National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

National Network of University Centers for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service Fact Sheet

What is the National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service?
The National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (University Centers, UCEDDs) is a discretionary grant program authorized by Subtitle D of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Funding is provided to support the operation and administration of a national network of UCEDDs.  Currently, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities funds 67 grants to 68 UCEDDs in every state and territory. UCEDDs perform interdisciplinary training, community service, research, and information dissemination activities. UCEDD programs are designed to increase the independence, productivity, and community integration and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Who administers the UCEDD program?
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is the Federal agency responsible for implementation and administration of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act). Organizationally, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities is located within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is part of the Department’s Administration for Children and Families. ADD’s FY 2006 funding for the UCEDDs is $33,212,520.00 million.

What are Major Activities of the UCEDDs?
UCEDD activities fall in four broad categories: 1) conducting interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education; 2) promoting exemplary community services; 3) conducting research; and 4) disseminating information to the field. UCEDDs have access to and work with a variety of constituent groups, including people with developmental disabilities and their families, state and local government agencies, and a range of academic departments and community providers. Current accomplishments of the UCEDD program include:

• Directing exemplary pre-service and continuing education training programs. The provision of training may include activities in the areas of family support, individual support, personal assistance services, clinical services, prevention services, self determination, health, regular and special education, vocational and other direct services. During 2006 4,279, people were trained in interdisciplinary settings across a variety of disciplines including pediatrics, special and regular education, psychology, nutrition and nursing.
• Providing community services. UCEDD staff offer expertise and services to families, support service organizations, individuals with developmental disabilities, family members of these individuals, professionals, paraprofessionals, students, and volunteers. In 2006 1,765,512 people acquired knowledge and skills through training, technical assistance, and direct and model demonstration activities delivered by the UCEDDs.
• Contributing to the development of new knowledge through research. UCEDDs carry out a variety of research activities related to people with developmental disabilities. Staff develops and field test models of service delivery and evaluate existing innovative practices. UCEDDs also engage in participatory action research, which aims to involve people with developmental disabilities and family members in the research process. In 2006, 3,621 research activities were conducted at UCEDDs.

• Disseminating information to the field. With the knowledge accumulation that occurs at UCEDDs, they serve as a tremendous resource of information about people with developmental disabilities. UCEDDs create products, publish articles, author books, develop curriculum, and conduct numerous presentations. During 2006, 4,781 products were developed and disseminated to people.

How Many People do UCEDDs Serve?
UCEDDs have reached a variety of constituents in a number of areas. The table below summarizes the number of activities and the number of people reached through UCEDD training, technical assistance, and direct or model services  in Fiscal Year 2006:

ADD Outcome Area

Total

Updated 12/21/06

Of those receiving clinical services approximately 410,278 are from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Out of all the UCEDD projects, 9,700 address the needs of unserved and underserved populations.

Want More Information about the UCEDD Program?
Visit the ADD website or contact ADD Regional or Central Office staff. Contact information is available at ADD Staff. Links to all of the UCEDDs can be found at: http://www.aucd.org and a Search Portal for access to all UCEDD websites can be found at: http://search.aucd.org/.