Mission Statement

The mission of the Institute on Disability & Health Psychology (IDHP) is to increase the representation of people with disabilities in psychology, to promote training of psychologists on the conjunction of disability studies and psychology, to conduct research in disability studies that informs the work of psychologists, to promote policies and to address psychological issues that can improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities. 

IDP Activities

The activities of the IDHP fall into five main areas with specific focused activities in each area. The overriding goal is to promote social justice and improve the lives of people with disabilities. The IDHP is not a direct service provider; instead, the activities are aimed at informing and changing systems, policies, providers, and legislators. 

The IDHP's five main areas of activity are:

1. Policy
2. Research
3. Education, Training, & Dissemination of Knowledge
4. Evaluation & Consultation
5. Prevention

Examples of Specific Activities:

• Development of a model graduate psychology course on Disability, Ethnicity & Culture
• Evaluation of a wellness program for persons with severe cerebral palsy.
• Development of training materials for use in graduate psychology courses on cultural diversity.
• Training of mental health service providers at Kaiser Permanente.
• Research on parents with disabilities.
• Development of a protocol for doctoral psychology dissertations in American Sign Language.
• Designing and piloting a template for understanding quality of life for persons with disabilities, using polio/post-polio syndrome as an example.

Donations

 The IDHP relies on gifts and grants for its operations. Tax-deductible contributions can be made by check to Alliant International University- IDHP or by credit card. You can find a printable form for that purpose by clicking the Donations link at the top of this page, or by clicking here. 

Contact Information:

Institute on Disability & Health Psychology Alliant International University One Beach Street, #100 San Francisco, CA 94131 Phone:  (415) 955-2118 Executive Director: Dr. Rhoda Olkin Email