Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Disability Leadership

 
The Certificate in Disability Leadership prepares health professionals, educators, family members, self-advocates and other professionals in the field of childhood neurodevelopmental disabilities to be leaders in the disability workforce and advocacy communities.

The program provides a 12- to 24-month curriculum of didactic and Web-based courses, interactive seminars, clinical and community-based practica, a family mentorship experience and tailored grassroots- and systems-level policy activities.

The certificate is earned by completing the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Va-LEND) interdisciplinary training program. Va-LEND is a collaboration among the School of Education (Partnership for People with Disabilities) and up to 16 different disciplines across VCU and VCU Health.

The Va-LEND curriculum emphasizes all aspects of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities, the social environment (diversity, equity, and accessibility), the interdisciplinary approach (systems of care), leadership competency, policy and research.

Curriculum information

The Certificate in Disability Leadership requires a minimum of 12 total graduate credit hours:

Degree requirements for the Certificate in Disability Leadership »

Please keep in mind, however, that the exact course requirements may vary depending on when you matriculated into the program, so please consult your adviser or the program coordinator with any additional questions.

VCU BULLETIN INFO

• Certificate in Disability Leadership

PROGRAM BASICS

How to apply: Graduate application
Semester of entry: Fall*
Application deadlines: Fall: Aug. 1*

*NOTE: Fall is the start semester for this program. Contact soeinfo@vcu.edu if you would like to apply early for Fall admission.

Resources and Checklists

Application Checklist - Certificate in Disability Leadership [PDF]

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• General admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School
• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline
• Statement of intent
• Three letters of recommendation addressing the student's potential for graduate study in education
• Transcripts of all previous college work (this includes official transcripts from all previous college institutions)
• Please review the program on this page of our Va-LEND website