SILVER SPRING, MD – The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is deeply concerned by the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request. The proposal recommends eliminating key programs that support people with disabilities, including the elimination of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), cuts to programs under Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, and cuts to related research and service infrastructure. These investments have long driven research, informed policy, and supported services that people with disabilities and their families rely on. Rolling them back risks undoing decades of progress.
Similar to last year, the President’s FY27 request once again proposes significant restructuring across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the elimination of UCEDDs and other critical programs administered through the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The proposal also recommends reducing funding for Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (LEND) Programs and cutting funding for other Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities programs entirely. While details remain limited, cuts and consolidation at this scale would have sweeping impacts across programs serving people with disabilities and their families nationwide.
The proposal also cuts to funding for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which oversees the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRCs). These centers are critical to advancing research on brain development, health, and disability; funding disruptions would slow scientific progress and limit innovation in understanding and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Last year, Congress rejected similar harmful proposals in the President’s budget,” said Lillie Heigl, AUCD’s Director of Policy. “We urge Congress to do so again. Congress must reject cuts that would destabilize critical programs and instead, protect and strengthen the investments that people with disabilities and their families depend on.”
AUCD calls on Congress to continue its bipartisan commitment to protecting programs that support people with disabilities and their families.
Plain Language
The President released a budget proposal for 2027. This is a suggestion to Congress about how to spend money, including on programs for people with disabilities.
AUCD is concerned because the budget includes getting rid of UCEDDs and cutting funding to important programs.
Last year, the President’s budget included very similar suggestions. Congress rejected those suggestions, including the cuts. AUCD is asking Congress to do that again and continue protecting programs that help people with disabilities and their families.
