One of our chief activities is the preparation of personnel for careers in fields relating to developmental disabilities. Because the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities are complex, service providers and professionals require expertise in many different disciplines. Our faculty and trainees follow an interdisciplinary approach and provide state of the art diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment services through UCLA-based Tarjan Center Clinical Training & Services.

Trainees also investigate and analyze local and state systems of services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Our faculty provides didactic, clinical and research training to graduate students, fellows, and professionals seeking leadership roles in health care and service delivery. Typically, we have 10-15 interdisciplinary trainees from behavioral genetics, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health, psychology, social work, speech and language, nursing, and psychiatry.

In addition to campus-based programs, the Tarjan Center works with state and national organizations to provide trainees with practical field experiences in developmental disabilities. For example, we currently work with the California Department of Developmental Services to co-sponsor a psychology training program at the Lanterman State Developmental Center. This training program was developed in response to the critical need for psychologists with expertise in dual diagnosis and severe and challenging behaviors.
Meet the Tarjan Center Trainees!