OIDD Summer Youth Program

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 2009 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31st**


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

  • Expose students to the disabilities field, to 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 in college at the undergraduate level
  • At least 16 years of age by June 01 of current summer
  • Base knowledge of PATIENT & RESEARCH confidentiality
  • A desire to learn about healthcare, research, and disabilities
  • A positive attitude and responsible
  • A commitment to 15-20 (flexible) hours work week for a 10-12 week program
  • A commitment to the completion of periodic questionnaire about your career path through undergraduate school
  • The completion of a 3-4 page "End of Experience" research paper and questionnaire

Each year the number of students selected for the program varies between 6-10 students. Students selected for the OIDD Summer Youth Program receive an engaging in meaningful experiences; students become exposed to many career opportunities available to them

The Child Development and Rehabilitation Center's clinics are located in Doernbecher Children's Hospital Our 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

The opportunities to shadow faculty and staff in the following discipline are available: Assistive Technology, Audiology, Communication (Web/Universal Design) Dentistry, Developmental Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Family Consulting, Genetics, Health Administrations, 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
  • Volunteers 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.

For the current Applications are being accepted through February 1- March 31, Summer Program. To be considered, please download the summer program application, complete, and submit

**PLEASE NOTE: THE 2008 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 31st

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.