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AUCD Experts

Tamar Heller, PhD

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Contact Information:
312-413-1647
Leadership:
UCEDD Director
Discipline Coordinators:
Project/Program/Clinic Contacts:
Developmental Disabilities Family Clinic;
Family Support Research and Training Center;
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Developmental Disabilities and Health
Discipline(s):
Disability Studies
Psychology
Public Health
AUCD Council Membership:
No Council Membership
Vita/Bio:

EDUCATION
B.A.: University of Wisconsin, 1972, in History
M.A.: Roosevelt University, 1974, in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D.: University of Illinois at Chicago, 1981, in Organizational/Developmental Psychology.

EXPERIENCE
Head, Department of Disability and Human Development, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2002 to present. Chair an interdisciplinary department with about 200 staff, including 29 faculty, a masters and a doctorate graduate program, and an annual budget of over 9 million dollars (Acting and Interim Head, 2001-2002).

Associate Head of External Affairs, 2000 to 2001. Associate Head of Academic Affairs/Director of Graduate Studies, 1999-2000. Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Director, Institute on Disability and Human Development, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2004-present. Directs the IDHD which is the federally chartered University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities for the State of Illinois. The Institute is authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and is part of a network of 67 university-based centers in every state and territory of the United States. The IDHD serves as a bridge between academia and the community.

Professor of Disability and Human Development, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1999 - present. Associate Professor of Human Development, College of Associated Health Professions, 1994-1998. Joint appointments in Community Health Sciences as Associate Professor and in Psychology as Clinical Associate Professor from 1988 to present. Adjunct Assistant Professor, Psychology Department, 1982 to 1987.

Director of Aging Studies Program, Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago. Started and direct the Aging Studies Program, which includes the national Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities, and several other projects funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, National Institute on Aging, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Illinois Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Aging Studies Program conducts research and provides training and technical assistance in life-span issues, with a strong emphasis on issues related to long-term disabilities and to family studies. 1993-present.

Coordinator of Family Studies and Services Program. Illinois University Affiliated Program in Developmental Disabilities. Started and directed the Family Studies and Services Program encompassing a comprehensive multi-disciplinary diagnostic clinic, family support services, staff training, technical assistance to policy makers, and research on family support. Developed and directed research and evaluation projects on the effects of public policy on persons with disabilities, their families, and human service employees. 1987-1993.

Research Scientist/ Director of Community Staff Development, Institute for the Study of Developmental Disabilities. Directed training and consultation services to community agencies. Developed and conducted needs assessments, training workshops and program evaluations. Administered research projects on life transitions of persons with disabilities and mental illness. 1982-1987.

National Institute of Mental Health Fellow, University of Illinois at Chicago, Conducted research on group decision-making meetings among adults with disabilities. 1975 to 1975.

Vocational Evaluator, Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens, Developed and conducted job and task analyses vocational and psychological assessments, work samples, and interviews. 1974.

Intern School Psychologist, Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens. Conducted psychological testing and staff consultations in schools, vocational centers and residential facilities. 1973.

Coordinator of Client Services/Psychologist, Chicago Association for Retarded Citizens. Administered the vocational evaluation unit and the staff in-service program. Conducted intake interviews and psychological assessments of children and adults with disabilities. 1974-1975.

Registered Psychologist
State of Illinois, Department of Registration and Education, Permit Number 072-02912

School Psychologist
State of Illinois School Services Personnel, Type 73, Permit Number 105437

Family Therapist
Completed introductory externship in family therapy at University of Illinois Department of Psychiatry's Institute for Juvenile Research

Guest Editor
Journal of Technology and Disability
Family Relations

Editorial Board Member
Journal of Disability Policy Studies, Mental Handicap Research

Consulting Editor
American Journal on Mental Retardation, Mental Retardation

Advisory Board Officer
National Case Management Foundation

Journal Reviewer
Social Psychology Quarterly; Applied Research in Mental Retardation; American Journal of Community Psychology; Journal of Applied Gerontology; Research in Developmental Disabilities, Family Relations

HONORS
Executive Council International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities, 2006-present.

Delegate, White House Conference on Aging. Appointed to serve as Senator Barack Obama's delegate to The White House Conference on Aging. The WHCoA provided an opportunity for delegates to present recommendations for action to the President and Congress. December, 2005.

Fellow, Academic Leadership Program, Committee on Institutional Cooperation, 2003 - 2004.

Fellow, International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability, 2000 - present.
President, Gerontology Division, American Association on Mental Retardation. 1998 - 2000.

Board Member, American Association on Mental Retardation, 1993-95.

Fellow of Institute, Institute for Counseling and Personal Development, Belfast, Northern Ireland

DuPont Pharma Geriatric Education Centers Award, Ninth Workshop for Geriatric Education Centers, Washington, D.C., 1994.

