University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

A University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service focuses on programs and resources to assist individuals with disabilities so they may participate fully in their communities.

In 1968, the Munroe-Meyer Institute was designated as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. That designation is maintained today through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Community Living.

• In 1963, President John F. Kennedy signed an Act into law, creating 19 university-based centers focused on intellectual disability research.
• Eventually, the current Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) saw that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families had access to needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance to promote self-determination, independence, productivity and integration in all parts of the community life. The DD Act authorizes the UCEDDs as part of the Developmental Disabilities Network.
• Visit the Association of University Centers on Disability website to learn more about UCEDDs.

Program Funding

• The Administration of Disabilities includes the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
• The Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities grants funding for the establishment of UCEDDs in every U.S. state and territory.
• By administering these programs, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities shows its commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities to make their own choices, contribute to their communities and have the support they need to live independently and free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Through funding UCEDDs, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities helps connect the academic world and the communities they serve.