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 keep these things “top of mind” to guide us in our work. As we work together in 2025, CDD is keeping “accessibility” top of mind. We are prioritizing accessibility awareness and practice in our work each day.
Accessibility Tip Sharing for Your Practice
Different document formats pose different accessibility challenges and opportunities. Check out these UI articles that showcase tips and techniques for accessibility across a spectrum of document formats, tools, and technologies.
23 %
of Iowans have a disability
75
CDD is celebrating 75 years of service to Iowans with disabilities
19 +
Iowa's UCEDD manages federal, state and community contracts
Have you seen us lately? CDD celebrates seven decades!
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 find updated information.
Visit the Spotlight again soon to see what's new!
Board of Regents Honors Judy Warth
Following 30 years of service to people with disabilities, CDD program manager Judy Warth was awarded the 2025 Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award.
Celebrating Nat'l Teachers Week
CDD is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by shining our spotlight on Jenna Prescott and Lisa Henry Vasquez, CDDs Educational Diagnosticians.
News
CDD Celebrates Seven Decades
Des Moines University and Iowa LEND Program Partner to Improve Health for People with Disabilities
Events
Learn about us!
CDD serves patients and families, community members, pre-service trainees, and researchers.