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.
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:
400,000+
Iowans have a disability
77
CDD is celebrating 77 years of service to Iowans with disabilities
19 +
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!
Getting Ready for Change Helps!
A transition plan helps students with disabilities prepare for big changes—like starting a new school year, in a new grade, or building skills for adulthood.
UI Grad Student Receives Fellowship
UI graduate student Pravda Quiñones-Labernik was selected from more than 800 applicants for the 2025 cohort of HHMI Gilliam Fellows.
News
2025 Kids' Day at Kinnick Stadium
What’s Possible When Communication, Choice, and Community Come Together in Iowa?
CDD Celebrates Seven Decades
Events
Learn about us!
CDD serves patients and families, community members, pre-service trainees, and researchers.