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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Program Description

Be Ready, Be Well (BRBW) flower image logo

BRBW Addresses Common Road Bumps to Successful Transition

BRBW provides tools and strategies for families and young adults with disabilities to navigate difficult “road bumps” they will encounter and to look for “rest stops” that can offer support along the way.1 Additionally, BRBW provides families and young adults with disabilities tools to build self-advocacy and wellness practices throughout the transition from high school to adulthood.

  1. Francis, G. L., Duke, J. M., & Chiu, C. (2017). The college road trip: Supporting college success for students with autism. Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Online Journal, 4, 20-35.
    http://daddcec.org/Portals/0/CEC/Autism_Disabilities/Research/Publications/DOJ_Volume4_2017.pdf
This displays the road bumps (barriers) and rest stops (strategies and resources) that young adults with disabilities and their families face as they navigate the journey to adulthood.

This displays the road bumps (barriers) and rest stops (strategies and resources) that young adults with disabilities and their families face as they navigate the journey to adulthood.

BRBW Sessions

BRBW engages young adults with disabilities and families in meaningful learning and growth through interactive sessions.

Each session is carefully structured to provide valuable insights and practical skills, with dedicated content for families and young adults. Each session culminates in collaborative activities to reinforce learning at home and in the classroom following BRBW sessions.

BRBW involves 2 sessions for families and 2 sessions for young adults:

  • Session 1: Examine strengths, explore expectations, review transition basics, and set goals. Basics
  • Session 2: Be Ready: Supportive listening skills, Be Well: Stress and management skills

An example of a BRBW goal-setting activity completed by a young adult and their family during Session 1.

An example of a BRBW goal-setting activity completed by a young adult and their family during Session 1.

An example of a BRBW vision board activity completed by a young adult and her family at home during Session 1

An example of a BRBW vision board activity completed by a young adult and her family at home during Session 1.

The BRBW Team collaborates with co-facilitators at schools or other organizations to support the successful implementation of BRBW, including:

  • Providing all training materials (e.g., presentation materials, participant workbooks, evaluation materials, supplementary materials and activities)
  • Providing young adult, family, and staff recruitment materials
  • Meeting with school teams to provide logistical and implementation planning and support
  • Co-facilitating BRBW with school staff, as needed)
  • Evaluation data management and analysis

Teacher facilitating BRBW.

Teacher facilitating BRBW.

See BRBW Open Access Materials tab for examples of BRBW content and activities.