The DHD Student Experience
The Department provides students with unique opportunities during their education that embrace three principals: interdisciplinarity, education beyond the classroom and links to the disability community.
Interdisciplinary Learning
The DHD department embraces an interdisciplinary student learning experience by encouraging its students to take advantage of attending classes in departments other than DHD such as Occupational Therapy, Education, and Urban Planning and Public Affairs.
Education Beyond the Classroom
DHD students are provided with opportunities to connect with local disability organizations for volunteer and internship opportunities. The Department has also helped students become involved with non-disability related community groups designed to inspire communication and collaboration around disability issues.
Members of the Disability Community
Many students, based on the networking opportunities provided by the Department, have joined or have become active members of disability related organizations. They have done this by serving as board members and/or working directly for organizations. Students have also seized opportunities to share the knowledge they have gained by training others as well as presenting at conferences across the world.
Field Placement Program with the UIC School of Social Work
In addition to supporting student learning through different departments, IDHD is managing a field placement program with the UIC School of Social Work. Through this program, students in the School of Social Work are participating in IDHD programs, learning about disability, and introducing the disability studies perspectives in their home department.
Paul Gebo is a 2009 MSW graduate of the Jane Addams College of Social Work. He recently completed a dual internship through IDHD: with the Family Clinic, under the supervision of Linda Sandman, LCSW, and with the Community Support Program, under the guidance of Kristen Connolly, MSW. Read more
Jessica King received her B.A. in Social Welfare and Justice from Marquette University in 2006. She began the MSW program at UIC's Jane Addams College of Social Work in 2007. Jessica's was also a member of the IDHD LEND program in the 2009 academic year. Read more
Field placements link future social workers with agencies to combine their education with field experience to increase their knowledge base in providing competent services for individuals, families, and communities. Peggy Best received her B.A. in psychology in 2006 and after leading several short-term service mission trips to Central America and Eastern Europe she decided to pursue an MSW degree at Jane Addams College of Social Work. Read more
Eric Brooks, MSW completed a concentration in mental health while at attending the Jane Addams College of Social Work. His program included a field placement at IDHD's Family Clinic. Read more
Master's Student Interning with Sister Agency
Kelly Koomler is a student in the Master's program in DHD. Through her graduate assistantship she was provided an internship with one of IDHD's sister agencies, Equip for Equality, in their Abuse Investigation Unit.
