Janis OhmstedeB.S. in Ed. Speech Pathology & Audiology/ M.S. in Human Development & Family with Early Childhood emphasis
1974/1980
The energy and diversity of a large campus was a welcome change from growing up in a homogenous small town Nebraska environment. The opportunities to engage and learn at UNL were life changing.
Early childhood special education in rural and remote areas and with an emphasis upon family involvement
I combined a degree in speech pathology with a graduate degree in child development to prepare me for entering the emerging field of early childhood special education. At the time, there were no training programs developed yet anywhere in the nation. I created my own based upon recommendations in a journal article from the American Speech and Hearing Association and had the full support of faculty in the department of Human Development & Family. I used this preparation to launch my 40+ year career in the field, including starting one of the first programs in Nebraska in 1976. From Nebraska, I moved on to Wyoming and Alaska and felt confident in program development and administration and in working directly with very young children and their families. The quality of my education at UNL laid the foundation for my success.
Take advantage of the opportunities at UNL to move beyond your hometown culture. Open your mind to new ideas and perspectives and engage with the UNL community. It will change your life and provide the impetus for lifelong learning.
