Institute for Disability Studies Transition Programs Win Awards
Thu, 01/09/2020 - 03:42pm | By: Van Arnold
The Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) at The University of Southern Mississippi
was recognized for its excellence with two awards during the Mississippi’s Coalition
for Citizens with Disabilities’ annual Torchbearer awards ceremony held last month.
The Coalition is a statewide, nonprofit cross- disability organization that focuses on expanding opportunities and enhancing quality of life for Mississippians with disabilities. Each year, Torchbearer Awards are given to honor individuals and organizations for their commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
During the 2019 ceremony, awards were presented to IDS for its Transition to Adulthood Programs and to Dr. Jerry R. Alliston, IDS’ Associate Director, who oversees all transition to adulthood projects.
IDS has focused on transition programs over the past 40 years and has included transition as a primary emphasis area for the past eight years. Currently, IDS’ Transition to Adulthood Programming includes seven projects:
· Project ToTAL (employment )
· Higher Education for All (postsecondary education )
· Designing Virtual Reality Training (employment training)
· Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Southern Miss (education)
· STEP UP to Leadership (advocacy)
· TRIAD Service AmeriCorps (national service)
· Special Olympics (SO) College Southern Miss (inclusive sports and education)
Dr. Alliston has been employed by IDS for the past 14 years and has focused on creating and promoting transition programs since 2007. He has dedicated his professional and personal life to providing opportunities, encouragement, and assistance for young people with disabilities to live as independently as possible.
IDS provides pre-service training, community services and technical assistance programs for individuals with disabilities of all ages and their families. IDS' areas of emphasis include early intervention and education, transition to adulthood, wellness and housing.
To learn more about any of IDS’ programs, call 601.266.5163 or visit: https://www.usm.edu/disability-studies.