About Us

The National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET) at the University of Oklahoma is a Department within Public and Community Services, a part of the College of Continuing Education within University Outreach. With a rich history of innovative training, direct service, and research in the field of disability, the Center delivers a variety of programs designed to advance the employment and independent living of individuals with disabilities.

Established in 1965, NCDET initially delivered short term, in-service training to develop supervisory and management skills among Vocational Rehabilitation professionals from across the country. Thousands of professionals from public and private vocational rehabilitation agencies visited the Norman campus to receive training from the former Rehabilitation, Administration and Management Program. Using that successful training program as a launching point, NCDET continued to develop coursework for rehabilitation staff of state agencies and community rehabilitation providers. Since this start 40 years ago, NCDET has built its program through new grants and contracts with a variety of state and federal agencies and entities to a encompass a broader scope built around an enduring mission to maximize the independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities.

Over ten years ago, through federal grants from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research and a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, NCDET began development of accessible CD-ROM based training programs to provide training for professionals working in supported employment programs. In more recent years, as the technology has evolved, NCDET moved from CD-ROM based training to development of accessible on-line training.

Please explore our site to learn more about the online training courses offered by NCDET. Visit us often because we are building our site as we expand our online training programs.