Institute for Disability Studies

Institute for Disability Studies Welcome to The University of Southern Mississippi's page for The Institute for Disability Studies. We work statewide.

The Institute for Disability Studies is all about people. For over 30 years, IDS has worked to provide technical assistance, training, resources and supports for Mississippians with disabilities and their families. We like to think we are providing pathways to a better life for people of all ages—infants, toddlers, school-age children, youth, workers, parents, families and seniors. Our work is abo

ut education, assistive technology, housing, emergency preparedness, health, communities, leadership, policies and much more. At IDS, we believe all individuals are valued, and everyone should be included in their community. We believe families are the best providers of support, care, and love, and services should be person-centered, culturally competent, coordinated and family friendly. Housed for many years on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, IDS has a satellite office in Jackson, the state’s capital and a new Technology Learning Center facility on the Mississippi Gulf Coast rebuilt at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach following Hurricane Katrina. IDS also has a housing office in Tupelo. Helen Keller said “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Join us in the journey. Page Disclaimer: While we welcome feedback, comments will be moderated so please be respectful of comments posted by others. Comments containing hate speech or profanity will be deleted.

🏗️ The foundation is built, and our students are ready for what's next!This week, Summer Enrichment Academy participants...
06/06/2026

🏗️ The foundation is built, and our students are ready for what's next!

This week, Summer Enrichment Academy participants spent five days strengthening essential workplace and life skills through hands-on, LEGO-themed activities designed to help them succeed. Together, they explored teamwork, communication, professionalism, self-advocacy, stress management, interviewing, resume development, and much more.

The growth we witnessed in just one week was incredible.

The best part? This is only the beginning.

As SEA continues, students will transition into internship experiences at businesses throughout our communities, where they'll gain valuable work experience, grow their confidence, and receive ongoing support from IDS staff.

📸 Check out this week's highlights and follow along as our students continue working toward their goals. We'll be sharing intern success stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and special shoutouts to the incredible businesses partnering with us throughout the summer!

🧱 One week down, and so much more to come.

06/04/2026

Emilee is back!

Get ready for a brand-new episode of Em's Movie Picks! This June, Emilee is thrilled to share her latest movie selection with you. Don’t miss it—check it out now!

Em's Movie Picks is proudly sponsored by Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor. Catch more episodes on their official YouTube channel: Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Tap the bell icon to receive notifications for upcoming episodes.

06/03/2026

☀️ Summer may have slowed down campus traffic, but things are still lively around here.

With fewer students on campus, we decided to bring a little summer fun to the office and jump on a trend that's been making us laugh all over social media. 😂

We asked our staff to choose between Executive Director Jerry and Associate Director Leslie in a series of "Most Likely To..." challenges.

The results?
Some were expected.
Some were surprising.
And a few might spark some friendly office debates. 👀😂

Watch to see where the team landed, then tell us:
👇 What "Most Likely To..." question should we include in Part 2?

💙 The strongest advocacy starts with being heard.If you are an individual with autism or care for someone with autism, w...
06/02/2026

💙 The strongest advocacy starts with being heard.

If you are an individual with autism or care for someone with autism, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete this important survey from the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

The information collected will help guide the future of autism services throughout Mississippi and ensure that the experiences of individuals and families are part of the conversation.

📝 Take the survey here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=xFYkVNu-IkCAXt36ioDiEwn9ngDMmaROpap4diGnVVpUOVRWQ1Y4T1JMMEdCU0tMOUpWTUZWOEcyMC4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawR68M5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXZmRRcVhIWWFzdmVZZXd5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmLzwZmGs6Fjdoax9Qa5taY3_jQZklBKU-2YBgY7Qqfa52LA_901MOzFJ_-o_aem_zXhHBc7BU3X-j7uf0eewPQ&route=shorturl

🔄 Then share this post to help us reach more Mississippians.

We need as many voices as possible represented in this effort. One survey may seem small, but collectively, our experiences can influence meaningful change for individuals and families statewide.

