President's Public Service Awards

University of Massachusetts > Faculty > PPSA 2007 Siperstein

Gary N. Siperstein

Professor of Psychology and Founder and Director of the Center for Social Development and Education

UMass Boston

The Center for Social Development and Education (CSDE), founded by Gary N. Siperstein in 1976, has had a rich history of engaging in a diverse array of research, curricular and professional development and technical assistance activities that support and reflect the public service goals of the University of Massachusetts.  Siperstein's work places tremendous importance on enhancing the social development of children with learning and behavioral problems.

Over the past three decades, Siperstein has been the recipient of more than 30 research grants, many from federal agencies.  These research projects have covered an array of issues related to the education and the social adjustment of children with mental retardation, ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional problems, and autism.

Since 2001, Siperstein has been working with Special Olympics, Inc., a worldwide nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities through sports.

In 2006, CSDE was invited by Eunice Shriver to host Camp Shriver, a day camp for children with disabilities.  This four-week summer camp, hosted on the University's Boston campus, served 80 Boston-area students this past summer, equally split between disabled and non-disabled children.  Campers received sports instruction and participated in enrichment sessions on fitness and nutrition and enjoyed community fieldtrips.

In addition to these accomplishments, Siperstein has been actively involved in the development of disability policy at both the state and national levels.