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Headshot of Kimber Wilkerson, Special Ed faculty

New Teacher Residency Program to boost Special Ed workforce in Milwaukee

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US Secretary of Education visits UW-Madison

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"I chose to pursue rehabilitation psychology as I want to become an occupational therapist one day."

Read about Aneta's experience in our program.

Department Overview

Welcome to the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education (RPSE) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. We are the only department solely committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities, as well as their families. We do this by preparing leaders, researchers, practitioners, and clinicians to serve as resources and advocates; to work cooperatively with individuals and families, public and private service agencies, and schools; and to actively participate in local, state, national, and international professional organizations.

Our programs prepare graduates for entry-level and leadership positions in a range of health, human services, and educational settings. Graduates are employed in a variety of positions including: program coordinators, therapists, advocates, transition specialists, employment specialists, case managers, rehabilitation counselors, counselor educators, special education teachers, teacher educators, administrators, and researchers.​