Adults with Disabilities

This concentration is for students interested in working with people with developmental disabilities and in the development of supportive teaching programs in the community for people with developmental disabilities. The courses teach observing and defining behavior; increasing appropriate and decreasing inappropriate behavior; developing relationships; counseling; legal and ethical issues; and experimental design. The course sequence culminates in practicum work in a community-based residential service agency or day treatment program for adults with developmental disabilities. Careers: Graduates of this concentration are excellent candidates for positions in residential treatment programs, community human service agencies, and vocational and pre-vocational teaching programs for people with disabilities. Many students also pursue graduate studies in applied behavioral analysis, special education, and psychology.

Adults with Disabilities  

The Adults with Disabilities concentration is designed for students who are passionate about improving the quality of life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through evidence-based, person-centered support. Students gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to promote independence, meaningful community participation, communication, daily living skills, and positive behavior change across home, work, and community environments.

Coursework emphasizes the science of behavior analysis and its application to real-world settings. Students learn how to observe and measure behavior, conduct assessments, develop individualized skill-building programs, increase adaptive behaviors, reduce challenging behavior through positive, evidence-based interventions, build meaningful relationships with individuals and their support teams, and navigate the legal and ethical responsibilities of working in human service settings. Throughout the program, students develop strong problem-solving, collaboration, and professional communication skills that are highly valued by employers.

A hallmark of this concentration is its extensive hands-on learning experience. Students complete their practicum under the supervision of Professor Claudia Dozier and advanced doctoral student supervisors at a clinical and research site at GoodLife Innovations, Inc., which is a nationally recognized community-based organization that provides residential and day services for adults with IDD in the Kansas City metropolitan area. During practicum, students work directly with adults with disabilities while learning to conduct behavioral assessments, implement individualized teaching and behavior support plans, collect and analyze data, evaluate intervention outcomes, and collaborate with teams. Students receive mentoring and frequent feedback from faculty and doctoral supervisors, allowing them to build both confidence and professional competence.

This concentration prepares graduates for a wide variety of rewarding careers serving individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. Graduates are highly competitive for positions such as behavior technicians, residential or supported living coordinators, home managers, day service supervisors, employment specialists, case managers, community support professionals, and program coordinators in community agencies, residential programs, schools, and vocational service organizations.

Many graduates continue their education in graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Social Work, and related disciplines. Students interested in becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) often pursue master's or doctoral training in Applied Behavior Analysis after completing this concentration, using the strong clinical and research foundation they developed in the program.

Students wishing to complete a senior practicum in Adults with Disabilities should meet with Professor Claudia Dozier.

Concentrations