AHS New Alum Award Robert Gould ’11 MS DHD, ’16 PhD DIS
Assistant clinical professor, UIC Department of Disability and Human Development Research director, Great Lakes ADA Center Robert Gould is a researcher and scholar who works closely with community organizations in Illinois to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. He is also involved in projects with AHS alumni and fellows in Uganda, including Patrick Ojok ’15 PhD DIS, to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the East African nation. Gould is director of research and assistant clinical professor at the Great Lakes ADA Center in the Department of Disability and Human Development. He serves on the board of Illinois nonprofit organizations promoting the rights and inclusive employment of people with disabilities, including the State Independent Living Council and APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First).
Gould spent a month in Uganda through a 2019 Professional Fellowship Program on Inclusive Disability Employment, awarded by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. He led training and discussions on international human rights and worked with members of the Ugandan government to shape disability policy. He also helped raise money for solar panels to power computers at a rural school. Gould teaches courses on the ADA, disability and work, law and policy, and world cultures. Previous honors he has received include the AHS Humanitarian of the Year Award, the UIC Teaching Recognition Program Award and the UIC Award of Merit.
“
Robert has demonstrated a high commitment to community engagement that has resulted in the empowerment of underserved people. His volunteer work extends well beyond his workday as he continuously engages with the groups that he seeks to impact in his teaching and research.
”
Tamar Heller Distinguished professor and head, DHD
AHS Loyalty Award Alison Liddle ’98 BS PT Founder and chief executive officer, M Street Pediatric Therapy Alison Liddle has a mission: to bring access to health care to underserved populations. Liddle is founder and CEO of M Street Pediatric Therapy, which brings early intervention services to the homes of children with developmental delays and disabilities in the greater Chicago area.
“
Alison Liddle is an excellent role model, not only to health profession students, but she is a stellar example of a UIC graduate who embraces and embodies the mission of the university.
”
Gay Girolami Clinical professor, PT
Her staff includes 34 therapists who provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding and lactation support, nutrition counseling and behavioral support. Liddle began her career as a physical therapist at Cook County Hospital. While earning a master’s in health policy and administration at University of Chicago, she worked part time providing in-home early invention for high-risk infants on the South and Southwest sides.
Liddle realized that she loved the challenges and opportunities of providing in-home early intervention care to children and their families. She also saw the isolation and lack of support for clinicians who provide in-home care. So she combined what she learned from her two degrees and her experience to start her own agency. Liddle remains involved with the Department of Physical Therapy by lecturing and offering clinical experiences for PT students. She frequently hires PT and OT alumni at her M Street practice.
Nominate yourself or a classmate you admire for an AHS Alumni Award at ahs.uic.edu/alumni/ahs-alumni-awards. 22