East Tennessee State University awarded grant to train educators to work with students with disabilities

A collaborative project at East Tennessee State University focused on training educators to better work with students with disabilities has earned the school a $1.25 million grant from the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs.

According to an article on East Tennessee State University’s website, the project is led by Dr. John Wheeler of the Department of Educational Foundations and Special Education and Dr. Pamela Mims, who is a Special Education professor and the associate dean of Research and Grants at the university. Of the project the two have taken on, Dr. Wheeler said, “We aim to provide scholars with interdisciplinary training through extensive coursework and a collaborative team-based approach. We are thrilled to receive this grant, as it will help this institution advance the mission of improving the quality of life for the people of the region and beyond.”

The project involves providing specialized training to graduate students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology to help them better become able to provide support to students with disabilities. The training will include attending seminars, workshops, coursework, and field experience under supervision.

Dr. Mims said of the project, “All those who participate in the training will be prepared to meet the identified needs and challenges of serving students with significant disabilities. We are so excited to help train these professionals, who will in turn go into the world with evidence-based practices to see lives improved.”

East Tennessee State University continues to aim to provide quality learning experiences for individuals with disabilities. Last year, the school earned a grant for its program that assists students with intellectual disabilities find housing and employment.

For more information about East Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.