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
