Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbility - George Mason University
About KIHd
About Us

The Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities (KIHd) is an interdisciplinary campus-based organization focusing on improving the lives and productivity of children and adults with disabilities. KIHd combines the resources of the university with local, state, regional, national, public, and private sector agencies and organizations to develop products, services, and programs for persons with disabilities.

Sub-navigation:

Student using assistive technology keyboard
Licensure, Certificates & Training Grants

The Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities (KIHd) collaborates with a consortium of Virginia universities to offer training/licensure options for teachers of students with visual impairments and severe disabilities. Distance education makes the programs more accessible and maximizes the number of individuals who can receive the training.

Sub-navigation:

students, parents, professionals attending state of the art conference
VDOE Grants

With the support from Virgina Department of Education KIHd serves teachers, parents, therapists, and community service providers by providing a variety of continuing learning experiences via annual workshops, conferences, and project activities. In many cases, KIHd uses distance education to provide teacher training and professional development across the state.

Sub-navigation:

Project We Got It
Research

The Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities (KIHd) continues to build and support numerous educational research projects that vary across disciplines spearheaded by the Mason faculty members. Our goal is to increase evidence based instructional and behavioral strategies to improve academic outcomes for all students with disabilities.

Sub-navigation:

Leadership Grants
DOCTORAL AND MASTERS STUDENTS

The Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities (KIHd) doctoral and masters students conduct cutting edge research at George Mason University that is aimed to serve persons with disabilities and their families.

Sub-navigation:

GMU TTAC Early Childhood Coordinator, Deborah Stepien, was invited to attend a round table discussion in Prince William on September 5 with First Lady of Virginia, Pamela Northam

See more news from the...

Deborah Stepien's round table with First Lady of Virginia, Pamela Northam

September 25, 2018

GMU TTAC Early Childhood Coordinator, Deborah Stepien, was invited to attend a round table discussion in Prince William on September 5 with First Lady of Virginia, Pamela Northam, as she makes her rounds in Virginia to learn about the state of Early Childhood. Mrs. Northam visited an inclusive classroom at Featherstone Elementary.

GMU TTAC Early Childhood Coordinator, Deborah Stepien, was invited to attend a round table discussion in Prince William on September 5 with First Lady of Virginia, Pamela Northam The Virginia General Assembly budgeted:
  • Additional funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) of $4.6 million over the biennium to increase the per pupil rate, to help localities afford the true cost of high-quality preschool.
  • A total of $1.875 million to enhance the quality of instruction in VPI by investing in classroom observations, site visits, technical assistance, and professional development. This package includes $175,000 for VDOE to develop an implementation plan and resume site visits, $700,000 over the biennium for classroom assessments, and $1 million for additional professional development for VPI teachers.
  • An additional $850,000 over the biennium for Early Impact Virginia as the home visiting umbrella organization to support the evaluation, needs assessment, and professional development systems for home-based parenting education programs operating locally.