The UNT College of Health & Public Service actively supports the community through
a variety of programs and projects. Our faculty, staff, and students are deeply involved
in community engagement and service across multiple areas:
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Behavior Analysis
Criminal Justice
Emergency Management & Disaster Science
Public Administration
Rehabilitation & Health Services
Social Work
Here’s How We’re Involved:
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
29 Acres: This organization provides safe housing and support services for neurodivergent
individuals. We partner with 29 Acres by providing social opportunities for their
participants through UNT’s Empowering Personal Interactions in the Community (EPIC)
program. We also partner with them on research projects through the UNT Neurodiversity
Initiative Research Consortium.
Academy of Aphasia: Associate Professor Dr. Gloria Olness served as Chairperson of the Program Committee
for the 61st annual scientific meeting of the Academy of Aphasia, October 21-23, 2023,
hosted in-person by the University of Reading (United Kingdom). Scientific studies
by more than 160 research groups from five continents were represented among the presentations.
Trans-national scientific engagement at the meeting was enhanced via an interactive
hybrid conference platform.
Amon Carter Museum Neurodivergent Adult Programming Advisor: Clinical Professor Lauren Mathews collaborates with the Amon Carter to offer Meet
Up at the Museum, a sensory-friendly, biannual, private event with special programming
for neurodivergent individuals at the museum. She also leads educational programming
on neurodiversity for faculty and staff.
Aphasia Access/Tavistock Trust for Aphasia: Dr. Gloria Olness currently serves on the national application review committee
member of Aphasia Access (North American nonprofit), tasked with reviewing applications
for the annual Tavistock Trust Aphasia Distinguished Scholar Award in North America,
in advisement to the trustees of the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia (United Kingdom).
Child and Family Resource Center (CFRC): Our speech-language pathologists provide testing services at the CFRC, which serves
the community by including interdisciplinary assessment for children between the ages
of 6 and 16 years old. Assessments evaluate a child's intellectual and learning abilities,
speech and language concerns, and emotional or psychological challenges.
Dallas Children’s Theater: Clinical Professor Lauren Mathews is a member of the Sensory-Friendly Performance
Advisory Committee, which facilitated development and implementation of their sensory-friendly
performance series. This series provided adapted performances for individuals with
sensory differences in an inclusive environment.
Kind Theory Partner: This nonprofit educates organizations, institutions, and the general public about
neurodiversity, accessibility, and disability rights as they relate to autism and
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We partner with this organization
by consulting on their advocacy initiatives and assisting with community presentations
on neurodiversity.
Kristin Farmer Autism Center (KFAC): The KFAC provides comprehensive services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
ASLP students and faculty provide clinical assessment and intervention services at
KFAC.
On The Spectrum Foundation: This nonprofit mentors teens and adults on the ASD spectrum and increases awareness
of how neurodiversity’s many strengths and talents improve society for everybody.
We collaborate with them by inviting them to speak at events as part of the UNT Neurodiversity
Speaker Series and hosted a dinner with a talk for UNT neurodivergent students in
a private setting.
Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation: Professor and Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Kat Aoyama serves as president elect
and as the scholarship committee co-chair for this charitable foundation. The foundation
supports student scholarships, clinical research and exceptional programs for the
benefit of audiologists and speech-language pathologists who serve individuals with
communication disorders.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Since the UNT Embracing Neurodivergent Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment
(ENGAGE) program was established, they have partnered with TWC Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselors (VRC) in assisting UNT students in enrolling in and accessing services
to reach their vocational goals. Along with Dr. Linda Holloway, Professor Emerita
the Department of Rehabilitation & Health Services, and Lauren Mathews received the
first funding in 2018 to support UNT ENGAGE.
The Aphasia Collaborative (TAC): With funding from the Josephine Simonson Aphasia Trust Fund (Southwestern Medical
Foundation), Dr. Gloria Olness and a multi-disciplinary team based in HPS and the
North Texas community are conducting foundational research-in-advocacy to launch the
network known as The Aphasia Collaborative (TAC) to support and collaborate with the
estimated 49,000 North Texans whose lives have been impacted by aphasia (trauma to
the brain, typically resulting from a stroke, that affects speech, writing, and understanding
of written and spoken language) and their co-survivors. TAC is currently in the process
of applying for nonprofit status.
The North Texas Stuttering Support Group: This is a National Stuttering Association chapter housed at the UNT Speech and Hearing
Center. The group serves adults who stutter in the Denton and surrounding areas. The
group meets once a month with the goal of providing education, support, and camaraderie
for adults who stutter.
The UNT Aphasia Support Group: Support group at the UNT Speech and Hearing Center that is open to the community
and serves people with aphasia, their loved ones, and caregivers. To our knowledge,
this is the only group specifically for people with aphasia in the DFW metroplex.
The group meets once monthly to provide support, education, and camaraderie through
specific programming in a relaxed and welcoming environment meeting in local Denton
restaurants. This coming year will be the 10th Anniversary of this successful community
outreach group.
