1:50 p.m., Dec. 1, 2008----Michael Gamel-McCormick, interim dean of the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy, assumed the position of president of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) at the group's annual meeting, Nov. 8-12, in Washington, D.C.

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AUCD provides support and resources for the 200 universities and medical schools throughout the United States that comprise its membership as they engage in research, education, and service that further the independence, productivity, and quality of life of people living with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities.

Gamel-McCormick has served as a consultant for AUCD since 2002 and has been a member of the board of directors of the organization since 2005. As president-elect over the past year, he served as chair of the 2008 conference.

“My role as president of AUCD will include serving as a spokesperson for research related to persons with disabilities and their families and as an advocate for people with disabilities to policy- and lawmakers at the national level,” he said. “I'm extremely honored to be representing this tremendous group of people and the constituencies we serve at this pivotal time of economic insecurity and change in national administration.”

Gamel-McCormick was director of the University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) from 2001 until 2008, when he was appointed interim dean. He continues to serve as an associate director of CDS. He is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and held the post of interim chair of that department during 2007-2008. He is the recipient of several teaching awards, including the University's Excellence in Teaching Award in 1999.

His research and teaching interests focus on children with disabilities and the role of early intervention and education in ameliorating disabilities. His interests extend to assistive technologies for people with disabilities, childcare and disabilities policy, and the evaluation of intervention, early education, and childcare programs.

Gamel-McCormick is also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, where he has served on the commission charged with reviewing preschool programs seeking national accreditation.

He has also served on numerous committees, advisory councils, and task forces in Delaware, including the Vision 2015 Task Force, the Delaware Early Care and Education Council, the Governor's Infant Mortality Task Force, the Policy Council for Children with Disabilities, and the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council.

Article by Beth Chajes