Midwest Regional Coordinator, Community Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association.

Service Award, Community Support Services, Brookfield, Illinois, 1991.

National Institute of Mental Health Fellow, 1975.

PUBLICATIONS SUMMARY

Articles Published/In Press 74
Books 2
Chapters 22
Monographs & Technical Reports 42
Total: 140

Service:
Diability Across the Lifespan, International, Aging
Linked Projects

RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Scientific Conference on Intellectual Disability, Aging, and Health
Advanced Training for Disability and Rehabilitation Scholars
Midwest Roybal Center for Health Maintenance
Aging Family Caregiver Support Project

Evaluation of Illinois Family Support Initiatives of the HBSSP and MWSLSP and Aging Caregiver Training and Technical Assistance
Advanced Training for Disability and Rehabilitation Scholars
Aging Family Caregiver Support Project
RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Scientific Conference on Intellectual Disability, Aging, and Health
Midwest Roybal Center for Health Maintenance
Health Promotion for Adults Aging with I/DD
Evaluation of National Special Olympics Healthy Athelete Pilot Projects
Open Doors Organization
Caregiver Support Project
Needs, Knowledge, Barriers and Uses of Technology for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Advanced Training for Disability and Rehabilitation Scholars
Center on Epidemiology and Demography of Disability
RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Caregiver Support Project
Evaluation of National Special Olympics Healthy Athlete Pilot Projects
Health Promotion for Adults Aging with I/DD
Open Doors Organization
Open Doors Organization--UIC Program
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Needs, Knowledge, Barriers and Uses of Technology for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
RRTC on Health and Wellness for Persons with Long Term Disabilities (Heller)
Academic Programs in Disability Studies
Illinois state allocation for academic program
Open Doors Organization--UIC Program
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
RRTC on Aging with Developmental Disabilities
Needs, Knowledge, Barriers and Uses of Technology for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
RRTC on Health and Wellness for Persons with Long Term Disabilities (Heller)
Chicago Disability History Exhibition
Academic Programs in DHD & Disability Studies
Open Doors Organization--UIC Program
Health Care Research and Quality
R9: Supporting Siblings and Adults with Intellectual and I/DD in Planning for the Future
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
RRTC on Health and Wellness for Persons with Long Term Disabilities (Heller)
Health Care Research and Quality
Opened Doors Organization
National Center On Physical Activity And Disability
Needs Knowledge Barriers and Uses of Assistive Technology by Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
UIC Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Behavior
Evaluation of Illinois State Operated Developmental Centers
Consultation Services to Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
Academic Programs in DHD & Disability Studies
RRTC on Health and Wellness for Persons with Long Term Disabilities (Heller)
Needs Knowledge Barriers and Uses of Assistive Technology by Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
UIC Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Behavior
Consultation Services to Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
RRTC on Lifespan Health and Function and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Evaluation of Illinois State Operated Developmental Centers
An Analysis of Movement from State Operated Development Centers in Illinois
Research Collaboration Center
A National Gateway to Self Determination
Opened Doors Organization
Needs Knowledge Barriers and Uses of Assistive Technology by Persons with Cognitive Disabilities
RRTC on Health and Wellness for Persons with Long Term Disabilities (Heller)
RRTC on Lifespan Health and Function and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
A National Gateway to Self Determination
Human Development Faculty
Human Development Faculty
The Autism Program
Family Clinic FY 2010
Human Development Faculty
Special Olympics Research Collaboration Center
Special Olympics International Community Based Health Promotion Program Evaluation
An Analysis of Movement from State Operated Developmental Centers in Illinois
Academic Programs in Disability Studies
RRTC on Lifespan Health and Function and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Autism Minority Training Initiative for Hispanic Parents
Research Collaboration Center (RCC)
SOI Community Based Health Promotion Evaluation
Evaluation of Illinois State Operated Developmental Centers
Technical Assistance Center for Voting and Cognitive Access
A National Gateway to Self Determination
The Autism Program
Leadership Education In Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Training Program
Family Clinic FY 2011
Academic Program
Technical Assistance Regarding Aging and Developmental Disabilities
The Voting Project
Evaluation of Illinois State Operated Developmental Centers
Evaluation of Support Service Teams
The Voting Project 2011
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
The Voting Project
RRTC for Health and Function Across the Lifespan of Individuals with I/DD - Supplement
A National Gateway to Self Determination
Technical Assistance Regarding Aging and Developmental Disabilities
Collaborative Agreement between IDHD-UIC and AUCD
Independent Evaluation of Illinois Integrated Care Program
DHS Howe Evaluation
The Autism Program
Autism Now Adult and Aging Resources
Human Development Faculty
Family Clinic FY 2012
NIDRR Post Doctoral Training Grant - Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
Evaluation of Support Service Teams
RRTC for Health and Function Across Lifespan of Individuals with I/DD--Supplement
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
Independent Evaluation of Illinois Integrated Care Program
Autism Now Adult and Aging Resources
Family Clinic 2013
A National Gateway to Self-Determination
A National Gateway to Self-Determination
A University Based Peer Mentoring and Training Program In Support Of College Students
Evaluation of DHS Transitions Initiative to Reduce Institutionalization of I DD
The Autism Program
Human Development Faculty
A National Gateway to Self-Determination
RRTC on Lifespan Health and Function and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
RRTC On Lifespan Health and Function And Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (Extension)
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
Independent Evaluation of Illinois Integrated Care Program
Evaluation of DHS Transitions Initiative to Reduce Institutionalization of I DD
The Autism Program
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
RRTC on Developmental Disabilities and Health
Comparing Care Coordination Models in Illinois
Aging Caregivers Training
Bridge Builder/ Community Connector Project Evaluation
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
Independent Evaluation of Illinois Integrated Care Program
Evaluation of DHS Transitions Initiative to Reduce Institutionalization of I DD
The Autism Program
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
Comparing Care Coordination Models in Illinois
Human Development Faculty
Family Clinic 2015
RRTC on Lifespan Health and Function and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (The Voting Project)
