Research informed: The curriculum for Postsecondary Disability Services has been developed by one of the leading experts in the fields: Allison Lombardi, PhD, of the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Lombardi has led major research projects that have made groundbreaking advancements into field of postsecondary special education.

One cohort of students: Because the courses are given in a sequence, beginning in the fall and ending the following summer, you'll participate in the program with the same group of participants. This format enables you to form strong bonds with other students, just as if you were in a traditional Master's level program on the UConn campus.

Opportunity to attend and network with colleagues at the annual Postsecondary Training Institute conference: This annual event is sponsored by UConn's Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability, Neag School of Education. The four-day program is designed so that you can select sessions on a wide range of current topics in a variety of formats, including 3-day strands, single sessions, poster presentations, and pre-institute sessions. All formats provide in-depth information and adequate time for questions and follow-up activities. You'll also have the chance to share information and network with other participants at various activities throughout the week. In fact, the conference is an outstanding opportunity to meet professionals from universities and colleges who are looking to hire.

Developing real-world skills through the final Practicum: Once you attend the conference, you can take your new knowledge, then develop and implement an actual plan. For example, if you are a new compliance officer charged with handling student ADA grievances, you'll be taken through a basic framework of analysis so that you are more comfortable when you return to your campus and attempt to implement these laws. Through this experience, you'll have an actual portfolio of work that you can use to advance your job search. Your Practicum will be supervised by faculty staff, as well as an onsite mentor.

Support from two leading UConn organizations: Since 2011, the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut has offered a highly successful e-learning certificate program focused on preparing higher education staff to support college students with disabilities. Both online special education certificates—Postsecondary Disabilities Services and the new Special Education Transition to Adulthood—have been developed with support from two leading UConn organizations:

• The Connecticut University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which has been conducting research and providing technical assistance in Connecticut for over 30 years to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• The Center for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CPED), which also has a long history of research activities designed to support individuals with disabilities as they transition into higher education.