ACL is awarding grants to 17 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) to begin a new five-year cycle to address issues, find solutions, and conduct research to advance the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families.
These 17 centers are part of the 67 federally designated UCEDDs located nationwide in states and territories. UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities, or public or nonprofit entities associated with universities. They are authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act and funded by ACL.
The funds awarded will be used to pay for the federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of programs. UCEDDs contribute additional resources to expand the activities and impact of their work, while serving as a national and international resource in the areas of education, research, and service — and providing a link between the university and the community.
The 17 grantees awarded a new five-year funding cycle are:
- University of Alaska
- University of Connecticut
- University of Guam
- University of Hawaii
- University of Iowa
- University of Illinois
- University of Kentucky
- Louisiana State University
- University of Maine
- University of Massachusetts, Boston
- University of Minnesota
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Oregon
- University of Puerto Rico
- University of Tennessee Health and Science Center
- University of Vermont
- Virginia Commonwealth University
Additionally, 50 UCEDDs will be awarded continuation grants. Each of the 67 grantees will be awarded $606,330 for a combined total of $40,624,110 for FY2023. As a network, the UCEDDs collaborate with people with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to improve quality of life and community inclusion for people with disabilities. The centers accomplish this mission through advocacy, community partnerships, interdisciplinary training, and the translation of research into practical applications.
For questions about the grant award or the UCEDD program, contact Pamela.OBrien@acl.hhs.gov.