University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service - The overall aim of UMass Chan Medical School/Eunice Kennedy Shriver University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) is to promote self-determination, independence, community living, and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Over the next five years, within our areas of emphasis of Early Intervention & Education, Physical Health, Mental & Behavioral Health, Quality Assurance, and Assistive Technology & Support, and in partnership with individuals and families, state agencies, community organizations, universities, and other key stakeholders, our four main goals are to: (1) provide interdisciplinary pre-service training and continuing education to a wide variety of learner groups; (2) provide clinical services, consultation, technical assistance, and information/referral for persons with I/DD, families, provider organizations, and state agencies; (3) conduct applied, translational, and evaluation research; and (4) disseminate products about training, services, research findings, and information about disabilities and available services and resources. Disseminated products will include: research articles, books, chapters, and monographs; presentations at professional, scientific, and community conferences; websites, blogs, expert recommendations/toolkits, and lay/plain language summaries of our work; and newsletters, reports, briefs, and searchable databases. Products will relate specifically to our areas of emphasis and will be fully accessible. These efforts are designed to yield several outcomes, including systemic change through improved practices, procedures, methods, staff expertise, resources, and new knowledge. The ultimate result is that individuals with I/DD will achieve their individual potentials, be welcomed fully by their community. Our proposed plan will result in reaching tens of thousands of people each year including individuals with I/DD and their families, clinicians, program staff, agency directors, policy makers, researchers, legislators, and other stakeholders.