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
Evalucation of DHS Transitions Initiative to Reduce Institutionalization of I DD
The State of the States in Developmental Disabilities
Institute on Disability and Human Development - University Center for Excellence in DD 2013-2018
Comparing Care Coordination Models in Illinois
Human Development Faculty
RRTC on Health and Function and I/DD
Leadership Institute For People With DIsabilities Pilot Evaluation Pahse 1
Technical Assistance "Life Like Any Other"
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with
UIC UCEDD Diversity Fellowship Program
Family Clinic Revolving account
ICDD State Plan Development
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
Aging Caregivers Training
Autism Awareness Project
Institute on Disability and Human Development - University Center for Excellence in DD 2013-2018
RRTC on Health and Function and I/DD
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
Human Development Faculty
ASD Screening and Parent Engagement (ASPEN)
Citizenship Rights: Increasing Voting Access and Engagement Among People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
UIC UCEDD Diversity Fellowship Program - Year 2
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)
UIC - The Autism Program
ASD Needs Assessment and Plan Development in Eastern and Western Illinois
The State of the States in Developmental Disabilities FY 2017
Improving Acute, Primary and Transitional Health Care Services for Individuals with Disabilities Conference
ICDD State Plan Development
CQL Basic Assurances and Personal Outcomes Research Contract
Bridge Builder/Community Connector Evaluation
State of the States 2015-2016
Comparing Care Coordination Models in IL
Steps to Effective Problem Solving
UIC Diversity Fellowship program-year 1
Advanced Training in Translational and Transformational Research to Improve Outcomes for People with Disabilities
The State of the States in Developmental Disabilities
Human Development Faculty
RRTC on Health and Function and I/DD
UIC UCEDD Diversity Fellowship Program
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
Institute on Disability and Human Development - University Center for Excellence in DD 2013-2018
Home and Community Based Services
UIC - The Autism Program
Autism Awareness Project
Comparing Care Coordination Models in IL
Steps to Effective Problem Solving
Short Term Stabilization Program
Future Planning Training For Professionals Year 2
Historical Review Of The Illinois Council On Developmental Disabilities Systems Impact and Lessons Learned
Short Term Stabilization SSH Program
Building Community Capacity For Person Centered Planning For People Aging With ID
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
UIC The Autism Program
Building Community Capacity For Person Centered Planning For People Aging With ID
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
Historical Review Of The Illinois Council On Developmental Disabilities Systems Impact and Lessons Learned
Human Development Faculty
Institute on Disability and Human Development - University Center for Excellence in DD 2018-2023
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
RRTC on Family Support
RRTC on Health and Function and I/DD
Short Term Stabilization Program
Short Term Stabilization SSH Program
Steps to Effective Problem Solving
Autism Awareness Project
Implementation and Sustainability of Envision IT (EIT) College Readiness Curriculum
UIC UCEDD Diversity Fellowship Program
Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion
Autism and Innovation
Advanced Training in Translational and Community Engaged Scholarship to Improve Community Living and Participation for People with Disabilities
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
Historical Review Of The Illinois Council On Developmental Disabilities Systems Impact and Lessons Learned
Human Development Faculty
Institute on Disability and Human Development - University Center for Excellence in DD 2018-2023
Implementation and Sustainability of Envision IT (EIT) College Readiness Curriculum
Medicaid Managed Care and Aging with Physical Disabilities
RRTC on Family Support
RRTC on Health and Function and I/DD
Short Term Stabilization Program
Short Term Stabilization SSH Program
Steps to Effective Problem Solving
UIC The Autism Program
Health and Aging Policy Fellowship
ICDD State Plan Development
The UIC Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience
Advanced Training in Translational and Community Engaged Scholarship to improve community living and participation for people with disabilities
Institute on Disability and Human Development: University Center for Excellence in DD US
UIC- The Autism Program
ICDD State Plan Development
Evaluation of the Short-Term Stabilization Homes
Health and Aging Policy Fellowship
Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
National Training Initiative (NTI) - Dual Diagnosis
ICDD State Plan Development
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
UIC- The Autism Program
The UIC Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience
Advanced Training in Translational and Community Engaged Scholarship to improve community living and participation for people with disabilities
Virtual Future Planning (V-FIN) for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Aging Families
Bridging Aging and Disability
Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation
The Autism Awareness Project
Air-P Collaborative Research Entity
Institute on Disability and Human Development: University Center for Excellence in DD US
Analysis of Movement from Illinois Developmental Centers
National Training Initiative (NTI) - Dual Diagnosis
Virtual Future Planning (V-FIN) for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Aging Families
The UIC Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience
Institute on Disability and Human Development: University Center for Excellence in DD US
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
Bridging Aging and Disability
Disability Services and Supports: Video and Multimedia Access
Advanced Training in Translational and Community Engaged Scholarship to Improve Community Living and Participation for People with Disabilities
Air-P Collaborative Research Entity
Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation
UIC- The Autism Program
Institute on Disability and Human Development- University Center for Excellence in DD US.
UIC- The Autism Program.
Easter Seal's PEACHES Project.
Autism Awareness Project.
Analysis of Movement from Illinois Developmental Centers.
Strive to Thrive.
Housing Navigator Pilot Evaluation
Bridging Aging and Disability.
Virtual Future Planning for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Aging Families
UCEDD National Training Initiative to Support People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with Co-Occurring Mental or Behavioral Condition
Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program Evaluation.
Advanced Training in Translational and Community Engaged Scholarship to Improve Community Living and Participation for People with Disabilities
Air-P Collaborative Research Entity
Developmental Disability Family Clinic
National Training Initiative (NTI) - Dual Diagnosis
The UIC Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience
Advanced Training in Translational and Community Engaged Scholarship to Improve Community Living and Participation for People with Disabilities
Midwest Roybal Center for Health Promotion and Translation
Air-P Collaborative Research Entity.
Linked Products

