Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities - The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC UCEDD) will address the needs of Tennesseans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the areas of early intervention and education, health and mental health, and community access and engagement. Our areas of emphasis were informed by stakeholders from across Tennessee and developed in partnership with our Community Advisory Council and the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network. Our goals and objectives are as follows: (1) Increase the number and level of pre-service interdisciplinary trainees; (2) Increase access to community supports and services for people with IDD through continuing education for professionals; (3) Empower people with IDD and their families, providers and policy makers by providing community service training and technical assistance; (4) Support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers through direct and model demonstration services; (5) Conduct research, program evaluation, and analyses of public policy to improve the lives of Tennesseans with IDD families, and communities; and (6) Provide accessible information on services, training, research, and public policy that impacts Tennesseans with IDD and their families. Expected outcomes include 1) improved access to services that improve outcomes of people with IDD across the lifespan; 2) increased community access, engagement, and quality of life for those with IDD and their families. Anticipated products include trainings to professionals and the community, direct services to people with IDD, technical assistance, and products to support knowledge dissemination including videos, podcasts, written resources, and scholarly manuscripts. The activities in this application build on the VKC’s 60-year history in research, training, and service, and our UCEDD’s 20-year history.
