Shawn Girtler, a PhD student in the Department of Educational Psychology’s special education program, has been awarded a spring 2021 Council of Graduate Students (COGS) research grant for her research on “Using Behavior Skills Training to Promote Caregivers’ Generalized Skill Instruction with Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders.”

During her 18-week study, Girtler will use the funding to compensate, often underpaid, direct support staff for their time. In addition for the first time on-record, individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders will be compensated for their time as research participants.