Center for Human Development receives $1 million research grant

Dr. Karen Ward and her research team at UAA's Center for Human Development (CHD) received a competitive $1 million federal research grant from the Small Business Administration. The research team is designing and testing an Industry-Driven Support Model for low-income entrepreneurs with disabilities. The model is based on findings from a three-year research and demonstration grant through the Department of Labor Office on Disability Employment Policy, of which CHD was the evaluator. The model teaches low-income individuals with disabilities specific business skills, while also increasing their social capital to increase entrepreneurial success. This approach is being refined through participatory action research where one-half of the project research team members represent the target population. The researchers are also examining web conferencing systems to deliver information and promote virtual networking among the participants. Investigators for the five-year project are CHD researchers Karen Heath and Danielle Miller.

CHD is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (University Centers, UCEDDs) authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. There are 67 UCEDDs, at least one in every state and territory. Since CHD is the only UCEDD in Alaska, it serves the entire state. The mission of CHD is to improve the quality of lives for people who experience disabilities and their families, across the life span, through interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, exemplary service development, applied research and dissemination of information. Learn more about the CHD on its website at www.alaskachd.org.