Residential settings and outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Eight-year follow -up of the impact of environmental characteristics on well-beig of adults with developmental disabilities
Determinants of exercise in adults with cerebral palsy
Health of women with intellectual disabilities
Health Promotion

Promoting healthy aging, family support, and age-friendly communities for persons aging with developmental disabilities
Grandparents raising grandchildren with developmental disabilties
Barriers and supports for exercise participation amoung adults with Down Syndrome
The Future is Now: A future planning training curriculum for families and their adult relatives with developmental disabilities.
The Tampa scientific conference on intellectual disability, aging, and health.
Aging. Keeping the promises, FIndings and Recommendations
Facilitating cooperation among the caregiver, aging, and developmental disability service systems in the state of California.
Defining a national health research and practice agenda for older adults with intellectual disabilities
Attitudinal and psychological outcomes of a fitness and health education program on adults with Down syndrome
Impact of a consumer-directed family support program on reduced out-of-home institutional placement
Supporting aging caregivers and adults with developmental disabilities in future planning
Aging and disability
Getting involved in research and training projects: A guide for persons with disabilities
Aging family caregivers: Policies and practices.
Supporting aging caregivers and adults with developmental disabilities in future planning.
Evaluating an interpersonal model of depression among adults with Downs syndrome.
Family Support 360: Empowering a Community
Heller, T.: Quoted in the New York Times Magazine on February 18, 2007 on a piece titled: Her Autistic Brothers
Person-centered planning for later life: A curriculum for adults with mental retardation
Future planning resource guide for families and adults with DD
Sibling Leadership Network Update
The Sibling Leadership network: Recommendations for Research, Advocacy, and Supports
A family handbook on future planning
Family support and intergenerational caregiving: Report from the state of the science
Healthy aging and community participation: National goals, current knowledge, and future research.
Involvement of adult siblings of persons with developmental disabilities in future planning
Report of the state of the science in aging with developmental disabilities
Supporting Aging Caregivers with DD
The sibling leadership network: Recommendations for research, advocacy, and support relating to siblings of people with developmental disabilities.
World Report on Disability and Rehabilitation
Determinants of exercise in adults with cerebral palsy
Evaluation of the Illinois Services and Support Program
An analysis of the movement from state operated developmental centers
Aging and Self-Determination Research to Practice Brief
Abuse