National Network

Advancing research, policy, and practice

We belong to a national network of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs).  There's at least one in every US state and territory.

Each UCEDD is affiliated with a major research university and serves as a bridge between the university and community in the areas of education, research, community service and information relative to the needs of people with disabilities. The UCEDD network serves as a national and international resource for advancing research, policy, and practice to promote the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society.

UCEDDs are authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (the DD Act) and receive their core funding from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) within the Administration for Community Living, US Department of Health and Human Services.

Mission of the DD Act of 2000 Heading link

To assure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life, through culturally competent programs …

Association of University Centers on Disabilities Heading link

UCEDD programs are part of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), a national membership organization that promotes and supports a nationwide network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice through research, education, leadership, and services for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. AUCD members represent every U.S. state and territory and include 67 UCEDDS, 52 Interdisciplinary Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs and 14 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC).