Association of University Centers on Disabilities

A network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

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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:

67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
60 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) programs
16 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Centers (IDDRC)
12 Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Training Program (DBP)
(non-members who receive TA)
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:

Leadership on major social problems affecting all people living with developmental or other disabilities or special health needs
Advocacy with Congress and executive branch agencies that fund and regulate programs used by people with disabilities
Networking and partnering with other national organizations to advance the network’s national agendas
Promoting communication within the network and with other groups by collecting, organizing, and disseminating data on network activities and accomplishments
Technical assistance provision on a broad range of topics
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:

Exemplary services for children, adults, and families
Academic training
Basic and applied research
Training and technical assistance to schools, communities, and all levels of government
Policy advocacy
Program evaluation
Dissemination of best practices and new information
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.