Department of Special Needs Education And Rehabilitation Sciences

Mission: The mission of the Department of Special Needs and Rehabilitation is to empower individuals with diverse abilities to achieve their full potential, participate actively in society, and lead fulfilling lives. Our department is committed to: Promoting Inclusion: Advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals with special needs and disabilities by promoting inclusive practices, accessibility, and social justice in all aspects of society. Advancing Knowledge: Advancing knowledge and understanding of special education, rehabilitation, and disability studies through research, scholarship, and evidence-based practices. Providing High-Quality Education: Providing high-quality education and training programs that prepare professionals to work effectively with individuals with special needs and disabilities across the lifespan. Supporting Collaboration and Partnerships: Fostering collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders including individuals with disabilities, families, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to promote comprehensive, person-centered services and supports. Advocating for Equity: Advocating for equity, access, and opportunity for individuals with special needs and disabilities in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and community life. Promoting Independence and Self-Determination: Promoting independence, self-determination, and self-advocacy skills among individuals with special needs and disabilities to enable them to make informed choices and decisions about their lives. Addressing Systemic Barriers: Addressing systemic barriers and disparities that impact individuals with special needs and disabilities, including those related to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other intersecting identities. Providing Supportive Services: Providing comprehensive, interdisciplinary services and supports that address the unique needs and strengths of individuals with special needs and disabilities, including educational, vocational, therapeutic, and community-based services. Promoting Lifelong Learning and Growth: Promoting lifelong learning and growth among individuals with special needs and disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them, to facilitate ongoing personal and professional development. Upholding Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in all aspects of our work, including research, teaching, service, and advocacy. Through our commitment to these principles, we aim to create a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society where individuals with special needs and disabilities can live with dignity, respect, and opportunities for meaningful participation and contribution. Vision: Our vision is of a society where individuals with diverse abilities are valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential, contributing to a world that embraces diversity, equity, and social justice. We envision a future where: Inclusion is the Norm: Inclusive practices are the norm in all aspects of society, including education, employment, healthcare, housing, transportation, and community life. Individuals with special needs and disabilities are fully integrated into all facets of society, participating actively and meaningfully in their communities. Empowerment Drives Change: Individuals with special needs and disabilities are empowered to advocate for their rights, make informed decisions about their lives, and pursue their goals and aspirations with confidence and self-determination. Access to Opportunities: Individuals with special needs and disabilities have equal access to opportunities for education, employment, recreation, and social participation, supported by accessible environments, accommodations, and supports. Supportive Systems and Services: Comprehensive, person-centered systems and services are in place to support individuals with special needs and disabilities across the lifespan, addressing their unique needs and strengths and promoting independence, autonomy, and well-being. Collaborative Partnerships Flourish: Collaborative partnerships among individuals with disabilities, families, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and community organizations flourish, working together to address systemic barriers, promote inclusion, and advance the rights and interests of individuals with special needs and disabilities. Innovative Practices Drive Progress: Innovative practices in special education, rehabilitation, assistive technology, and disability services drive progress in meeting the evolving needs of individuals with special needs and disabilities, promoting independence, accessibility, and quality of life. Lifelong Learning and Growth: Lifelong learning and growth are valued and promoted among individuals with special needs and disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them, fostering ongoing personal and professional development and adaptation to changing circumstances. Celebration of Diversity: Diversity is celebrated and embraced within the disability community, recognizing and honoring the unique talents, strengths, and contributions of individuals with special needs and disabilities from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Global Leadership in Inclusion: Our department is recognized as a global leader in promoting inclusion, equity, and social justice for individuals with special needs and disabilities, contributing to positive change at local, national, and international levels. Hope and Optimism Prevail: Hope, optimism, and resilience prevail among individuals with special needs and disabilities, their families, and the broader community, inspiring confidence in the possibility of a brighter, more inclusive future for all. Aims: Empowerment and Inclusion: To empower individuals with diverse abilities and promote their inclusion, participation, and well-being in society. Advancing Knowledge: To advance knowledge and understanding of special education, rehabilitation, and disability studies through research, scholarship, and evidence-based practices. High-Quality Education: To provide high-quality education and training programs that prepare professionals to work effectively with individuals with special needs and disabilities across the lifespan. Promoting Collaboration: To foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders including individuals with disabilities, families, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to promote comprehensive, person-centered services and supports. Advocacy for Equity: To advocate for equity, access, and opportunity for individuals with special needs and disabilities in all aspects of society, including education, employment, healthcare, housing, and community life. Supportive Services: To provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary services and supports that address the unique needs and strengths of individuals with special needs and disabilities, promoting independence, autonomy, and well-being. Lifelong Learning and Growth: To promote lifelong learning and growth among individuals with special needs and disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them, facilitating ongoing personal and professional development. Upholding Ethical Standards: To uphold ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in all aspects of our work, including research, teaching, service, and advocacy. Objectives: Conduct Research: To conduct research that advances knowledge and understanding of special education, rehabilitation, and disability studies, addressing key issues and challenges facing individuals with special needs and disabilities. Provide Education and Training: To provide education and training programs that prepare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to support individuals with special needs and disabilities across the lifespan. Offer Support Services: To offer comprehensive, interdisciplinary support services and interventions that address the unique needs and strengths of individuals with special needs and disabilities, promoting independence, autonomy, and well-being. Promote Inclusive Practices: To promote inclusive practices in all aspects of society, including education, employment, healthcare, housing, transportation, and community life, ensuring equal access and opportunities for individuals with special needs and disabilities. Advocate for Policy Change: To advocate for policy change and systemic reforms that promote equity, access, and opportunity for individuals with special needs and disabilities, addressing barriers and disparities at local, national, and international levels. Foster Collaboration: To foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders including individuals with disabilities, families, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations, working together to address common goals and priorities. Promote Awareness and Understanding: To promote awareness and understanding of the strengths, abilities, and contributions of individuals with special needs and disabilities, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive attitudes and perceptions. Engage in Community Outreach: To engage in community outreach and public education initiatives that raise awareness, provide information, and facilitate dialogue about issues related to special needs and disabilities, promoting understanding and support within the broader community. These aims and objectives guide the department's efforts to empower individuals with special needs and disabilities, advance knowledge, promote collaboration, advocate for equity, provide support services, uphold ethical standards, and promote inclusive practices within the field of special needs and rehabilitation.

