Culture...promotes cohesion, well-being, understanding, shared vision.

KUPD 2008 Officers: Back row (left to right)-Mary Pearson, Treasurer; Kathleen Kyzar, Vice-President; Shea Obremski, President. Front row (left to right)- Susanne James, Communications Director; and Dan Pollitt, Secretary.

The KU Professionals for Disability is:

• An official student organization located within the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas.
• An organization open to all students who have an interest in the disability field.
• An avenue for bringing students and professionals together for social and educational opportunities.
• Founded in 2002 through the inspiration and efforts of graduate students in the Department of Special Education, the organization now has an informal membership of approximately 50 active students.

• To support students who are preparing to enter a career in the disability field.
• To provide opportunities for students to gain awareness of current and emerging issues in the field.
• To provide opportunities for students to network with other students and professionals.
• To increase student involvement in local, state, and national professsional organizations.

• Each month KUPD schedules an educational presentation on a different disability-related topic. These are known as "Luncheon Lectures." Past topics have included international perspectives on disability issues; disability advocacy in the context of political ideologies; the job search process and achieving tenure in academic settings; and issues affecting students with disabilities in an urban environment.
• The Annual KUPD Student Conference, held at the University of Kansas Union in the Spring, is a highlight event that has the feel of a professional conference. The conference provides a forum for the special education community to learn more about ongoing KU student research projects as well as an opportunity for the student presenters to engage in a professional development activity.