About KUPD

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Pictured: Back row (left to right)-Mary Pearson, Treasurer; Kathleen Kyzar, Vice-President; Shea Obremski, President. Front row (left to right)- Susanne James, Communications Director; and Dan Pollitt, Secretary.

The KU Professionals for Disability is:

• An official student organization located within the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas.
• An organization open to all students who have an interest in the disability field.
• An avenue for bringing students and professionals together for social and educational opportunities.
• Founded in 2002 through the inspiration and efforts of graduate students in the Department of Special Education, the organization now has an informal membership of approximately 50 active students.

• To support students who are preparing to enter a career in the disability field.
• To provide opportunities for students to gain awareness of current and emerging issues in the field.
• To provide opportunities for students to network with other students and professionals.
• To increase student involvement in local, state, and national professsional organizations.

• Each month KUPD schedules an educational presentation on a different disability-related topic. These are known as "Luncheon Lectures." Past topics have included international perspectives on disability issues; disability advocacy in the context of political ideologies; the job search process and achieving tenure in academic settings; and issues affecting students with disabilities in an urban environment.
• The Annual KUPD Student Conference, held at the University of Kansas Union in the Spring, is a highlight event that has the feel of a professional conference. The conference provides a forum for the special education community to learn more about ongoing KU student research projects as well as an opportunity for the student presenters to engage in a professional development activity.
• On the second Friday of each month informal social gatherings are planned at various locations on campus and in the Lawrence community that provide opportunities for students to develop relationships with other special education graduate students.

• Sign up on our listserv by emailing Luchara Syles Wallace (lsw7@ku.edu).
• Come to activities to get to know and learn from other students and faculty with like interests.
• Join in by volunteering to assist with events and to help plan activities.