What is AUCD?
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. Network members consist of:
These programs serve and are located in every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers. They serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change.
AUCD supports this national network through:
What does AUCD do?
Through its members, AUCD is a resource for local, state, national, and international agencies, organizations, and policy makers concerned about people living with developmental and other disabilities and their families. Members engage in a range of interdisciplinary activities including:
AUCD programs also train the next generation of leaders in disability-related research, training, service delivery, and policy advocacy to insure that this essential work continues.
How does AUCD do it?
All of our member programs have unique strengths that they share with each other and the greater disability community. Some of our members are exemplary educators. They train professional leaders, individuals with disabilities, and family members in areas such as early care and education, primary health care, special education, and innovative housing and employment programs. Other members excel in basic and applied research, model demonstration programs, systemic reform, and policy analysis. Because these programs work collaboratively, innovations from one program can be rapidly implemented in communities throughout the country—thus affecting more lives than any one program could touch.
By working together, programs engage in significant research that informs national policy and best practices. The network emphasizes national and international implementation of innovations in disability-related education, health care, and supports and services. It offers leadership on major social problems affecting all people with disabilities or special health needs.
Who Directs AUCD?
AUCD is governed by an elected Board of Directors that includes member program professionals and leaders, people with disabilities, and family members. AUCD's organizational and program priorities are guided by a long-range plan developed and regularly updated by this Board of Directors.
What is a Developmental Disability?
As defined by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-402), the term "Developmental Disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that:
When applied to infants and children, "developmental disability" encompasses individuals from birth to age 9, inclusive, who have a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition and may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting 3 or more of the criteria above if the individuals, without services and supports, have a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
UCEDDs | Directory |
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service | |
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Maternal and Child Health Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities | |
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Developmental Disability Research Centers | |
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