Center for Disabilities Studies

Guardianship alternative enables adults with disabilities to make life decisions Panelists at a CDS event illuminated Delaware’s supported decision-making agreement, a legal process that enables an adult with a disability to affirm his or her right to make decisions about medical care, finance and other significant matters and identify trusted advisors.

Making strides: panelists cite benefits of equine therapy Individuals with disabilities often can build core strength through hippotherapy, a treatment strategy for physical, occupational and speech therapy clients, said speakers at CDS’s Lunchtime Learning presentation on Thursday. An occupational therapist explained the process is tied to horses’ consistent, symmetrical gait, and the parents of a four-year-old client highlighted their daughter’s improved coordination, balance and self-confidence. A UD professor said few studies have focused on hippotherapy’s effects on individuals with developmental disabilities, but the existing data show benefits to sensory processing and social skills.

‘Make it happen’: UD student Daniel Lanier, who is autistic, hopes to become a professional writer and producer Daniel Lanier, a second-year student in UD’s Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program, reveals his goals to write and produce music professionally in a feature story. Lanier, who has autism, also intends to advocate for civil rights, particularly inclusion and accessibility in the education system. CLSC’s program manager says Lanier has taken advantage of opportunities on campus to grow as a self-advocate and leader, including involvement in UD’s Center for Black Culture.

Island paradises: our 12th Artfest Yearning for warm sands and tranquil seas this spring? Look no farther than the Absalom Jones Community Center in Newport, Del. On April 27, Delawareans with disabilities and University of Delaware student volunteers will team up to paint their own tropical island paradises at Artfest, a celebration of community and creativity. Now in its 12th year, Artfest is a collaboration of the Center for Disabilities Studies, Art Therapy Express and the New Castle County Department of Community Services.

CDS duo wins scholarship to join premiere D.C. seminar A student and a staff member from UD’s Career and Life Studies Certificate (CLSC) program for students with intellectual disabilities will be attending the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. as Think College Policy Advocates. Their selection by two national disability organizations enables them to learn from some of the nation’s foremost experts in topics like health care policy and inclusive education and visit Delaware’s elected representatives on Capitol Hill.