Program Overview

Online Graduate Certificate Program in Postsecondary Disability Services

The University of Connecticut offers a 12-credit online graduate certificate program in Postsecondary Disability Services. This program is designed for individuals seeking additional training to advance in the field of disability services or those interested in taking on leadership responsibilities in college or university offices that advocate for students with disabilities.

Program Overview

The program consists of four courses, including a Practicum, offered in a sequence over a period of 10 months. Students enroll as part of a cohort and proceed through the program together. The first course is offered in the fall, with the final Practicum completed in the following summer semester.

Course Highlights

• An introduction to disability services in postsecondary education, focusing on providing equal educational access for students with disabilities in the college or university setting.
• A historical perspective on access in higher education, including complexities of disability documentation, accommodations, learning strategies, high stakes testing, and the management of services with various resources.
• An examination of relevant legislation and recommended practices related to person-centered transition planning for students with disabilities in post-school and adult life, including postsecondary education, employment, community participation, and independent living.
• An introduction to the world of assistive technology in higher education for students with disabilities, covering a historical perspective of assistive technology, examples of assistive hardware, software, and mobile devices for specific disabilities, and tools to advocate for AT devices on campus.
• The final Practicum course (EPSY 5092), which emphasizes the implementation and application of theory in the student’s area of specialization.
• The opportunity to attend the Postsecondary Disability Training Institute 4-day annual conference.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: December 1

Program Details

The program is designed to provide comprehensive training and education in postsecondary disability services, preparing students for leadership roles in disability services in higher education settings. The curriculum is structured to offer a deep understanding of disability services, including legal frameworks, assistive technology, and transition planning, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to support students with disabilities in postsecondary education.