AUCD | Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities' (AUCD) mission is to advance policies and practices that improve the health, education, social, and economic well-being of all people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and their communities by supporting our members in research, education, health, and service activities that achieve our vision.

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
16 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 in which all people, including those living with developmental and other disabilities, are fully included, participating members of their communities. We see equitable access to supports and services that reflect the preferences and values of diverse communities and that lead to self-determination, independence, productivity, and a healthy and satisfying quality of life.

Our Values

The participation of people with disabilities, family members, trainees, staff, and faculty in their programs, governance, and leadership
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
Self-determination of people with disabilities
Individual and family-centered care
Cultural and linguistic 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
The view of disability as a natural part of the human experience across all ages, cultures, and identities

View AUCD's Strategic Map