At the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), we work together so that Iowans with disabilities and their families enjoy healthy, independent lives in the community.

CDD is home to Iowa's tertiary level evaluation and diagnosis center and clinics, Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Iowa's Leadership Education in Developmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, and Iowa's Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (Hawk-IDDRC). 

Main entrance to the Center for Disabilities and Development

CDD Clinical Services

The Center for Disabilities and Development Clinical Services are delivered at a variety of clinics based at CDD. Clinicians interact to provide patients and families the benefits of multidisciplinary care. 

Community image - young girl, toddler and DSP outdoors

Iowa's UCEDD

Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) provides services and supports, training and information, for Iowans with disabilities, their families and providers.

ILEND trainee cohort 2024-2025

Iowa's LEND

The interdisciplinary LEND program improves the lives of people with disabilities across the lifespan by training pre-service professionals to assume leadership roles in their disciplines.

IDDRC - Autism Journey

Hawk-IDDRC

Based at CDD, Iowa's Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, the Hawk-IDDRC, is one of only 15 IDDRCs in the country. 

Main entrance to the Center for Disabilities and Development

23 %

of Iowans have a disability

Campers from Iowa's 2023 National Summer Transportation Institute explore bridges in Kent State Park

75

CDD is celebrating 75 years of service to Iowans with disabilities

Mike Hoenig demonstrates Braille to school children

19 +

Iowa's UCEDD manages federal, state and community contracts

CDD Spotlight

The CDD Spotlight highlights unique services and programs, trending topics, policymaking at the state and federal levels, and disability issues we emphasize in our daily work.

We are building an archive of previous Spotlight features where you can revisit services and programs, and find updated information.

Visit the Spotlight again soon to see what's new!

MA recognition image - MA Proud

Medical Assistant Recognition Week

CDD recently celebrated our Medical Assistants during MA Recognition Week. We appreciate all the wonderful work they do for our patients and families.

ONTRAC team presents Taking Charge of my Health

Taking Charge of My Health (TCMH)

CDD's ON TRAC for Health Care team recently presented "Health Choices" as part of Taking Charge of My Health (TCMH) at Systems Unlimited in Cedar Rapids.

Events

Obermann Book Ends Information Session (virtual) promotional image

Obermann Book Ends Information Session (virtual)

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 9:00am to 9:30am
Virtual
Co-sponsored by the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the Books Ends—Obermann/OVPR Book Completion Workshop—supports University of Iowa faculty from disciplines in which publishing a monograph is required for tenure and promotion. The award is designed to assist faculty members turn promising manuscripts into published books. At this brief Zoom session, attendees will learn about the program and the application...
Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Fall 2025) promotional image

Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Fall 2025)

Saturday, February 15, 2025 11:59pm
The UI Obermann Center for Advanced studies is currently accepting applications for its new International Fellowships Program, which offers dedicated space, time, and funding for interdisciplinary scholars to collaborate on innovative research at the University of Iowa. Up to eight international fellowships will be granted every academic year. Applicants must be active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists with...
Spring Application Deadline: Book Ends Book Completion Workshop promotional image

Spring Application Deadline: Book Ends Book Completion Workshop

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 5:00pm
Co-sponsored by the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Book Ends—Obermann/OVPR Book Completion Workshop supports University of Iowa faculty from disciplines in which publishing a monograph is required for tenure and promotion. The award is designed to assist faculty members in turning promising manuscripts into important, field-changing, published books.

Learn about us!

CDD serves patients and families, community members, pre-service trainees, and researchers.

About CDD