Available for the 25-26 training year

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The UCLA Tarjan Center is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). We are one of 67 federally designated UCEDDs across the country. These centers are authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) and funded by the Administered on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD), part of the Administration on Community Living within the US Department of Health and Human Services. We service as a bridge between the resources of the university and local, state, and international organizations, agencies, policy makers, people with disabilities, and their families.

The mission of the Tarjan Center is to advance the self-determination, inclusion, and quality of life among the diversity of people with disabilities and their families. We achieve our mission through shared leadership in training, community education, research, service, and information sharing.

The work of the Tarjan Center is organized around the five core functions outlined in the DD Act: (1) inter-disciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education, (2) technical assistance, (3) community services, (4) research, and (5) information dissemination.

Trainees will create an individualized program aimed at providing experiences across a range of Tarjan Center activities. Activities may include attending the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series, participating in the Tarjan Advisory Committee (TAC) and sub-committees (i.e., Training, Research, Outreach & Dissemination, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion [JEDI]), and attending local, state, and/or federal meetings with agencies and policymakers. Trainees will gain experience in working directly with community-based organizations, policymakers, and the disability community. Interns will also be eligible to apply for the Tarjan Center Developmental Disabilities Travel Award.

DAY, TIME, AND LOCATION:

Coordinated with staff

HOURS PER WEEK:

1 hour per month (.25 per week) (12-MONTH commitment)

FACULTY AND STAFF:

Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy.D., Program Director Jasper Estabillo, Ph.D., Director of Training

TRAINING PROVIDED:

Upon completion of this training experience, trainees will have:

1. A basic knowledge of policy, law, self-advocacy, and diagnostic and treatment implications for individuals with developmental disabilities

2. Exposure to and familiarity with current research literature in developmental disabilities

3. Exposure to the developmental challenges of individuals with developmental disabilities

4. Experience presenting original research at a scientific meeting

SUPERVISION PROVIDED:

Method of Supervision: Direct Observation

Format: Individual and Group

Hours Per Month: 1 hr per month (.25 hr group, .25 hr individual)

Days and Times: Flexible

Names of Supervisor(s): Elizabeth Laugeson, Psy.D., Jasper Estabillo, Ph.D.