Division for Physical and Health Disabilities

About me:

The Division for Physical and Health Disabilities (DPHD) is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that advocates for quality education for all individuals with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and special health care needs served in schools, hospitals, or home settings.

Please check out our website for more information: http://web.utk.edu/~dphd/

The goals of DPHD include:

· Promoting the continued development of adequate resources and programs that address the many areas of need associated with serving children and adults with physical and/or multiple disabilities, and special health care needs.

· Disseminating relevant and timely information on current issues, instructional strategies, adaptations, and research through the annual CEC convention, professional meetings, training programs and publications.

· Providing technical assistance and preservice and inservice education.

· Advocating for funds and policies that promote supportive legislation and funding for persons with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities and special health care needs.

· Supporting the activities, policies, and procedures of the CEC and the other CEC divisions.

Member Benefits include:

Valuable Professional Publications
As a member of DPHD, you will stay abreast of recent advances and trends in your field through your subscription to Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services. This journal provides information on relevant research, instructional innovation, and current issues in education and related services for individuals with physical and health impairments.

The DPHD Newsletter provides information about current developments in the field highlighting topics of current interest, political action updates, conference and meeting dates, DPHD activities, as well as information about CEC activities.

Convention

DPHD offers its members opportunities for professional growth and networking with colleagues who share their interests. DPHD sponsors sessions on the education of individuals with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and special health care needs at the CEC Annual International Convention & Expo. Members are invited to submit proposals and make program suggestions. During the convention, DPHD sponsors several daily presentations and poster sessions as well as one DPHD showcase.

Other Important Benefits
DPHD has established the Elizabeth Wetzel Memorial fund to provide scholarship assistance to undergraduate and graduate students in preparation programs in physical and/or multiple disabilities. A scholarship is awarded annually. DPHD also sponsors an annual Joan Wald Baken Award which goes to a professional in the field who makes a difference in the lives of individuals with physical and/or health disabilities. Application information can be found in the Award section of the DPHD website.