AN AFFILIATE OF THE LIFE SPAN INSTITUTE & THE DEPT. OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Beach Center on Disability

Staff Detail

Staff Photo

Dr. Susan Palmer

Research Associate Professor

University of Kansas
1200 Sunnyside Ave., 3103 Haworth Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045-7601

Office Phone: (785) 864-0270

Fax: (785) 864-7605

Email: spalmer@ku.edu

Bio: Dr. Palmer's professional interests are focused on developmental aspects of children and youth with disabilities concerning learning and achievement. The change in abilities and behavior that occurs over time is of interest to her. The following broad questions drive her research activities at the University of Kansas: How can we help children with disabilities to achieve cognitive and social milestones? How can we provide evidence-based support for children, youth, and young adults with cognitive disabilities to achieve a good quality of life? What materials are effective enough to assist teachers, counselors, and other adults to support people with disabilities to promote self-determination for individuals who may not learn in the same manner as other people? Dr. Palmer is involved in conducting applied school-based research that involves the study of individuals over time and the comparison of people of varying abilities, including people with mental retardation or cognitive disabilities. For more information on Dr. Palmer’s work, see the attached vita.

Education: Ph.D., Human Development and Communication Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 1989 M.S., Human Development and Communication Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 1985 M.S., Reading – Special Education, College of New Rochelle, 1974 B.S., Elementary Education, Pennsylvania State University,1969

Interests: Access to General Curriculum, Self-Determination, Early Childhood Special Education, Transition and Life-Span Disability Issues, Technology.