Institute on Community Integration, University Center for Excellence Developmental Disabilities (ICI-UCEDD) - Since 1985, the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (ICI) has worked to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by improving policy, practice, advocacy, and education through research, community engagement, training/education, and dissemination. Its mission is based on the belief that all persons with IDD should be a part of their communities of choice while receiving the supports they need to maximize their strengths and potential. ICI carries out its mission by employing and engaging people with IDD and families from their communities to jointly: • Provide interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education that enhances the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers necessary to promote belonging for persons with IDD in schools, work, faith communities, healthcare, and other community entities. • Assist in the development and provision of supports through technical assistance, training, and outreach activities that demonstrate positive outcomes. • Conduct applied research and evaluation that engages persons with IDD and their families to advance knowledge and application of effective supports and interventions at individual, organization, and community levels which influence models of practice and public policies to support communities. • Engage in dissemination activities, with the network of ACL-funded and other centers, to increase the availability and use of research and evaluation information by national and international audiences. Currently, ICI has leveraged 68 funded projects that provide interdisciplinary training, community support, research, and dissemination. This application outlines ICI’s 2023 – 2028 goals.
