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University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service for the State of Illinois

The Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) is 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.

2023 Annual Report Heading link

The DHD/IDHD Annual Report gives insight into our international alumni working in the field, new academic program development, and updates on our service programs.  This year’s highlights include two new certificates, the ADA Center and LEND Program refunding, and several new funded initiatives.  The report presents the latest research findings and publications.

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

Read our 2023 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 as we are the only UCEDD that is also an academic department. We are the research and public service arm of the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) in the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences.

  • 67 We’re part of a national network of 67 UCEDDs (there’s at least one in every U.S. state and territory)

  • Values We emphasize the values of cultural diversity, consumer choice, and self-determination across the lifespan in all of our activities

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

a graduate smiling in her cap and gown at commencement
Academic training
Interdisciplinary preservice 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”