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Division for Physical and Health Disabilities (DPHD)

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Purpose and Goals

The Division for Physical and Health Disabilities (DPHD) is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that advocates for quality education for all individuals with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and special health care needs served in schools, hospitals, or home settings. The goals of DPHD include:

• Promoting the continued development of adequate resources and programs that address the many areas of need associated with serving children and adults with physical and/or multiple disabilities, and special health care needs.
• Disseminating relevant and timely information on current issues, instructional strategies, adaptations, and research through the annual CEC convention, professional meetings, training programs and publications.
• Providing technical assistance and preservice and inservice education.
• Advocating for funds and policies that promote supportive legislation and funding for persons with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities and special health care needs.
• Supporting the activities, policies, and procedures of the CEC and the other CEC divisions.

Valuable Professional Publications

As a member of DPHD, you will stay abreast of recent advances and trends in your field through your subscriptions to: Physical Disabilities-Education and Related Services. Providing professionals information on relevant research, instructional innovation, and current issues in education and related services for individuals with physical, orthopedic or health impairments.

Published twice a year, The DPHD Newsletter, provides information about current developments in the field highlighting topics of current interest, political action updates, conference and meeting dates, DPHD activities, as well as information about CEC activities. Published quarterly.

Conventions and Conferences

DPHD offers its members opportunities for professional growth and networking with colleagues who share their interests. DPHD sponsors sessions on the education of individuals with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and special health care needs at the CEC Annual International Convention & Expo. Members are invited to submit proposals and make program suggestions. During the convention, DPHD sponsors a variety of special activities, including "Division Day" presentations, showcase sessions, daily DPHD sessions, and the DPHD Annual Reception.

Other Important Benefits

DPHD has established the Elizabeth Wetzel Memorial fund to provide scholarship assistance to undergraduate and graduate students in preparation programs in physical and/or multiple disabilities. A scholarship is awarded annually. Application information can be found in the DPHD Newsletter.

Membership Requirements

DPHD membership is open to any member of CEC involved in providing educational or support services to persons with physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, and special health care needs. DPHD members include classroom teachers, administrators, related service personnel, hospital/homebound teachers, and parents. Students currently enrolled in a college or university program and not employed full time as a certified professional in the education profession are eligible for special student rates.

Join Today!

DPHD membership is the most cost-effective way to boost your professional skills and become a more informed practitioner. Remember: You must be a member of CEC to join DPHD. Call CEC at (888) 232-7733 (toll free) or (703) 620-3660 or join online today.