About The Program
Prepare to be a leading advocate and champion for health and education for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our program, part of the online Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (Va-LEND), equips health professionals and educators with interdisciplinary skills through coursework, practical experience and policy engagement, in collaboration with VCU's School of Education, School of Medicine and the Virginia Department of Health.
Career Paths
- Disability program manager
- Nonprofit executive director
- Disability policy analyst
- Disability services coordinator
- Accessibility consultant
- Inclusion specialist
- Government affairs specialist
- Educational program director
- Rehabilitation services manager
- Grant writer for disability programs
At a Glance
Certificate Earned
Post-baccalaureate certificate
Credits: 12
Application Semester and Deadline
Fall: August 1
Program Modality
Online and in-person*
*A minimum number of students is required to administer an in-person cohort.
Estimated Completion Time
Part-time (1-8 credits): average completion in 3 semesters
Admission requirements
| Degree: | Semester(s) of entry: | Deadline dates: | Test requirements: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Fall | Aug 1 |
In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, the following requirements represent the minimum acceptable standards for admission:
- Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the student’s potential for graduate study in education
- Statement of intent
- Transcripts of all previous college work
- Completion of the Va-LEND application and submission to valend@vcu.edu
Please visit the School of Education website for further information.
Degree requirements
In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, students are required to complete course work in core and elective courses.
- Credit hour requirements: Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.
- Grade requirements: Receipt of a grade of C or below in two courses constitutes automatic dismissal from the program. Courses with a grade below C cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements.
Curriculum requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IDDS 604 IDDS 604. Interdisciplinary Studies in Developmental Disabilities: LEND Seminar I. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 4 seminar hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 4 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students who have applied to and been accepted as a trainee or fellow in the Va-LEND program. Provides information and activities on models of teamwork, group decision-making, interdisciplinary team process, communication strategies and leadership skills. Focus is on how teamwork and leadership influence services for children with developmental disabilities and their families. | Interdisciplinary Studies in Developmental Disabilities: LEND Seminar I | 4 |
| IDDS 605 IDDS 605. Interdisciplinary Studies in Developmental Disabilities: LEND Seminar II. 4 Hours.
Semester course; 4 seminar hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 4 credits. Enrollment is restricted to students who have applied to and been accepted as a trainee or fellow in the Va-LEND program. Students will learn the interdisciplinary approach to services for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities with an emphasis on research and evidence-based practices, pertinent legislation, the medical home and sources of community support. | Interdisciplinary Studies in Developmental Disabilities: LEND Seminar II | 4 |
| IDDS 672 IDDS 672. Practicum in Disability Leadership. 1-4 Hours.
Semester course; 1-4 practicum hours. 1-4 credits. May be taken for a total of 4 credits. Study and integration of interdisciplinary practice in clinical or off-campus settings. Supervised by interdisciplinary faculty. Includes interdisciplinary clinical practice, family mentorship experience, disability policy activities, leadership project and professional development activities specific to leadership education for developmental disabilities. Trainees will have an opportunity to function as both team members and team leaders in addressing the needs of children with disabilities or other special health care needs and their families. This course includes site-based requirements. | Practicum in Disability Leadership | 4 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The minimum total of graduate credit hours required for this certificate is 12.
Students who complete the requirements for this program will receive a Certificate in Disability Leadership.
The VCU Bulletin is the official source for academic course and program information.