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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
A wide range of digital accessibility information and resources are available to University of Iowa researchers. Support is available from the UI Accessibility website, the Digital Accessibility Coordinator, and the Accessibility Task Force.
Learn more: Digital Accessibility Guidance for Researchers
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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!
Are You Interested in Becoming an Iowa LEND Trainee?
The Iowa LEND Program is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 trainee cohort. Apply by Feb. 20, 2026. Learn more at: Apply/Contact Us!
Mildren Family Continues Their Tradition of Giving
Brayden Mildren and his parents made their 3rd annual trip to CDD on Feb. 13 to deliver 174 Lego sets for children who visit the Autism Clinic at CDD.
News
Iowa’s only pediatric spasticity clinic gives 5-year-old freedom to run and play
CDD Welcomes New Director of Clinical Services
Iowa Holds Youth Suicide Prevention Summit 2025
Events
Learn about us!
CDD serves patients and families, community members, pre-service trainees, and researchers.