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. 

lizeth deleon uses distractions with a patient getting a vaccine.

CDD Autism Center

At the Center for Disabilities and Development, a team of autism specialists from a variety of disciplines works with patients and families to diagnose and treat the disorder. They help families find answers to their questions about autism, and address the many aspects of life touched by autism.

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. 

Digital accessibility information and resources are top of mind for University of Iowa researchers. Support for them is available from the UI Accessibility website, the Digital Accessibility Coordinator, and the Accessibility Task Force. 

Learn more: Digital Accessibility Guidance for Researchers

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

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CDD is celebrating 78 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!

Michael "Mikey" Howell smiles as he sits outside on a metal bench

How Does Money Follows the Person Measure Success?

Iowa’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program has been helping people make the transition from facilities to community living since 2008!

Peers gather at the 2026 YLA graduation

Where Can a Young Adult Learn about Being a Leader?

Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) provides an opportunity where youth with disabilities can connect with peers and learn leadership skills. 

News

Ted Abel appointed president and provost distinguished fellow

Monday, April 20, 2026

Iowa’s only pediatric spasticity clinic gives 5-year-old freedom to run and play

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Events

Application Deadline: Summer 2026 Obermann Writing Collective promotional image

Application Deadline: Summer 2026 Obermann Writing Collective

Friday, May 22, 2026 5:00pm
111 Church Street

This program offers accountability to artists, scholars, and researchers working on any kind of writing project (articles, essays, fellowship or grant applications, dissertations, book projects, edited volumes, etc.) who want dedicated time, a cozy space, and a community for the practice of writing.Each group meets once a week for 1.5 hours. Weekly writing sessions include brief check-ins, goal setting, and sustained writing time. All groups are open to everyone in the University of Iowa...

Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Spring 2027) promotional image

Application Deadline: Obermann International Fellowships (Spring 2027)

Friday, September 18, 2026 11:59pm
111 Church Street

The UI Obermann Center for Advanced studies is accepting applications for Spring 2027 Obermann International Fellowships. This program offers dedicated space, time, and funding for interdisciplinary scholars to collaborate on innovative research at the University of Iowa. Up to eight international fellowships will be granted every academic year. Applicants must be active researchers at an accredited institution of higher learning outside of the United States or independent researchers/artists...

Application Deadline: Book Ends, Obermann Book Completion Workshop promotional image

Application Deadline: Book Ends, Obermann Book Completion Workshop

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 5:00pm
Virtual

Books Ends supports University of Iowa faculty from disciplines in which publishing a monograph is required for tenure and promotion. The award is designed to assist UI faculty members with significant research responsibilities turn promising manuscripts into important, field-changing, published books.

Book Ends brings together a panel of senior scholars for a candid, constructive three-hour workshop on a faculty member’s book manuscript. The award provides a $500 honorarium for two external...

Learn about us!

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