Institute for Disability Studies at Southern Miss Marks 50th Year
Wed, 05/20/2026 - 09:36am | By: David Tisdale
For half a century, the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) has supported Mississippians with disabilities in realizing their hopes and dreams, and its staff looks forward to expanding its mission of service for the next 50 years and beyond.
As it celebrates its jubilee, IDS is committed to continuing to help members of this population meet personal and professional goals through programming and services shaped by the latest research and best practices.
With offices at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg and Long Beach campuses, IDS is Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). Its stated mission is to “positively affect the lives of Mississippi citizens with developmental and other disabilities and their families across the lifespan, and to work toward increasing their independence, productivity and community inclusion.”
IDS staff work with people with developmental and other disabilities of all ages, from early intervention (birth to 3) to school-age individuals (ages 3-21), post-secondary education and adulthood. Programming is designed around three areas of emphasis: Community Living, Education and Capacity Building, and Family Engagement. Funding for IDS is supported by both public and private sources, with core support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living, as well as collaborative partnerships with public and private entities.
“The Institute has created numerous pioneering programs, providing services in the areas of education, housing, recreation, family engagement, service/volunteerism, employment and so much more,” IDS Executive Director Dr. Jerry R. Alliston said. “As we reflect on IDS’s many accomplishments, we must recognize and show appreciation for the long list of extraordinary people, organizations and agencies that have partnered with us.”
“From providing direct training, implementing clinical services and hosting statewide conferences to working one-on-one with a person who has a disability, the Institute continues to focus on positively impacting individuals, families and the community through disability-focused direct services, training and research efforts,” added Alliston.
The genesis of IDS’s mission is federal legislation passed in the 1960s. UCEDDs were tasked with promoting independence, productivity and community inclusion for people with disabilities.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, IDS enjoyed multiple successes in accordance with its mission, including program delivery to 24 long-term trainees; delivery of technical services to nearly 1,900 individuals; and outreach training to more than 2,700 participants. Additionally, more than 4,300 people received direct services.
An example of IDS programming for individuals is its successful RISE (Reaching, Including, Supporting and Educating) To The Top! program, featured in the Education and Capacity Building emphasis area. RISE! is a four-year, eight-semester inclusive non-degree certificate program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, one of only two in the state to provide students with an inclusive college experience. RISE! is a collaboration between the Institute for Disability Studies and the Southern Miss School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development.
In conjunction with the Institute’s golden anniversary, its RISE To The Top! program marked a milestone as two students who completed the program participated in the university’s commencement exercises for the first time, while a third student was recognized posthumously during the ceremonies.
“This meaningful milestone reflects IDS’s mission in action, and the continued work to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said Danielle Mullins, executive coordinator of the RISE! program.
University leaders also praised IDS’s longstanding impact and service.
“It seems so appropriate that we are celebrating the golden anniversary of IDS, because they set the gold standard for inclusive excellence and service,” Southern Miss Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lance Nail said.
IDS will celebrate its 50th anniversary during its second annual golf tournament presented by Landry Kitchens Germany Architects, P.A., on Oct. 23 at Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Hattiesburg. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the work of IDS. Additional sponsorships for the tournament are welcome, and player registrations are now on sale. Contact Amy James at 601.266.4435 or email%C2%A0for more information.
Other IDS 50th anniversary activities include the annual Mississippi Disability MegaConference, hosted in Oxford June 17-18, and a tailgating event at the Southern Miss Oct. 17 home football game against Arkansas State University.
Additionally, IDS has launched the “50 for 50” campaign, a fundraising initiative seeking 50 people to donate $50 each toward programming for Mississippians with disabilities in conjunction with its 50th year of operations. Donations for the campaign are accepted online through the USM Foundation. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to: Institute for Disability Studies, 118 College Drive, Box 5163, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001.
Learn more about the Institute for Disability Studies at Southern Miss.