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. 

Taking Charge of My Health webinar session

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.

Girl's profile over an colorful puzzled background used for webinar promotion

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. 

Top of Mind at CDD

Every day at the Center for Disabilities and Development, we focus on our far-reaching vision of all people with disabilities living healthy and independent lives. But throughout each day, we focus on the many things we can do to bring that vision to life. We welcome you to join us in prioritizing accessibility awareness and practice. 

Accessibility Tip Sharing for Your Practice

Earlier this year, the Accessible Iowa Initiative shared 11 core digital practices from to help make digital communications more welcoming for everyone. Check out these tips:

Digital Accessibility: 11 Things You Can Do

Main entrance to the Center for Disabilities and Development

400,000+

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

77

CDD is celebrating 77 years of service to Iowans with disabilities
Mike Hoenig demonstrates Braille to school children

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Iowa's UCEDD manages federal, state and community contracts

CDD is Iowa's hub for interdisciplinary excellence in disabilities!

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 built a CDD Spotlight Archive where you can find previously spotlighted features, revisit news about services and programs, and get updated information.

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

ADRC The Commons webpage image

Aging & Disability Resource Center

The ADRC Commons is a centralized learning and content management system, providing training, resources and onboarding for Iowa's ADRC Network. 

Iowa Compass report cover image

Iowa Compass Partners with Iowa's new ADRC Network

Iowa Compass recently published its first quarterly report since it became part of Iowa’s new Aging & Disability Resource Network on July 1.

Events

Planning and Writing Successful Grant Proposals in the Creative Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities Seminar promotional image

Planning and Writing Successful Grant Proposals in the Creative Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities Seminar

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 8:30am to 12:30pm
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

This seminar will cover fundamental concepts of proposal planning and writing for the Arts and Humanities faculty backed by concrete tips and operational strategies that support planning and longer-term sustainability.

Planning and Writing Successful Grant Proposals in the Creative Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities Seminar

The Research Development Office is hosting an in person grant writing seminar, Planning and Writing Successful Grant Proposals in the Creative Arts, Social Sciences, and...

Virtual Editorial Session with Mark Simpson-Vos promotional image

Virtual Editorial Session with Mark Simpson-Vos

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual

Working on a book proposal? Starting to turn your dissertation into a book? Have questions about the academic publishing industry? Join us for one of two “ask-an-editor-anything” sessions with former Obermann Editor-in-Residence Mark Simpson-Vos.

Wednesday, December 3 from 12-1pm and 4-5pm (on Zoom).

Space is limited, RSVP required. RSVP here: https://obermann.uiowa.edu/MSV-virtual

Virtual Editorial Session with Mark Simpson-Vos promotional image

Virtual Editorial Session with Mark Simpson-Vos

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Working on a book proposal? Starting to turn your dissertation into a book? Have questions about the academic publishing industry? Join us for one of two “ask-an-editor-anything” sessions with former Obermann Editor-in-Residence Mark Simpson-Vos.

Wednesday, December 3 from 12-1pm and 4-5pm (on Zoom).

Space is limited, RSVP required. RSVP here: https://obermann.uiowa.edu/MSV-virtual

Learn about us!

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