The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) stands in full support of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the nationwide UCEDD network and is shocked that the President’s budget eliminates this important pillar of the Developmental Disabilities Network (DD Network). UCEDDs fulfill the essential role that all three DD Act partners –– Councils on Developmental Disabilities (DD Councils), UCEDDs, and Protection & Advocacy (P&A) systems — work together as a three-legged stool.
Each is vital. None can stand alone.
On Friday, the release of the US Department of Health and Human Services Budget in Brief calling for the elimination of the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) nationwide. The Budget in Brief specifically uses DEI as the reason for terminating funding.
Labeling UCEDDs as “…DEI programs that weaponize large swaths of the Federal Government against the American people…” is misleading and alarming. UCEDDs are essential, bipartisan-supported centers that have advanced research, training, clinical services, technical assistance, and more to support and improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
In 1961, President Kennedy made IDD a national priority by creating a federal panel of experts to address IDD with a rights-based and research-driven approach. The panel recommended establishing a national network of university-affiliated facilities to develop training, research, and service models for developmental disabilities. This directly led to the creation of what are now UCEDDs.
In 1975, Congress expanded the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to add DD Councils and Protection & Advocacy (P&A) systems. These new partners used UCEDD research to push for better policies and legal protections, responding to widespread government failures that led to abuse, neglect, and the exclusion of people with developmental disabilities from community life.
These programs have worked together for over 50 years to empower states, ensure civil rights protections, and support systems change, all of which appealed across the aisle, ensuring bipartisan commitment to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The DD Network, which includes DD Councils, UCEDDs and P&As have had bipartisan support since its inception almost 50 years ago. Specifically, DD Councils and UCEDDs have worked and continue to work side-by-side to build communities that involve disabled people, and support individuals with IDD and family members to live in the community of their choice,” said Jill Jacobs, executive director of NACDD. “These partnerships are not exceptions—they are the foundation of our shared commitment. NACDD has always invested in and partnered with UCEDDs. We know that eliminating UCEDDs would deeply impact services and supports for people with IDD, and we stand ready to offer our support to ensure this vital work thrives.”
For example, in Arizona, the DD Council and the UCEDD at the University of Arizona collaborate to improve healthcare access for rural communities. Ohio collaborated with the Nisonger Center (Ohio State University) to facilitate employment and transition opportunities through Employment First, provider training, and pilot programs with businesses to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities boasts success working with the Center for Human Development (University of Alaska) to help young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find not just jobs, but careers by matching them with employers through Project SEARCH.
And in Minnesota, the DD Council and the UCEDD at the University of Minnesota partner to support leadership programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can pursue their dreams to live independently.
Last year alone, UCEDDs provided essential services to over 1.3 million individuals and trained more than 620,000 community providers, professionals, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities across all 50 states.
The values and vision of the DD Act calls for a unified approach to disability rights and progress which has been an integral part of advancing research, policy, and services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
NACDD stands with AUCD, with UCEDDs, and we stand for the values and vision of the DD Act.
Read AUCD’s complete statement here: https://www.aucd.org/news/aucd-responds-full-budget-that-eliminates-ucedds
Stats on UCEDDs
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) play a pivotal role in advancing the rights, inclusion, and well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the United States.
Here’s a snapshot of their impact:
UCEDD Network Impact (2024 Data)
- Training and Education: UCEDDs trained 4,300 individuals across more than 47 disciplines, including audiology, physical therapy, social work, dentistry, child development, and early intervention.
- Technical Assistance: Provided support to over 513,000 people and organizations, enhancing service delivery and policy implementation.
- Continuing Education: Delivered continuing education to more than 965,000 participants, ensuring professionals stay informed on best practices.
- Clinical Services: Offered clinical services, such as assessments and therapies, to 177,000 families, directly impacting care and support.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Produced over 13,900 expert products, including newsletters, books, conference presentations, academic courses, and fact sheets, contributing to the broader knowledge base.
Source: AUCD
