The Institute on Disability and Human Development

The Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) includes the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) for the State of Illinois. Our mission is to promote the independence, productivity and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

We conduct research and disseminate information about disability to academicians, policymakers, businesses, government agencies, service providers and the general public. We also provide clinical and community services and offer interdisciplinary pre-service training.

2024 Annual Report Heading link

The DHD/IDHD Annual Report showcases 3Arts/BOW Residency artists’ works and development, introduces the new 5-year Family Support Research and Training Center grant funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, celebrates the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited Assistive Technology training program renewal, highlights our participation in the Chicago International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 17th World Congress, and says goodbye to three scholars/advocates of disability justice and inclusion.

See our past reports: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017.

Read our 2024 Annual Report

Check out a webinar about the IDHD UCEDD

student holding a microphone talking

We serve as a bridge between UIC and the community in our state and beyond Heading link

All UCEDDs are affiliated with a major research university and serve as a bridge between the university and community in the areas of education, research, community service and information relative to the needs of the disability community.

We are unique in being the only UCEDD housed within an academic department, the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD). DHD originated from our UCEDD as the academic program expanded. We serve as the research and public service arm of DHD within the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences.

  • 68 We’re part of a national network of 68 UCEDDs (there’s at least one in every U.S. state and territory)

  • Values We emphasize the values of cultural diversity, community access, and self-determination across the lifespan for individuals with disabilities and their families.

A national leader in disability education, research and service Heading link

a graduate smiling in her cap and gown at commencement
Pre-service training
Interdisciplinary pre-service training offered through the UIC Department of Disability and Human Development academic programs, internships and the Illinois LEND program.
Pat Politano showing a communication book with pictures to two individuals by a table with communication aids (Project ATLiS; Photo: Robert Dupuis-Devlin)
Community service
Model services, community training and technical assistance based on the latest in research and best practices
Caitlin and Kaitlin of IDHD holding posters in support of inclusion: “K/Caitlins for inclusion” and “IDHD supports inclusion” in front of the Illinois State Capitol building
Research
Nationally recognized disability research programs translating research into policy and practice
Faculty, staff and students together smiling at our information booth table at the disability pride parade
Information dissemination
Sharing information with academicians, policymakers, businesses, government agencies, service providers, and the general public to increase knowledge and awareness of disability issues

Our collective strength Heading link

We belong to a national network that allows us to keep up-to-date with the latest in policies, practice, and research and to advocate nationally. Further, we are part of the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Network, which helps make sure that we can have the greatest impact for our community in the state.
A group of faculty, staff students and alumni together in front of a sign that says “We all belong here! # AUCD 2018”