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The ICI at UMass Boston supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of society. As practitioners, researchers, and teachers, we form partnerships with individuals, families, and service agencies. Together we advocate for personal choice and self-determination.
We are dedicated to advancing opportunities for people with disabilities in all aspects of life. Our work encompasses research, program evaluation, training, consultation, education, policy analysis, and service delivery across four main areas of emphasis: Employment, Education, Community Life, and Health Care.
We have three national hubs: ExploreVR and ThinkWork, which focus on employment, and ThinkCollege, which focuses on postsecondary education.
Projects
Our projects involve conducting state and national employment research, increasing access to higher education, supporting children with disabilities to plan for a fulfilling future, and much more.
Services
From expert consultation and technical assistance to online training for employment professionals, our services help agency leaders and disability staff to excel and thrive in their work.
Publications
Online Learning

An older woman with short, curly, gray hair smiling at the camera.

Maria Paiewonsky

Program Manager

EdD, UMass Boston
MEd, Boston College
BS, Emerson College

Maria Paiewonsky is the director of the ICI's MA Center and the UMass Boston Transition Leadership program. Her work includes transition services evaluation, online course development, and teaching, as well as face-to-face training and technical assistance. Maria's training topics include development and self-determination for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, career development education, preparation for college-based transition services, interagency transition teams, and school-college partnerships. Maria also uses participatory research and dissemination methods with students, transition staff, and college personnel to evaluate transition initiatives and to develop training and technical assistance materials.

Email: Maria.Paiewonsky@umb.edu
Phone: (617) 287-7697