advocacy and scholarly activities throughout the academic year.
Diversity Fellowship
The Diversity Fellowship is intended to involve historically underrepresented students in disability research, practice, and policy. Through the fellowship, students engage in activities that promote diversity and inclusion, as well as engage culturally and linguistically diverse communities as part of their UCEDD related projects.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Disability in Professional Practice: Practitioner & Clinical Internships
Undergraduate and graduate students in a wide variety of disciplines may also become Sonoran UCEDD trainees through in-depth internships to work in community-based programs with UCEDD faculty, assist in UCEDD based research, and develop skills and expertise in the disability field through innovative projects. Trainees will have opportunities for training, conference support, and connection with other trainees from across the country. If you would like to get involved with our Center, please complete this interest form: https://is.gd/SUCED_Opportunities.
For examples of past trainee projects, visit Meet our Trainees and Trainee Spotlights in our newsletter.
Health Sciences Training
The Sonoran UCEDD is working to ensure health professionals are provided the information they need to prepare them to work with people who have disabilities. We have developed and are teaching a required curriculum to second year medical students on human development. We have established an annual interprofessional activity on disabilities for students from the entire health science campus and law school. We are teaching family medicine residents about caring for people with disabilities, with an emphasis on disability culture and history.
Professional Development Training
Responding to the community expressed need for disability service professionals who have an understanding of current trends in disability services and supports, person-centered practices, and leadership skills, the Sonoran UCEDD has developed a series of trainings of interest to disability professionals looking to further their knowledge and skills.
Volunteer, Internship & Research Opportunities
The Sonoran UCEDD mentors students working in a variety of disability related projects as part of our interdisciplinary training program. Community members and students from any discipline have opportunities to take part in the work of our center.
