Project Description:
The Sonoran UCEDD is based on the vision of a community benefiting from the full participation of all members, with recognition of the strengths brought by diversity in abilities, culture, age, and life-experience. The Sonoran UCEDD will facilitate a state-wide collaboration in support of full participation by people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. The Sonoran UCEDD developed a five-year plan (2021 - 2026) responding to articulated statewide needs with input from its Community Advisory Council and the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Network. Goals are to: 1) Enhance and expand opportunities for individuals with DD to attain personal life outcomes; 2) Build capacity to achieve inclusive and equitable access for persons with DD and their families from underserved communities; 3) Enhance social inclusion for individuals with DD; and 4) Build capacity to promote promising and evidence-based practices through workforce development of current and future professionals. Objectives serve to: 1) develop interventions and implementation strategies that support life transitions and improve health, quality of life, and employment outcomes; 2) examine and address the needs of diverse populations and promote universal design and cultural and linguistic competency; 3) expand opportunities for individuals and families to make community connections, build relationships, and engage in inclusive, intergenerational programming; and 4) cultivate leaders, advocates, and a diverse, skilled and qualified workforce. Anticipated outcomes are increased: 1) resources and opportunities for individuals to actively engage in personal life choices and outcomes; 2) access to information, services, and supports that are responsive to the diverse values and needs of all individuals with DD and their families; 3) access and active participation by people with DD in all aspects of their communities; and 4) capacity for professionals and systems to effectively support people with disabilities and their families across the lifespan. Highlighted products include training programs for students and support professionals; evidence-based service models and interventions, knowledge translation resources, leadership development strategies, and research/practice/policy briefs.
Keyword(s):
Life Course Approach
Core Function(s):
Training Trainees, Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Cultural Diversity, Other - Leadership
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Reservation, Rural/Remote, Geographic Area - Other, Specific Groups, Other
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
