CCIDS Faculty and Staff Present Research and Work-in-Progress at Annual Conference
Faculty and staff from the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies recently presented their research and work-in-progress in seven peer-reviewed poster presentations at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference in Washington, DC. AUCD, founded in 1971, is a network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.
The 2016 conference theme, Navigating Change: Building Our Future Together, highlights both the change that comes at the end of a Presidential term as well as the need to work together to create a future in which children and adults with disabilities are able to participate fully in all aspects of life as valued members of their communities.
CCIDS faculty and staff were the lead presenters for four poster presentations addressing their research or work-in-progress in the following areas: navigating distance and technology in the NH-ME LEND online learning environment; computerized adaptive assessment of infant-toddler language development; community collaborations that create work opportunities for transition-aged youth; and co-design as a path to entrepreneurship for people with disabilities.
Russell, S., Kurtz, A., Humphreys, E. & Sonnenmeier, R. (2016, December). Navigating distance and technology: Successfully engaging LEND trainees from New Hampshire and Maine in a synchronous online team-based learning environment. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: This poster illustrated the challenges and successes of navigating distance and technology to connect and engage 22 LEND trainees from New Hampshire and Maine in face-to-face synchronous learning; how the technology tools and platforms enhanced the New Hampshire LEND program’s transition to team-based learning; and how these positive results may inform other distance learning programs or in-state or regional collaborations.
Handout: Navigating Distance and Technology (PDF)
Cobo-Lewis, A. B., Meadow, C., Markowsky, G., Pearson, B. Z., Collier, S. A., & Eilers, R. E. (2016, December). Computerized adaptive assessment of infant-toddler language development: Demonstration and validation of an app for screening. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: We have developed a computerized adaptive test (an app), based on the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI), that can rapidly gauge infant and toddler language development based on parent report. The app can be very useful in screening for developmental disabilities in IDEA Part C or Section 619. We will demonstrate the app and present validation data for toddlers.
May, J. (2016, December). Ready for the future: Maine youth with disabilities developing work skills. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: This poster shared information about two initiatives sponsored by the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS) at the University of Maine. The initiatives, Summer Work for ME (SW4ME) and 2016 Green Crab Intertidal Survey (Green Crab 2016), are projects which provide Maine transition-aged youth paid career exploration and work opportunities through collaboration with multiple community partners.
Handout: Summer Work for ME (PDF)
Gilson, S. F. & DePoy, E. (2016, December). Co-Design: A contemporary path to innovation and entrepreneurship for people with disabilities. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: Co-design is a 21st century-relevant, collective intelligence process to generate solutions to problems that ultimately result in innovation in service and products. It is often the preliminary step to entrepreneurship, creating economic leadership opportunity for individuals with disabilities that would not be possible through more traditional means of employment. This poster details the theory and process of a co-design model that can be implemented throughout the AUCD network.
CCIDS faculty and staff were co-presenters or partners on three additional poster presentations addressing research or work-in-progress in the following areas: building network capacity at the intersection of disability, religion and inclusive supports; analyses of the NH LEND Maternal and Child Health leadership competencies self-assessment over five cohort years; and the use of team-based learning within the NH LEND curriculum.
Carter, E., Horne, S., Gaventa, B., Moody, E., Eppelsheimer, R., Roach, A., . . . Kleinert, H. (2016, December). Collaborative on faith and disability: A network of UCEDDs building capacity and vision among faith communities, seminaries, and disability organizations. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: This growing network of 18 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) is undertaking a constellation of projects aimed at supporting people with disabilities, their families, and professionals through leadership in the areas of research, education, service, and dissemination at the intersection of disability, religion, and inclusive supports. This poster presented an overview of the Collaborative on Faith and Disability and highlighted recent resources and projects.
Handout: Collaborative on Faith and Disability (PDF) and Putting Faith to Work: A Guide for Congregations and Communities
Humphreys, E., Sonnenmeier, R., Russell, S., Kurtz, A., & Couse, L. (2016, December). NH LEND Program analyses of the Maternal and Child Health leadership competencies self-assessment over five cohort years. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: The purpose of this poster session was to report the results of analyses of NH LEND Program mean scores on the MCH Competencies Self-Assessment across five cohorts of trainees in order to provide a deeper understanding of how the competencies promote development of leadership skills in trainees and provide an effective measure for program evaluation. This session was of interest to training programs utilizing the MCH Competencies.
Sonnenmeier, R., Humphreys, B., Kurtz, A., & Russell, S. (2016, December). Improving effective interdisciplinary teamwork using team-based learning within the NH LEND curriculum: Evaluation from year 2. Peer-reviewed poster presentation at the 2016 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, Washington, DC.
Abstract: This poster provided an update on the implementation of Team-Based Learning (TBL) by NH LEND faculty during Academic Year 2015-2016. Improvements to the Readiness Assurance Process included defined learning outcomes, use of reading guides, and improved assessment of trainee knowledge of concepts. Evaluation data from Years 1 and 2 regarding the use of TBL were presented, including positive outcomes and challenges described by faculty and trainees.