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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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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Eligibility, Conditions, and Selection Process

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Eligibility

    To be selected as a GMU TURTLES Scholar, an applicant must:
  • be admitted to GMU’s PhD in Education Program (applicants may apply for the PhD in Education Program and TURTLES simultaneously).
  • be able to meet in-person course requirements of the PhD in Education Program.
  • have earned a master’s degree
  • be a U.S. Citizen
  • have certification in special education, general education, or a related service area

Award Conditions

    As a condition of accepting grant support, each selected TURTLES Scholar must commit to:
  • completing the required program of study (comprising special education, leadership, and research methods coursework) and program activities
  • completing the doctoral program within the specified time period as a part-time student (with coursework and program requirements in the summer terms)
  • employed service in a special education leadership position (two years of service for every year of grant funding)

Selection Process

    Project TURTLES scholars will be selected using a two-tier process. (The application and interview may happen concurrently with the GMU PhD in Education Program admission process).
  1. First, applicants must apply and be admitted to one of the three partner institutions
  2. Second, cross-site Project Directors will evaluate applicants’ aptitude for success in the program using a rubric created with the project’s advisory board, including
    • training and experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families,
    • interest in advancing their knowledge and experiences needed to be successful in planning for and supervising the implementation of scientifically based interventions and services, both virtually and in person, that improve outcomes for children with disabilities, and
    • aspirational career goals related to serving in special education leadership positions-- particularly in high-needs educational settings and/or contemporary school-choice options.