OIDD Summer Youth Program

The 2012 Application will be available by the end of February - Check back soon!

The Oregon Institute on Disability & Development Summer Youth Program provides a unique opportunity for high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing healthcare-related careers.

PLEASE NOTE: The 2012 Application Deadline will be April 1.

The primary objectives of the OIDD Summer Youth Program are to:

  • Expose students to the disabilities field, health and allied healthcare careers
  • Expand the definition of "disabilities" for better understanding
  • Mentor students and facilitate network building opportunities
  • Expose students to community-based and clinical research

Student Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in high school or college at the undergraduate level
  • At least 16 years of age by June 1
  • Base knowledge of patient & research confidentiality
  • Desire to learn about healthcare, research, and disabilities
  • Positive attitude and responsible
  • Commitment of 15-20 (flexible) hours work week for an 8 week program
  • Able to complete a periodic questionnaire about your career path through the remainder of your education
  • Must complete a 3-4 page "End of Experience" research paper and questionnaire

Each year the number selected for the program varies between 6-10 students. Students selected for the OIDD Summer Youth Program receive engaging and meaningful experiences; participants will become exposed to many career opportunities.

Participants will spend time in the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center's clinics, located in Doernbecher Children's Hospital. CDRC clinics include:

  • Autism Program
  • Behavioral Pediatrics Treatment Services
  • Child Development
  • CIMT Programs
  • Communication Disorders
  • Craniofacial Disorders
  • Dental Clinic
  • Developmental Follow-up Clinic
  • Equipment Clinic
  • Feeding and Nutrition
  • Genetics and Birth Defects
  • Metabolic
  • Neurodevelopmental Clinic
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Social Work.
  • Spina Bifida

Participants will have an opportunity to shadow faculty and staff in the following disciplines:

  • Assistive Technology
  • Audiology
  • Communication (Web/Universal Design)
  • Dentistry
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology
  • Family Consulting
  • Genetics
  • Health Administration
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • Special Education and
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Students will have the opportunity to visit with faculty and tour facilities like:

  • OHSU Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Dentistry;
  • Oregon Graduate School of Engineering,
  • Primate Center
  • Simulation Laboratory.

Off-campus tours include specific health related exhibits at OMSI and with the Paramedics at local Fire Stations.

In some cases, students have been able to use the summer experience for:

  • Practicum experience time
  • Volunteer placement time

Please check with your individual school for specific program requirements. Students completing the program receive OIDD Summer Youth Program certificates and letters of recommendation for school, college and/or employment upon request.

Oregon Institute on Disability & Development
OIDD Summer Youth Program
707 S.W. Gaines St
Portland, OR 97239-2901

For additional information, please call 503-494-8364.