The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to make 5-year grants to up to 42 entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
credit:
Research, and Servuce (UCEDD).
These grantees carry out four core functions:
(1) interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students and fellows; (2) community services, including training, technical assistance, and/or demonstration and model activities; (3) research; and (4) dissemination of information.
UCEDDs are interdisciplinary education, research and public service units of universities, or public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that implement the four core functions addressing, directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of emphasis (i.e.
education, health, and employment services available or offered to individuals in a community, and formal and informal community supports) that allows a person with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination and be integrated in all facets of community living .
The DD Act also requires that grantees advise federal, state, and community policymakers on developmental disability issues.
Funds made available are used to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of programs designated as UCEDDs.