IDEA Institute

Advancing Opportunity, Independence and Empowerment

Equity and opportunity begin at home.

The Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) at Duquesne University creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live, work and participate fully in their communities.

As a university-based institute, IDEA brings together education, research, advocacy and partnerships to remove barriers, expand opportunities and create pathways that support individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them.

Rooted in Duquesne University’s Spiritan mission of serving others and promoting human dignity, IDEA brings together interdisciplinary expertise, community partnerships and diverse perspectives to advance access, opportunity and lifelong participation.

Established through the generous support of the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, IDEA reflects a commitment to fostering meaningful change through collaboration and innovation.

IDEA works to:

Expand pathways to meaningful employment.
Promote independence and self-advocacy.
Advance education and research that supports individuals with disabilities.
Build partnerships that strengthen communities.

Advancing Opportunity Through Four Strategic Pillars

IDEA advances its mission through four strategic pillars that address barriers, create opportunities and support lifelong participation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Learn More About Our Pillars

Grocery store worker with IDD has an opportunity to expand her pathways to meaningful employment.

Workforce Development

Preparing Individuals with Disabilities for Meaningful Careers

Hearing impared person works together with another in an online meeting to improve policy and promote independence and self-advocacy.

Policy and Advocacy

Supporting Access, Rights, and Self-Advocacy

Assistive Technology

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Promote Independence

Community and Cultural Engagement

Building Inclusive Communities Through Connection and Belonging

Disability Advisory Board

The Board supports the Institute by building relationships with disability advocacy and service organizations across Western Pennsylvania and by providing expert guidance to promote accessibility, inclusion, and disability-informed practices.

Connor Green, MEd

Social Studies Teacher at Hampton School District & Veteran

Rachel Kallem Whitman, EdD, MEd

Adjunct Professor at Duquesne University & Governor’s Disability Advisory Committee

Chaz Kellem, MS

Program Manager, Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs at Highmark Health & Governor’s Disability Advisory Committee

Chris Mielo

Communications Manager at Achieva

Haley Spitznagel

Paraprofessional at South Park Elementary Center, South Park, PA

IDEA Four Strategic Pillars

Workforce Development: Preparing Individuals with Disabilities for Meaningful Careers

IDEA works to expand employment opportunities and create pathways that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they pursue meaningful work and greater independence.

Increase competitive integrated employment opportunities and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Utilize innovative technologies, simulations, and targeted coaching to build workplace confidence and competence
Develop employment readiness, workplace, and independent living skills through hands-on learning experiences
Support businesses in creating disability-inclusive workplaces through education and consultation
Partner with employers to create inclusive hiring pathways and customized employment opportunities

Policy and Advocacy: Supporting Access, Rights, and Self-Advocacy

IDEA advances research, advocacy and collaboration that help address barriers and support policies that promote opportunity, access and participation for individuals with disabilities.

Collaborate with community partners to identify and address systemic barriers impacting individuals with disabilities
Support individuals and families navigating public benefits and service systems
Promote self-advocacy skills that increase independence and informed decision-making
Develop training and educational resources on special education and disability-related policies

Assistive Technology: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Promote Independence

IDEA explores innovative tools and approaches that support independence, accessibility and participation in daily life, education and employment.

Evaluates how technology can reduce barriers and improve the quality of life or individuals with disabilities
Explore emerging technologies that enhance independence and workplace success
Identify assistive technology solutions that support employment, education, and community participation
Teach individuals, families, and employers how to use assistive technologies effectively

Community and Cultural Engagement: Building Inclusive Communities Through Connection and Belonging

IDEA builds relationships and partnerships that strengthen awareness, belonging and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.

Create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in meaningful community experiences
Develop partnerships with cultural, educational, and civic organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania
Promote disability awareness and inclusion through education, outreach, and collaborative events
Foster self-advocacy, leadership, and disability pride through community-based programming

Get Involved. Join IDEA in Creating Opportunity.

Learning Together, Creating Change

Meaningful progress happens through collaboration. IDEA works alongside individuals with disabilities, families, educators, professionals, employers and community organizations to share knowledge, build relationships and create lasting opportunities.

Together, we are creating communities where individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute, belong and thrive.

Person with Disability Opportunities

We are currently developing a variety of engagement, advocacy, and leadership opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy. Please check back frequently as new programs, events and volunteer opportunities become available. We look forward to creating meaningful ways for participants to connect, contribute and help shape the future of the Institute.

Parent/Guardian Volunteer

Parents and guardians play an important role in advancing disability advocacy and support. Information about volunteer opportunities, advisory roles and ways to become involved with the Institute will be posted here as they are finalized. Please check back for updates and new opportunities to engage.

Student Volunteer

Students interested in disability advocacy, community engagement and inclusive leadership will find opportunities to get involved with the Institute in the near future. Volunteer positions, service projects, internship experiences and event participation opportunities will be added as they become available.

Industry, Community & Government Agency Partner Opportunities

The Institute is committed to building strong partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits and government agencies that support individuals with disabilities. Details about collaboration opportunities, joint initiatives and partnership programs will be shared here as they are developed.