University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) were created in 1963 with the passing of Public Law 88-164 to serve people with intellectual disabilities through advocacy, capacity-building, and systemic change efforts. Currently authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (PL 106- 402), UCEDDs are now a resource for Americans with a wide range of disabilities. UCEDDs receive their core funding from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) within the US Department of Health and Human Services. Each UCEDD is affiliated with a major research university and serves as a resource for all people in the areas of education, research, and services relative to the needs of people with developmental disabilities.

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) is one of 68 UCEDDs throughout the nation, all dedicated to achieve a shared vision where all people including individuals with disabilities, participate fully in their communities.

What is AUCD?

AUCD, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, promotes and supports a national network of interdisciplinary centers on disabilities. The members of AUCD represent every U.S. state and territory and include:

• 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
• 60 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs
• 15 Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC)

Together, these organizations advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities, in support of independence, productivity, health, and a satisfying quality of life.