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In addition to clinical and research training opportunities, the CIDD offers a range of education and training activities for self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs), their family members, students, researchers, service providers, and/or other members of the community. Programs may be geared toward specific audiences. Explore these offering below:

The North Carolina Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (NC LEND) program at the CIDD provides interdisciplinary leadership training for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, individuals with developmental disabilities, or their family members. For more information, visit our NC LEND page.
The North Carolina Postsecondary Education Alliance (NCPSEA) is a group dedicated to expanding postsecondary education options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Carolina. Quarterly meetings are hosted by the CIDD online and new members are welcome. For more information, contact the CIDD Director of Advocacy and Inclusion, Anna Ward.

The CIDD offers a Certificate Program in Developmental Disabilities supported by the North Carolina University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). This program is tailored to graduate students interested in pursuing a career dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs). It is intended to provide graduate students with opportunities to demonstrate specialization in I/DDs. Core topic areas covered through participation in the certificate program include:

  • Mechanisms and Etiology
  • Clinical Presentation
  • Family and Systems Issues
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Neuropsychological Assessment
  • Evidence-Based Intervention
  • Ethics

Program Requirements

The certificate program is only open to degree-seeking graduate students enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is anticipated that students will complete certificate requirements in approximately two years, and all requirements must be fulfilled prior to the completion of the student’s degree program. This certificate program is comprised of interdisciplinary coursework (9 credits), relevant approved seminars, and research activities related to I/DDs as described below:

Formal Coursework

To complete the certificate program, trainees must enroll in and complete nine credit hours of approved courses. Note that students may incur additional tuition costs to complete the coursework required for the certificate.

For more information and to learn what courses are approved for this certificate program, contact Dr. Gabriel Dichter.

The Investigator Forum presented by the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities is a lecture series that features researchers with expertise on neurodevelopmental conditions from across the country.
The CIDD hosts a series of virtual talks open to the community to share information about recent topics and advances in developmental disabilities. These sessions are a great opportunity for individuals, family members, teachers, care professionals, and others to learn more about specific topics related to developmental disabilities. All talks are free, and everyone is welcome.

CIDD Community Talk Webinar Series 2025 For more information, contact Anna Ward.

The Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series is offered to CIDD trainees twice monthly and features virtual presentations by UNC Faculty members with expertise in intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs). Participating trainees gain interdisciplinary exposure to a variety of topics aimed to increase understanding of the clinical presentation of different neurodevelopmental conditions, systems of care, family-centered topics, diversity and cultural awareness, neuropsychological assessment in neurodevelopmental disorders, and evidence-based treatment practices. For more information, contact the seminar coordinator, Rob Christian, MD.
Psychological Services Consultation through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine (Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities) provides direct assistance to the Office of Exceptional Children within the NC Department of Public Instruction on behalf of students with disabilities. This assistance is delivered through a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to consultation, targeted technical assistance, and development and delivery of relevant professional learning and resources specific to implementation of school-based psychological services to students with disabilities. Additionally, the Consultant for Psychological Services coordinates and manages training required by NC Policy in the evaluation and identification of Traumatic Brain Injury.