The Vision
The Delivering Resources, Education, Access, and Mentorship (DREAM) Center is dedicated to strengthening institutions of higher education (IHEs) through tailored technical assistance, mentorship, and resource development. Our goal is to increase Federal grant submissions, secure funding, and support program sustainability to help address the ongoing shortage of skilled special education and related services personnel. By fostering strong relationships with IHEs, DREAM strives to ensure high-quality services for all children with disabilities and their families.
To realize this vision, the DREAM Center needed a digital home that was both powerful and approachable. That’s where Design Theory came in.
Key Features
To support the DREAM Center’s ambitious mission, Design Theory developed a comprehensive digital infrastructure—including a public website, secure internal portals, grant support tools, and virtual community spaces—optimized for growth, accessibility, and impact.
Public Resource Website
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Centralized grant opportunities, events, and educational resources in a single, easily navigable platform.
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Ensured full ADA/WCAG accessibility compliance, supporting users of all abilities.
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Built mobile-optimized layouts with clear navigation and inclusive visuals to reflect the diversity of IHEs and the communities they serve.
Participant & Staff Portals
- Created secure login areas for faculty, participants, and DREAM Center staff to manage applications, resources, and communication.
- Developed user-friendly dashboards for accessing exclusive content, training materials, and virtual communities of practice.
- Included features for data management, permissions, and internal communication among staff.
Grant Support & Application Tools
- Integrated forms and submission systems to simplify the grant application process for faculty.
- Built automated email notifications, application tracking, and feedback tools to improve user engagement.
Collaboration & Mentorship Hubs
- Launched virtual communities that enable peer connection, mentorship, and content sharing.
- Added forums, discussion boards, and contributor features to promote idea exchange and professional development.
Custom Branding & Identity
- Designed a fresh logo and brand identity centered on aspiration, equity, and transformation.
- Created brand guidelines to ensure consistent, mission-aligned visuals across platforms and campaigns.
Outreach + Analytics
- Set up email marketing tools, social media integration, and event promotion to boost visibility and participation.
- Installed site analytics and monthly reporting to help the DREAM Center measure impact and refine strategies.
The Impact
With Design Theory’s support, the DREAM Center now has a full-featured digital ecosystem that empowers institutions of higher education to connect, apply, learn, and grow. The platform supports faculty and staff at every stage—from accessing grant resources to building new programs and engaging in long-term collaboration.
With a scalable foundation, strong branding, and a clear user journey, the DREAM Center is positioned to increase federal funding outcomes, strengthen the special education workforce, and lead systemic change across IHEs—ensuring high-quality services for children with disabilities and their families.
Ready to upgrade your digital footprint, too?
