Interdisciplinary Education Training Program

The Institute’s Interdisciplinary Education Training Program (IETP) consists of three distinct components that emphasize leadership and evidence-based practices in disability services, supports, and policy. Woven throughout each component include the values of the Indiana Institute and the broader field, a historical perspective, the contributions made by people with disabilities, and best practices.

IETP is a leadership development program designed for undergraduate and graduate students working at the IIDC as student workers, graduate assistants, or interns. Those who are in the Indiana Institute’s IETP will sequence through an Interdisciplinary Education Plan (IEP) reflecting individual learning objectives. IETP trainees will have the opportunity to pursue an experiential component, where opportunities for engagement in research, field-based training, technical assistance, and/or curriculum and materials development in community settings will be a part of their IIDC experience. Additionally, trainees will also have the opportunity to interact with a variety of disciplinary professionals, community members, and persons with disabilities.

From Our Director

Access the Course

This course is free and open to the public. Modules include:

  • Module 1.1 - The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community: A University Center for Excellence
  • Module 1.2 - The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community: An Overview of its History
  • Module 2.1 - Indiana Disability History: From the Era of Institutions to the Deinstitutionalization Movement
  • Module 2.2 - Indiana Disability History: The Era of Civil Rights into the New Millennium
  • Module 3.1 - Defining Disability

Start training

How the Program Works

Knowledge and values of this field are critical for future leaders, thus, the IETP training will address a multidisciplinary perspective of disability history and values. Also woven into the training are a series of videos of a diverse group of self-advocates, family members, and other disability leaders and professionals providing their unique perspectives on the history and future of the disability movement. Topics include employment, voting rights, Indiana’s DD Network, independent living, self-advocacy, and much more. Not only does the didactic training provide a robust understanding of the history and values of the field, it also provides various views and perspectives. Lastly, the training sequence will bring IETP Trainees together to share and present information about their work and practices, as well as opportunities to learn from key leaders within the Indiana Institute and department across Indiana University (social work, education, public health) on targeted topics, such as policy advocacy, research methods, and positive supports. Together, these three approaches to the core training sequence will provide IETP participants with various views and perspectives from a culturally, professionally, and disciplinarily diverse trainers.

Students are designated as an IEPT Trainee as defined in federal developmental disabilities legislation:

"...one who is receiving systematic, continuous training in a broad range of professional functions within a University Center for Excellence (UCE). Experiences must include supervised application of specific service, teaching, and/or research skills as they relate to the field of developmental disabilities."

The IIDC’s work to advance leadership in disability is funded through the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD). AIDD funding supports a national network of 67 independent but interlinked entities throughout the U.S. University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) are affiliated with major research universities like Indiana University. Together the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) governs the UCEDD network.

AUCD ID Training Modules

As you begin your journey with AUCD, three Trainee Orientation Modules will help you learn, connect, get involved, and grow as part of the network. Each includes videos and links to related resources. They were created with input and support from a range of leaders, including recent trainees. The information is sequenced so you can gradually build your understanding, but feel free to jump in wherever and whenever you are ready to start!

Program Levels

Level I

  • 40–149 hours of Indiana Institute participation
  • Includes graduate level trainees; and all undergraduates participating more than 40 hours

Level II

  • 150–299 hours of Indiana Institute participation
  • For graduate-level trainees only

Level III

  • 300 or more hours of Indiana Institute participation
  • For graduate-level trainees only

At a minimum, Level I students are expected to develop awareness and knowledge in the interdisciplinary competencies; at Level II, knowledge acquisition and skill development are stressed; and at Level III, skills application, transfer, and leadership are expected outcomes.