What is the ARRT Program?

• 3-year postdoctoral training program on employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Provides advanced, multidisciplinary training in IDD employment research
• Addresses the critical need for better representation and capacity in the IDD research workforce and field

The ARRT Program is housed at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at UMass Boston and brings together ICI’s expertise from the School of Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD) at UMass Boston and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS). ARRT is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).

Why ARRT?

We need better representation and capacity in the IDD research workforce and field! How do we know?

The workforce does not fully reflect or meet the needs of the populations it serves.

• People from a wide variety of communities and people with disabilities are underrepresented in the employment services workforce
• Qualified people from different backgrounds don’t enter or stay in the field because they lack role models

IDD research is not inclusive, and outcomes reflect that.

• There are differences in disability & IDD employment outcomes
• Current research interventions lack the broad range of perspectives, which limits the research effectiveness

These issues are exacerbated by systemic technological, architectural, and environmental barriers & weak institutional support.

Calling all Researchers! Do you want to join the ARRT?

We are seeking 4 postdoctoral fellows who are interested in pursuing impactful research careers in the IDD field.

Who are you?

• A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as rehabilitation, education, social sciences, public health, or public policy
• Interested and experienced in disability research (especially IDD) with professional or volunteer experience in the field
• Committed to participating in all program activities and reporting requirements (30 hours/week)