Education and Capacity Building

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Adaptive Sports

The Adaptive Sports program offers inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities, promoting physical activity, skill development, and community engagement. This program offers opportunities for participating in various adaptive sports, including but not limited to inclusive pickleball, tennis, and quidditch. Additionally, in partnership with Metro Area Community Empowerment (MACE), coaching, training, and technical assistance is provided for wheelchair basketball, softball, and tennis. Adaptive sports program activities aim to enhance independence, foster social connections, and encourage an active lifestyle among participants. These sports opportunities are provided through the Institute’s core grant.

For more information, contact Robbie Sullivan, Adaptive Sports Specialist at Robert.Sullivan@usm.edu or 601.266.5163.

Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor

Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor is a monthly YouTube series dedicated to promoting self-advocacy efforts across the state of Mississippi. Each episode features engaging conversations with special guests on a variety of topics, including community initiatives, statewide developments, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and personal updates from Taylor through vlog-style content. The series may be located on YouTube by searching for the Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor channel. This program is provided through a collaborative grant through the Southeast ADA Center and the Institute’s core grant.

For more information, contact Taylor Carley, Self Advocacy Coordinator, at Robert.Carley@usm.edu or 601.266.4763. 

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities (LEND)

The LEND Southern Miss program provides long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training as well as interdisciplinary services and care. The purpose of the program is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields. 

The Southern Miss program is an extension of the Arkansas LEND program. This program is provided by a collaborative grant through the University of Arkansas for Medical Services.

For more information, contact Jerry R. Alliston, PhD, MSW, Interim Executive Director, at Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu or 601.266.5979.

Mississippi Preservice Improvement Enhancement Grant for Related Service Providers

The Mississippi Preservice Improvement Enhancement Grant program supports efforts to address state-identified needs in preparing personnel to serve children with disabilities and their families. This initiative focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of future professionals providing related services in special education and early intervention, ensuring they are all well-equipped to provide effective, inclusive support.

The Institute, in collaboration with the University of Mississippi Medical School, School of Health-Related Professions, aims to enhance the educational experiences of preservice doctoral occupational therapy scholars, specifically preparing them to deliver high-quality, early intervention and school-based services to children with disabilities. This program is funded by a collaborative grant through the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.

For more information, contact Leslie LaVergne, PhD, Interim Associate Director, at Leslie.LaVergne@usm.edu or 601.266.6225.

Pathway Weavers: Freestyle Expression, Creativity, and Relaxation

The Pathway Weavers program provides persons with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in twice monthly small group freestyle weaving sessions using rigid heddle looms. Freestyle weaving is a unique way for participants to express their individuality and creativity, while promoting relaxation and socialization, enhancing overall quality of life. This program is provided through a collaborative grant through the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. 

For more information, contact Rebecca Holland, PhD, MPH, MLIS, Executive Coordinator for Communication and Development, at Rebecca.Holland@usm.edu or 601.266.5168.

RISE To The Top! Southern Miss

RISE To The Top! is a fully approved, 4-year, 8-semester inclusive non-degree certificate program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The program—one of only two in the state of Mississippi—provides these students an inclusive college experience by incorporating academics, community engagement, employment, and student life through all activities. This program, a collaboration between the Institute and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development, is provided through the Institute’s core grant and programmatic fees. To learn more about the RISE To The Top program, click here.

For more information, contact Danielle Mullins, LMSW, Executive Coordinator for RISE, at Alyssa.Parks@usm.edu or 601.266.5962. 

Southeast ADA Center Southern Miss

The Southeast Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Center Southern Miss program is one of eight extended state and local affiliate networks. The Mississippi affiliate program provides information, training, materials, and technical assistance on the ADA and Technology Access. Specifically, Mississippi promotes the ADA through a focus on youth and young adults with disabilities through summits, training, and the Chit Chat with Taylor Thursdays YouTube series. This program is provided by a collaborative grant through the Southeast ADA Center.

For more information, contact Jerry R. Alliston, PhD, MSW, Interim Executive Director, at Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu or 601.266.5979.

Special Olympics (SO) College Southern Miss

The Special Olympics (SO) College Southern Miss program promotes inclusion through unified sports and leadership activities, bringing together college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on creating opportunities for socialization, leadership development, and athletic participation, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. The mission is to enhance personal growth and encourage full participation in all aspects of campus life, helping students with and without disabilities work together as equals. Primary sports include flag football, cheerleading, basketball, and inclusive quidditch. This program is provided through a collaborative grant through Special Olympics Mississippi and the Institute’s core grant. 

For more information, contact Scott Mullins, Transition Coordinator for Service and Volunteerism, at Scott.Mullins@usm.edu or 601.266.6129.

Transition of Teens to Adult Life (ToTAL)

The Transition of Teens to Adult Life (ToTAL) program equips youth and young adults with disabilities the tools, training, and experiences needed to successfully navigate from high school to adult life. Grounded in the principle that all young people should have opportunities to contribute meaningfully within their communities, ToTAL’s core focus areas include career preparation, community service, self-advocacy and leadership, and support for postsecondary success. ToTAL offers Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to eligible students, including job exploration counseling, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, work-based learning experiences, and postsecondary guidance.

For more information, contact Beth Robertson, Executive Coordinator for Transition to Adulthood Services (Long Beach), at Beth.Robertson@usm.edu or 228.214.3422.