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  • AUCD Campaign: Speak Up For UCEDDs

Speak up for UCEDDs

UCEDDs are national leaders in building inclusive communities.

The Association of University Centers for Disabilities (AUCD) is calling on its community to help share why keeping University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) independent is important for the disability community.

Located in every state and territory, UCEDDs improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities through research, education, and services that support independence, equity, and community inclusion.

Graphic from AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disabilities) with the message “Speak Up for UCEDDs!” in large, bold text. It encourages people to contact their Senators and Representatives to protect UCEDDs. The background features a photo of a group of young adults with disabilities wearing graduation caps and gowns, holding diplomas and smiling. A large yellow arrow on the right side suggests taking action.

Whats going on?

Here's what you need to know.

The FY26 Budget Proposal calls for the elimination of UCEDDs as independent programs.

In the budget, it folds the UCEDDs funding and four other unique programs into the Independent Living (IL) program* under a single, broad budget. Combining these programs will make these systems inefficient, directly conflict with federal law, and result in immense nationwide harm for people with disabilities, research institutions, and the disability workforce.

This will have a dire impact on the disability population. 

UCEDDs have been supporting people with disabilities for over 60 years through research, training, and community services. Our independence has allowed us to work efficiently and effectively with other Independent Living programs to advance services and supports for families. 

The Administration’s FY26 budget proposal risks dismantling this essential infrastructure. 

*Projects of National Significance (PNS), Limb Loss Resource Center, Paralysis Resource Center, and the Voting Access for People with Disabilities Program.

UCEDDs provide:

    • Technical assistance: we help people find resources and answers to important questions around disability services and supports

    • Continuing Education: we teach professionals, families, and other stakeholders on how they can better serve the disability community

    • Diagnostic Services: we provide clinical medical and research activities to our members to receive services like evaluations for developmental disabilities, therapies, and so much more

Network Impact:

    • 68 UCEDDs across the country work to build and strengthen communities that allow for independent living and full participation for people with disabilities.

    • 60 LEND programs provide training for professionals and community leaders on how to better serve people on the Autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Trainees of the LEND program learn about person- and family-centered care. 

    • 15 IDDRCs conduct biomedical research and behavioral research to better understand intellectual and developmental disabilities and provide recommendations and improvements to the services and supports systems. 

What can you do about it?

Call or Email Your Elected Representatives 

    • Speak up and spread the word! 
    • UCEDDs are essential for disability research, training, and services. The FY26 budget proposal threatens their future. 
    • Contact your Senators and Representatives today and urge them to protect UCEDDs!

Talking points can include:

    • How have you been impacted by UCEDDs?
    • Have you received training or been a part of research initiatives? Tell them!
    • Share that these are important independent entities in the community. And they need to stay that way!

Timeline:

    • The House LHHS Markups: The House Subcommittee markup for the FY26 Labor-HHS (LHHS) bill is scheduled for Monday, July 21st at 5 pm ET, followed by a full Committee markup on Thursday, July 24th at 10 am ET. 

    • US Senate FY26 Budget Timeline: Information regarding the Senate's FY26 budget timeline, specifically for appropriations markups, is less certain. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins has indicated that a decision on a "topline funding number" is not anticipated until after Congress has passed the budget reconciliation package, which refers to the "Big, Beautiful Bill" (BBB).


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