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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PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The U.S. Department of Education (OSEP) has awarded GMU and U.Va. a grant to help support the educational training of future leaders in special education. Virginia DEEL Scholars will become experts in literacy to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.  Particular emphasis will be placed on evidence-based literacy practices in special education for high-needs students with disabilities.

Selected Virginia DEEL Scholars will:

  • earn a PhD in Special Education with a secondary specialization in research methods,
  • receive mentoring from nationally and internationally recognized faculty at GMU and U.Va.,
  • participate in cutting edge research on evidence-based literacy practices for students with disabilities, and
  • develop knowledge and skills that will prepare Scholars for a faculty position in higher education.

WHAT DOES THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDE?

Selected scholars will receive:

  • all tuition, fees, and health insurance each year,
  • an additional fellowship award >$57,000 each year,
  • travel support to attend state and/or national professional conferences, and
  • stipends for research supplies and dissertation support.

WHAT DOES PARTICIPATION REQUIRE?

Selected scholars must:

  • commit to be a full-time student and to apprentice with faculty in research and teaching, and
  • agree to work in a higher-education position related to special education for 2 years post-graduation for every year of funding received.

WHAT ARE APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS?

Applicants must:

  • meet the requirements for acceptance in the GMU PhD Program,
  • be licensed special education teachers as defined by their state’s licensure framework,
  • have served as a special education teacher for at least three full-time years, and
  • provide a specific statement regarding their interest in the project and the long-term goals that they expect to achieve as a result of participation.

We encourage applicants of all ethnicities and genders, including persons with disabilities, to apply.

INTERESTED?  APPLY!