North Carolina’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)

The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) at UNC is part of a network of interdisciplinary centers in the United States serving as a resource for those involved in education, research, and service designed to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. As a UCEDD, part of the mission of the CIDD is to work in partnership with people with disabilities, their families, advocates, professionals, and organizations to develop and provide interdisciplinary training opportunities, exemplary clinical services, technical assistance, and information with the goal of increasing the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. The CIDD is a participating member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and has been designated a UCEDD by the Administration on Disabilities (AoD) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Activities within each UCEDD must be consistent with the Developmental Disabilities Act of 2000, including capacity building as well as policy and advocacy efforts. As the North Carolina UCEDD, the CIDD focuses on providing interdisciplinary preservice training, community education, and clinical services. In addition, there is strong emphasis on enhancing inclusive postsecondary education and offering advocacy and leadership opportunities for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.