University of Cincinnati UCEDD's Director Receives Advocacy Achievement Award

March 18, 2019

Ilka Riddle, PhD and Director of the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD) was recently awarded the Advocacy Achievement Award from Cincinnati Children's Hospital at the 8th Annual Faculty Awards Ceremony at Cincinnati Children's.

In her nomination for the award, Susan Wiley, MD, Director of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, stated that "[Dr. Riddle] has distinguished herself as a tireless advocate for ensuring that people with disabilities fully participate in society and live healthy, safe, self-determined and productive lives. Her work reaches a national and global audience through activities, such as the Inclusive Health Project Workgroup, of which she was a member. She was also invited to participate on the United Nations Human Rights Special Procedures Expert Group. Locally, her efforts focus on developing educational curricula related to developmental disabilities within medical education and graduate level social work education. She is also spearheading a partnership with the criminal justice system in collaboration with the National ARC organization, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families."

"I am honored and humbled to have received this award," Ilka Riddle said. "As a UCEDD, we work with many partners, including family members and self-advocates, on the local, regional, state and national level to improve opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. This award allows us to shine a light on the important work we all do together to ensure that individuals with disabilities are fully included and valued as important members of our society."