Courses with Community Service Components:
ASLP 5060Practicum Speech-Language Pathology: Two to five-day practicum experiences for graduate students in our Master of Science
Speech-Language Pathology program are completed through collaborations with off-site
supervisors at external sites, such as Pate Rehabilitation-Brain Injury and Stroke
Rehabilitation in Ft. Worth, CC Young Senior Living in Dallas, Richardson ISD, Plano
ISD, and Texas Health Harris Methodist Ft. Worth.
ASLP 6060Clinical Residence in Audiology: Two-day practicum experiences for students in our Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program
are completed via external placements in a variety of audiology specialty areas, such
as Fort Worth ISD, McKinney ISD, Lewisville ISD, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Cook
Children’s Medical Center, and ENT Partners of Texas.
ASLP 6090 Clinical Residence in Audiology: Advanced, full-time clinical practicum at external practicum sites are completed
by AuD students during the fourth year of the program, such as Owens Ear Center, North
Hills ENT, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Fort Worth ENT, and Heard It Through The
Grapevine.
Behavior Analysis
Denton State Supported Living Center (DSSLC): DSSLC is the largest residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities
in Texas. Students conduct clinical research and staff training, and complete practica,
internships, theses, and receive supervision toward board certification and licensure
in behavior analysis.
Kristin Farmer Autism Center (KFAC): The KFAC provides comprehensive services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Students provide clinical assessment and treatment services, and conduct clinical
research in the severe behavior program, complete practica, internships, theses, and
receive supervision toward board certification and licensure in behavior analysis.
Lone Star Day Program (LSDP): LSDP provides applied behavior analysis services for individuals with intellectual
and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Students provide clinical assessment
and treatment services, and conduct clinical research in the severe behavior program,
complete practica, internships, theses, and receive supervision toward board certification
and licensure in behavior analysis.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC): Texas HHSC is a state agency for health and behavioral services for Texas residents.
Students conduct clinical research and staff training, and complete practica, internships,
theses, and receive supervision toward board certification and licensure in behavior
analysis.
Learning Services Center for Neurosis Pate Rehabilitation: These are brain injury rehabilitation clinics in which students have garnered practicum
and internship experience as well as supervision hours.
City of Denton MLK: After school tutoring/leadership program for children 1st-8th grade and high school
volunteers learning to tutor.
Opening Doors International Services: Supplemental support for families with children with disabilities during the asylum
application process.
BIHE: Pedagogical consultation and instructional design for university program for marginalized
middle eastern groups.
Criminal Justice
City of Denton Police Department: Academic Associate Dean Jody Sundt provides service to the City of Denton Police
Department.
Denton County Drug Treatment Court Program Evaluation: Associate Professor & UNT Inside-Out Program Coordinator Dr. Haley Zettler works
with the Denton County Drug Treatment Court on program evaluation to continuously
improve their services.
MS in Criminal Justice Service Learning: Dr. Zettler is working with Denton County Friends of the Family on a service-learning
social media campaign project with graduate students.
Student Police Academy: A course in conjunction with the Argyle Police Department (APD) is based on the
Citizen’s Police Academy model, and officers with the APD teach students about contemporary
and critical issues in policing in a very applied manner.
Texas Juvenile Justice Department Outreach: Professor Chad Trulson engages with TJJD on research topics focused on serious and
violent juvenile offenders and their outcomes when they return to the community from
incarceration.
UNT Inside-Out Program: The UNT Inside-Out Prison Exchange® course is an opportunity for a group of students
from the University of North Texas and a group of residents from the Bridgeport Correctional
Center to exchange ideas and perceptions about crime, corrections, and the legal system.
It is a chance for all participants to gain a deeper understanding of the legal system
by combining theoretical knowledge and lived experience.
Wrongful Conviction Day Event: The UNT Department of Criminal Justice is joining other organizations by hosting
a Wrongful Conviction Day event featuring judges, attorneys and investigators who
have worked on actual innocence cases, as well as four men who spent years in prisons
for crimes they didn’t commit.
Emergency Management & Disaster Science
COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Operation Volunteers: In 2021 EADP students served as volunteers at the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Operation
held at Texas Motor Speedway. These efforts supported the Denton County Office of
Emergency Management and Denton County Public Health in their efforts to disperse
vaccinations to residents within North Texas.
EADP EMDS Student Volunteers: Students frequently volunteer as “victims” to support disaster drills held by local
emergency management agencies throughout the DFW Metroplex.
Emergency Management Internships: As part of their degree, EADP students are required to complete a 240-hour internship.
Students serve as emergency management interns for local, state, government, nonprofit,
and private sector entities throughout North Texas.
Faculty Outreach: In Spring 2024, four EMDS faculty provided an hour-long course to participants of
the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) that covered various contemporary topics
in emergency management and disaster science.
