Center for Disabilities Studies

CDS’s Pell, other Delaware women leaders denounce gendered school discipline At the first annual Women’s Leadership Conference Delaware, Pell joined a panel of education leaders to examine how gender informs the use of traditional discipline, such as suspension and expulsion, as well as the growing use of group discussion and mediation. While rates of discipline for female students are lower than those for male students, they are increasing among certain groups of females, especially African Americans. Conversely, among school administrators, female educators are more likely to use discussion and mediation than males.

First Spectrum Scholars training acquaints UD resident assistants with autism The 10-year, CDS-administered program to support UD students with autism offered its first community training on autism acceptance in collaboration with UD Residence Life & Housing last week. Resident assistants gathered for a session covering challenges college students with autism face and considerations for interacting with residents who have autism.

A place for all to shine The University of Delaware Magazine profiles the UD and JPMorgan Chase collaboration to create Spectrum Scholars, a 10-year program supporting UD undergrads on the autism spectrum pursuing careers in electrical engineering and computer science. In seeking to boost employment opportunities for individuals on the spectrum, the program will also offer training in areas like effective communication to UD faculty, staff and community businesses. Administered by CDS, Spectrum Scholars will accept between 5 and 8 students per year, starting in Fall 2019.

Young adults with disabilities, parents say space and support essential to adult transitions Self-advocates and parents stressed that young adults with disabilities need a circle of support and the independence to experiment at events marking CDS’s 25-year anniversary.

Inclusion celebrated, civic engagement championed at 25-year anniversary reception hosted by CDS Efforts to foster accessibility and empower people with disabilities to drive much of the Center’s work going forward.