The program emphasizes developmental approaches to understanding change in the social, psychological, and communicative behavior of persons with mental retardation and in the functioning of their families. Fellows must be committed to developing a program of research focused on mental retardation or related developmental disabilities. The program is intended for new Ph.D.s and for junior faculty who wish to establish programs of research in mental retardation.
Fellowships are for two years, pending satisfactory progress.
The program has a general structure, or set of experiences and expectations common to all fellows, but is individualized to meet the particular needs, interests, and professional goals of individual fellows. Each fellow will work with a primary mentor and a mentor committee to develop a set of goals for the fellowship period and a plan to meet those goals. The mentor committee also will monitor the fellow's progress in the program. Each fellow will complete a program of research training and a core curriculum. These experiences will culminate in several products, including presentations at scientific conferences, publications in appropriate scientific outlets, and an application for extramural support of a line of research.