2019 Research Mini-Grants

The CED awarded two mini-grants this year to researchers for their exemplary proposals, aligning with the mission and goals of the CED. The purpose of the grants are to continually improve health and independence among individuals with disabilities across the state of West Virginia.

Employment and Transition Services
Human Resource Development Foundation –

The CED mini grant award will help the Foundation provide career pathway resources to youth with disabilities through a series of workshops. The workshops center on job exploration counseling, work based learning experiences, counseling on post-secondary education opportunities, work place readiness, and self-advocacy. Participating youth will consist of individuals with disabilities who were referred from local Division of Rehabilitation Services offices.

Using Photovoice to Understand Student Perception of Adulthood WVU Department of Occupational Therapy: Rondalyn V Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Anne Cronin, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, ATP -

This award will allow the researchers to explore perceived participation difficulties experienced by youth transitioning to adulthood (9th-12 grade) with autism related developmental disabilities. Youth will take photographs that depict their perception of adulthood. The knowledge gained from this study will help to determine the impact of student perception of adult roles that support or impede transition to post-secondary life roles.