University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) - Indiana's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at Indiana University works to put new ideas and research results into everyday practice in schools, public systems, and communities to improve the choices and quality of life of people with developmental disabilities and their families. This five-year plan leverages connections with schools, community providers, state and local governments, higher education, persons with disabilities, family members, and advocacy organizations. The goals of this plan are to: 1) improve the capacity of educational systems and education professionals; 2) improve and expand opportunities for competitive integrated employment; 3) Support the improvement of the Medicaid HCBS system; 4) increase the capacity related to decisional supports; 5) expand opportunities to address the health, wellness, and recreation needs. The UCEDD objectives include 1) building professional capacity and skills, 2) building system capacity and scaling-up best practices, 3) developing leaders in research, policy, practice, and advocacy, 4) contributing to the evidence-base to advance effective policy and practices, and 5) engaging and empowering constituents via accessible, timely, and relevant products and information. Long-term outcomes of the UCEDD include: 1) the development of leaders in the field of developmental disabilities; 2) the development of practitioners; 3) new policies that promote best practices, and increase service capacity; and 4) the replication of new developments and models. Products to be developed and implemented include wide variety of marketing and outreach materials, a weekly newsletter, a comprehensive resource website, refereed journal articles, presentations, presentations/webinars, and web-based referral tool.