PROGAMS: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Special Education: Description: A comprehensive undergraduate program that provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in special education theory, assessment, and instructional practices. Curriculum may include courses such as Introduction to Special Education, Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities, Behavior Management, Inclusive Education, and Assistive Technology. Field experiences and practicum placements in educational settings to provide hands-on training and practical experience working with students with diverse needs. Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education: Description: A graduate-level program offering advanced coursework and research opportunities in special education theory, policy, and practice. Specializations may include Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, or Multiple Disabilities. Thesis or non-thesis options available, with opportunities for specialized coursework, practicum experiences, and independent research projects. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Rehabilitation Science: Description: An undergraduate program focusing on the study of rehabilitation theory, practice, and intervention strategies for individuals with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. Curriculum may include courses such as Introduction to Rehabilitation Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychosocial Aspects of Disability, and Medical Rehabilitation. Clinical practicum experiences in rehabilitation settings such as hospitals, clinics, or community rehabilitation centers. Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Rehabilitation Counseling: Description: A graduate program designed to prepare students for careers as rehabilitation counselors, providing counseling services and support to individuals with disabilities in various settings. Specializations may include Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, or Geriatric Rehabilitation. Supervised internships and practicum experiences in rehabilitation counseling settings to provide hands-on training and clinical skills development. Certificate/Diploma Programs: Description: Short-term training programs or professional development courses focusing on specific topics within special education and rehabilitation. Topics may include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Assistive Technology for Individuals with Disabilities, Disability Rights and Advocacy, or Transition Planning for Individuals with Disabilities. Designed to provide specialized skills and knowledge for professionals working in special education, rehabilitation, or related fields.

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