Research informed: The curriculum for Special Education Transition to Adulthood has been developed by two leading experts in their fields: Allison Lombardi, PhD, of the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut and Nick Gelbar, PhD, BCBA-D, of the University of Connecticut Health Center and University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Both professors have led major research projects that have made groundbreaking advancements into field of secondary special education.

Designed to address all kinds of populations: Through this online continuing education program, you’ll get exposure to students with a broad spectrum of disabilities. In addition, you will be prepared to help students with a wide variety of transition goals, whether that’s applying to a four year college, looking for technical training, transitioning right into the job market, participating in their communities, and/or learning to live independently.

Opportunity to develop real-world skills through a Capstone experience: You will independently design a project tailored to your specific interests and complete project activities in a real-world setting, ultimately giving you a portfolio of work that you can use to advance your job search. Your Capstone project will be supervised by faculty staff, as well as an onsite mentor.

Support from two leading UConn organizations: Since 2011, the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut has offered a highly successful e-learning certificate program focused on preparing higher education staff to support college students with disabilities. Both online special education certificates—Postsecondary Disabilities Services and the new Special Education Transition to Adulthood—have been developed with support from two leading UConn organizations:

• The Connecticut University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which has been conducting research and providing technical assistance in Connecticut for over 30 years to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• The Center for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CPED), which also has a long history of research activities designed to support individuals with disabilities as they transition into higher education.

Not State Specific: UConn’s Special Education Transition to Adulthood Online Graduate Certificate is not a state-specific Special Education Teaching Certification and licensure program. Earning this graduate certificate assists successful graduates in the guidance, advisement, and development of organizational initiatives students require in their transition from high-school to work-life or secondary education.