Kellar Institute for Human DisAbilities (KIHd) - College of Education and Human Development - 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Important Dates

TURTLES Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with TURTLES acceptance letters sent to applicants upon acceptance to the PhD in Education Program. It is recommended that you apply for TURTLES at the same time that you apply to the PhD in Education Program.
PhD in Education ProgramGMU TURTLES
Apply here!Apply here!
    Application Deadlines
  • November 15th
  • February 15th
  • April 15th
  • June 15th
    Application Deadline
  • Upon Receipt (applications will be considered until all 8 TURTLES Scholar slots are filled)
    Admission Interviews
  • Mid-December
  • Mid-March
  • Mid-May
  • Mid-July
    TURTLES Interview
  • Upon TURTLES application review
    Admissions Decisions
  • Mid-late January
  • Early April
  • Early June
  • Early August
    TURTLES Admissions Decisions
  • Mid-late January
  • Early April
  • Early June
  • Early August

Required Application Materials

PhD in Education ProgramGMU TURTLES
    Application Requirements (see PhD in Education website for more information)
  • Application fee
  • Resume/curriculum vita
  • 750-1,000 goals statement describing
    1. the academic and career goals that a PhD in Education will enable you to attain
    2. your past experiences related to the intended professional specialization as well as personal and professional aspirations.
    3. Your interest in the special education specialization and being considered for TURTLES
  • Transcript
  • GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Supplemental materials (optional)
    TURTLES Application Requirements
  • Resume/curriculum vita
  • Goal statement describing
    1. your commitment to working in a special education leadership position
    2. Note: this goal statement should not be the same as your PhD in Education Program Application Goal Statement
    Interview
  • Interviews are typically an hour long
  • There are typically two faculty and one student interviewer
  • Applicants will have time to ask questions about the PhD in Education Program
    TURTLES Interview
  • Interviews will be about an hour long
  • Interviewers will be the Project Directors from each TURTLES site (GMU, AU, OU)
  • Applicants will have time to ask questions about TURTLES requirements and responsibilities