What We Do
Partners achieves its mission by assessing the needs of individuals with disabilities, then addressing those needs through research, education, community service, training, technical assistance and collecting and sharing information. View our current projects.
Information
Partners collects and provides current information, research findings, and educational materials on disability issues and models of "promising practice." Resource materials are available for loan to individuals with disabilities, their families, students and professionals.
Community Service, Training & Technical Assistance
Collaborative partnerships are developed with local and state organizations to assist people with disabilities to become fully included in their communities. Partners offers community-based training and technical assistance on topics including but not limited to:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Sensory Processing
- Improving communication between parents and health care providers
- Supporting children in child care settings
- Preventing violence and sexual abuse
- Preventing and treating substance abuse
- Accessibility and assistive devices
- Federal regulations (i.e. IDEA, ADA)
- Age-related disabilities
- Stress and memory
- Person-centered planning
- Specific disabilities and health issues (i.e. autism, sickle cell disease, breast cancer)
- Cultural diversity
- Second language acquisition
- Diversity in children and families
- Developing healthy lifestyles
- Community Access
Research & Evaluation
Partners conducts research to determine the most effective ways to support individuals with disabilities and prevent further disabilities. Partners is also experienced at providing research and evaluation services to social service organizations. Our faculty, staff and consultants have expertise in grant writing, program development, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and measure development.
Education
Partners provides interdisciplinary training to graduate level students who are pursuing careers in health-related professions. Disciplines involved in the training include:
- Audiology
- Dentistry
- Health Administration
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
- Special Education
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Social Work
Systems Change
Partners is involved in multiple efforts to promote collaboration and improvements in the current service delivery system and to work toward full inclusion of people with disabilities in community and statewide programs.
