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
Iowa's 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.
CDD Autism Center
At the Center for Disabilities and Development, a team of specialists from a variety of disciplines works with patients and families to diagnose and treat autism. They help families find answers to their questions about autism, and address the many aspects of life touched by the disorder.
What's New at Iowa's UCEDD?
Iowa's University Center of Excellence for Development Disabilities (UCEDD) currently manages 12 contracts and grants that provide services and support for people with disabilities throughout the state. Visit our UCEDD webpages to catch up with our programs and projects.
Accessibility is 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.
CDD aligns with the University of Iowa’s commitment to ensuring the accessibility of electronic, information technology resources, and facilities used by members of the university community and general public.
Learn more: Understanding Accessibility
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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!
Iowa LEND Trainees Close Out Their Academic Year
The 2025-2026 Iowa LEND trainees participated in the annual LEND Research Poster Symposium at the Center for Disabilities and Development.
News
College Education Partners Develop Mental Health Training for First Responders
New fellowship aims to attract psychiatrists to Iowa and improve state’s health care system
Ted Abel appointed president and provost distinguished fellow
Events
Learn about us!
CDD serves patients and families, community members, pre-service trainees, and researchers.