South Dakota University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (SD UCEDD) - The mission of the University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities, the South Dakota University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (SD UCEDD), is to improve the lives of individuals with DD and their families across the lifespan. The SD UCEDD’s vision is that through our collaborative efforts, all people, including those with DD can achieve independence, self-determination, productivity, and community living. The SD UCEDD goals are based on the core functions outlined the DD Act of 2000: 1) provide interdisciplinary pre-service training and continuing education to expand capacity to promote self-determination, independence, and productivity for people with disabilities and their families for students and professionals across multiple disciplines; 2) provide community training and technical assistance for people with DD, their families, and the professionals who support them in order to enhance capacity to provide quality services and build accessible communities; 3) provide model services to meet unique community needs, to support training and research, and serve as exemplary programs of specialized interdisciplinary, family-centered services; 4) conduct research and evaluation activities that impact the health, education, and community living of individuals with developmental disabilities; and 5) disseminate information to increase access to and awareness of materials, research, public policy, and other resources that positively impacts the lives of individuals with DD and their families. Anticipated outcomes are improved access to services, systems of care, groups in systems, and improved health, education, mental health, and quality of life for individuals with DD and their families. The SD UCEDD includes individuals with DD and their families in the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of all programming.