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM): The IAEM Student Chapter at UNT provides K-12 presentations to local schools about
the benefits of emergency and disaster preparedness. They also host tables at local
emergency management preparedness fairs in order to share information about disaster
preparedness and the educational opportunities offered in the EADP and EMDS programs
at UNT.
Public Administration
Services Related to Community Engagement Projects
Dallas Habitat for Humanity Assessing Blight Report
Rideconnect project with City of San Antonio
Events
VolUNTeer Fair
Voly in the Park (2022)
Partnerships
Serve Denton Business Partnership
Sail Away Gala Fundraiser for Serve Lewisville
Ribbon Cutting for Serve Lewisville
Nonprofit Leadership Advisory Committee
City of New Fairview
Urban Planning Studio with Broken Bow Oklahoma
Site Visits
Metrocrest Grand Opening
Our Daily Bread Private Tour
Public Talks
Dr. Jang at Metrocrest Breakfast
Courses with community service components:
PADM 5800: Internships in the following Organizations:
Our Daily Bread
Serve Denton
Dallas County
City of Carrollton
Town of Flower Mound
PADM 3010: Case Studies with Nonprofits - Partnered with local nonprofit leaders to present
real-world nonprofit problems and their solutions to students.
Rehabilitation & Health Services
Recovery to Practice Grant: Provides a platform for continuing education and professional development for addiction
services providers across the state of Texas.
Rehabilitation Services Administration Grant: Provides scholarships for students interested in pursuing a MS in Rehabilitation
Counseling to work for State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies. Community engagement
provided at various conferences and events to raise awareness of VR services and academic
training.
Courses with Community Service Components:
BS in Addiction Studies: Practicum: 200 hours at community substance use treatment agencies like Solutions of North
Texas, Carrollton Springs Hospital, and Sante Center for Healing.
BS in Public Health: Practicum/Capstone 100 hours at community agencies like Denton County Public Health
Department, Tarrant County Public Health Department, and the Texas Department of State
Health Services.
BS in Rehabilitation Studies: Practicum; 200 hours at community agencies like MHMR, Special Ed Classrooms, United
Way, and Addiction Treatment Centers.
MS in Rehabilitation Counseling Internship and Practicum: 600 hours at community agencies like MHMR, Private Counseling Clinics, Addiction
Treatment Centers, and psychiatric hospitals like Mayhill and UBH.
UNT WISE activities with community service components:
Pre-Employment Transition Services: Classes for community providers. Presented on demand, upon payment of fees for accessing
course materials to rehabilitation services providers in the community. Courses include
Disability Disclosure and self-advocacy, entering the world or work, and Career Pathways.
Summer Transition Programs: For young adults with disabilities interested in vocational planning. Include Virtual
Pre-ETS, Live & Learn, and College WISE programs. Works with Texas Workforce Solutions
program as a vendor of services.
Training, Credentialing, and Endorsement Programs for Vocational Rehabilitation Providers
working with TWC: The only certified credentialing provider for TWC Vocational Rehabilitation in Texas.
Transition Summits: Designed to provide workshops that introduce concepts on engaging in vocational
exploration for students with disabilities. Provided on demand to various agencies.
UNT ENGAGE: Engaging Neurodivergent Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment for students
who are neurodivergent. Works with Texas Workforce Solutions program as a vendor of
services.
Social Work
Community Health Worker Program for Opioids and Other Substance Use Disorders (CHW-OSUDS): Associate Professor Dr. Dhru Mukherjee's CHW-OSUDS project is a joint effort between
the University of North Texas and the surrounding DFW/North Texas community. The purpose
of CHW-OSUDS is to address the shortage of healthcare workforce in DFW— especially
in underserved communities by providing training and an optional apprenticeship to
participants.
Title IV-E Child Welfare Program: Training grant partners with Denton County Friends of the Family to present a training
conference for CPS workers and other practitioners in the field who work with individuals
experiencing violence.
Courses with Community Service Components:
Field Practicum for BSW: Each student is placed in a community agency for their practicum hours and are required
to complete 400 hours over the semester. Examples of placement agencies include Denton
County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Denton Children’s Advocacy Center, and
Plano ISD.
Field Practicum for MSW: In the first year of the MSW, students are required to complete 400 hours and in
the second year, they complete 500 hours. Examples of placement agencies include Connections
Wellness Group, Cumberland Youth and Family Services, and Denton ISD.
Intro to Social Work: About 200 students per semester are required to do 15 hours community service volunteering
in an agency. Students can identify their own agencies to volunteer and have participated
with the North Texas Food Bank, Our Daily Bread, and Mia Café Iglesia.
Practice I: Mentoring service learning project with Communities in Schools of North Texas –
each student is matched with an elementary student for mentoring.
Practice II: Service learning project where students partner with community agencies to provide
task groups for individuals. These agencies include Denton Steams and Our Daily Bread.
Practice III: Community Project where students partner with an existing agency to fundraise and
provide programming. Previous partnerships include Lewisville ISD, Kyle’s Place –
Journey to Dream, and Zoie’s Place.