Every voice matters. Every response counts.

Need supportive seating for short-term activities? We can help. 💙The IDS Project START Lending Library offers the Blue T...
05/31/2026

Need supportive seating for short-term activities? We can help. 💙

The IDS Project START Lending Library offers the Blue Tumble Forms 2 Elementary Carrie Seat (Small) available to reserve FREE of charge!

Originally designed for feeding support, this versatile feeder seat can also be used during play, learning activities, therapy sessions, or other short-term seated activities at home, school, or in clinical settings.

Families and caregivers love it because it:
✔️ Provides supportive positioning
✔️ Offers an alternative to a wheelchair or stander
✔️ Makes transfers easy for caregivers
✔️ Features a wipe-clean surface for quick sanitizing between uses

Designed for comfort, convenience, and support — without complicated adjustments.

🔗 Reserve the Carrie Seat here: https://ids.myturn.com/library/inventory/show/66602

College can feel like a big step, but we’re here to help students take it with confidence. 💫The RISE Summer College Read...
05/29/2026

College can feel like a big step, but we’re here to help students take it with confidence. 💫

The RISE Summer College Readiness Program gives students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the chance to experience college life firsthand at Southern Miss.

From exploring campus and attending a mock class to staying overnight in a residence hall, students build confidence, independence, and a better understanding of what college life can look like.

📅 July 7–8, 2026
💲 Cost: $100
🎉 Scholarships available for eligible Pre-ETS students

🔗 Register here: https://usmforms.formstack.com/forms/risesummercollegereadiness?fbclid=IwY2xjawSGiGRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFrOEh2Vkd5czhwc3J2T0Rwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeGxkbZh46DyQ8fDyy-s0jpkScrf5Cej8IYk-l1ADzNL1_JDb6bu3y9vJStig_aem_LPRxRghqhEVuimr1Hne_Fw

🗓️ Application deadline: June 17

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post or tagging a parent, educator, counselor, or student who may be interested! 🎓

05/28/2026

Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor is back! In this episode, Taylor talks to his special guest Polly Tribble! They talk about upcoming Mississippi disAbility Megaconference! This is Part 2! Check it out!

For more information, please check out IDS (Institute for Disability Studies);
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msusmids/
or check out our main website at: https://www.usm.edu/ids

05/28/2026

Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor is back! In this episode, Taylor talks to his special guest Polly Tribble! They talk about upcoming Mississippi disAbility Megaconference! This is Part 1 out of 2! Check it out!

For more information, please check out IDS (Institute for Disability Studies);
on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msusmids/
or check out our main website at: https://www.usm.edu/ids

When professionals come together to share ideas, innovation happens.Last week, four members of our IDS team attended the...
05/27/2026

When professionals come together to share ideas, innovation happens.

Last week, four members of our IDS team attended the 2026 SEPSEA Conference in New Orleans, where leaders from across the Southeast gathered to collaborate on improving inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From networking with other professionals to attending sessions focused on inclusion, accessibility, and innovative supports, our team gained valuable insights and made meaningful connections that will help strengthen our work moving forward.

We’re excited to bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy back to the work we do every day at IDS.

Not every tool for growth looks the same. 💙Through the IDS Project START Lending Library, families can now check out a p...
05/26/2026

Not every tool for growth looks the same. 💙

Through the IDS Project START Lending Library, families can now check out a pottery wheel for FREE!

Pottery is a hands-on activity that encourages creativity, focus, relaxation, and skill-building. From sensory engagement to fine motor development, working with clay offers benefits that go far beyond the finished piece.

And sometimes, creating something with your own hands is exactly the kind of accomplishment someone needs.

🏺 Learn more or reserve the pottery wheel here: https://ids.myturn.com/library/inventory/show/717267

Tag someone who would love trying pottery! ✨

Address

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, MS
39401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16012665163

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Institute for Disability Studies posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Institute for Disability Studies:

Shortcuts

Share

Category