ExceLens
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) aim to positively affect the lives of people with disabilities by building and strengthening systems that support full community participation. These activities are carried out in alignment with the DD Act (hyperlink) through the UCEDD core functions which include: (1) interdisciplinary training including continuing education; (2) community service including training, technical assistance, model, and demonstration services; (3) research including evaluation, and analysis of public policy; and (4) information dissemination. The ExceLens series highlights the valuable work of the UCEDDs within university systems, the community, and in the lives of people with disabilities across the lifespan and their family members
Enhancing Regional & National Collaboration: UMKC Hosts Regional Open House with Kansas and AUCD
The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Institute for Human Development hosted a Regional Open House in on April 16th at the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus, bringing together 18 leaders from the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This meeting focused on engaging the three entities in conversation about future opportunities for collaborating on programs, funding, networking and more.
Along with UMKC-IHD, members from the Kansas Lifespan Institute (UCEDD), the Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (KIDDRC), and the Missouri and Kansas Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs discussed:
- Fostering collaboration between the regional partners
- Informing the national AUCD organization on the needs of centers that serve people with disabilities in this part of the country
- Strengthening ties within the UCEDD network to better serve individuals with disabilities
The Gatlinburg Conference on Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which is co-hosted by AUCD and the University of Kansas Lifespan Institute, occurred in Kansas City directly following this regional meeting. The Conference brings together scientists from around the world, including a strong presence from AUCD Network members and national partners, to gather to discuss research and collaborations in the intellectual and developmental disability research field.
More Information:
- For more information on the UMKC-IHD, the Kansas Lifespan Institute, the KIDDRC, or the Missouri and Kansas LEND programs, please contact the Community Inclusion Team at AUCD.
- We invite you to learn more about the Gatlinburg Conference, which will be hosted in San Diego, CA in 2025. Please send any questions, comments, related resources, or stories you would like to share to the URC team at AUCD.