AUCD | Mission, Vision, and Goals

Our Mission

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities' (AUCD) mission is to amplify and advance the work of the AUCD Network to promote community inclusion and quality of life for people with developmental and other disabilities and their families.

AUCD is a national association that supports Network members in their research, training, education, and service so that together, AUCD and Network members can promote the quality of life, health, and well-being of people with disabilities. Network members consist of:

68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)
60 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LENDs) Programs
15 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Centers (IDDRCs)
13 Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Training Programs (DBPs) (non-members who receive TA)

These Centers and Programs serve and are located in every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers. They serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change.

AUCD supports this national Network through:

Leadership on major social problems affecting all people living with developmental or other disabilities or special health needs
Advocacy with Congress and executive branch agencies that fund and regulate programs used by people with disabilities
Networking and partnering with other national organizations to advance the Network's national agendas
Promoting communication within the Network and with other groups by collecting, organizing, and disseminating data on Network activities and accomplishments
Technical assistance provision on a broad range of topics

Our Vision

AUCD envisions a future where people with developmental and other disabilities live the lives they want in fully inclusive and accessible communities.

Our Goals

AUCD leads Network efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
AUCD strengthens Network member organizations within their university and other settings to ensure autonomy and sustainability.
AUCD facilitates education, connections and collaborations among member organizations, as well as governmental, disability, corporate, and other community partners.
AUCD seeks funding opportunities to sustain the organization and support the work of the Network.
AUCD implements a comprehensive operational plan to achieve sustainable growth and innovation in the field of developmental and other disabilities.

View AUCD's Mission, Vision, and Goals in Plain Language

Visual Description

Five vertical rectangles sit next to each other, the first, third, and fifth are light blue and the second and fourth are white with a light blue line around the rectangles. The first rectangle has an icon of four hands linking together in a circle and reads: Goal 1 - AUCD leads Network efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Rectangle two has an icon of two people sitting together at a table and talking, one of the people uses a wheelchair. The text on rectangle two reads: Goal 2 - AUCD strengthens Network Members. The third rectangle has an icon with a text box surrounded by a circle with three icons of people around the text box. Rectangle three reads: Goal 3 - AUCD strengthens ties among Network Members, governments, corporations, and communities. Rectangle four pictures an open hand with a dollar bill above the hand. Rectangle four reads: Goal 4 - AUCD seeks funding to continue work throughout the Network. Rectangle five pictures a white board with symbols, gears, and a arrow moving up on the screen. Rectangle five reads: Goal 5 - AUCD carries out a plan to achieve growth in developmental and other disabilities.

Our Values

The view of disability as a natural part of the human experience across all ages, cultures, and identities within the contexts of their communities
The equitable participation of people with disabilities, family members, trainees, staff, and faculty in their programs, governance, research, and leadership
Self-determination of people with disabilities
Individual and family-centered care
The broad cultural and linguistic diversity in our nation, its territories, and tribal communities
Diversity that is inclusive of race, ethnicity, culture, age, disability, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and socio-economic status
Cultural and linguistic responsiveness, humility, and competence in our services and supports, training activities, research, and dissemination efforts.
The recognition of interdependence and mutual reliance of all individuals within the contexts of their communities