About the Program

This program of study, administered by the University of New Hampshire, Department of Education, prepares special education teachers to work in schools, promoting evidence-based, high quality, inclusive educational programs for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The program also gives significant attention to effective education of students with autism spectrum disorders. Graduates are eligible for New Hampshire teacher certification in the advanced endorsement area in “intellectual/developmental disabilities.”

The program consists of seven academic courses offered approximately one per semester, one day per week after 4 p.m., so enrollment is feasible for practicing professionals or full time students.
The program is grounded in the philosophy that disability is a natural part of the human experience. It emphasizes that individuals with disabilities have the same rights as individuals without disabilities to exert control and choice over their lives, to live independently, and to fully participate in and contribute to their communities through inclusion in the educational, economic, political, social, and cultural mainstream of society. Courses are co-taught by individuals with disabilities and/or family members, and University faculty who have joint appointments in various academic departments and the Institute on Disability.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, CFDA Number 84.325K

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Who Should Apply

The program is designed for individuals who are at various stages of initial and advanced professional education--with high priority given to applicants from underrepresented groups--including:

• All students enrolled in the M.Ed. program in Special Education at the University of New Hampshire may elect an advanced endorsement area in addition to their pursuit of General Special Education Certification. The Inclusion Facilitator Concentration is one of these advanced endorsement areas and it leads to New Hampshire teacher certification in “intellectual/developmental disabilities.”
• Teachers who already have General Special Education Certification and a Master’s degree may enroll in the program on a “certification-only” basis, leading to New Hampshire teacher certification in “intellectual/developmental disabilities.” Expedited application and enrollment is possible for graduates of UNH’s M. Ed. program in Special Education who wish to gain this additional endorsement.
• Practicing professionals and students who are enrolled in other degree programs may enroll in selected courses within the concentration.
• Self-advocates and parents are also encouraged to enroll in selected courses within the concentration, even if they are not pursuing teacher certification.

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