About Our UCEDD
The Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) has been Iowa's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) since 1972.
Originally established as the residential University Hospital School by the Iowa Legislature in 1947, CDD has evolved over the years in response to every major advance in disability policy in the United States. CDD now serves as Iowa's tertiary level diagnosis and evaluation center, providing support for Iowa schools, and developing and implementing many state and community programs.
CDD is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), a national network of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. CDD’s designation as Iowa’s UCEDD allows us to continue to broaden the scope of our mission and activities to improve the quality of life for Iowans with disabilities and their family members. We achieve this through:
- University training for future professionals
- Community training
- Clinical services and direct community supports
- Technical assistance to state and local agencies/organizations to improve services and build community capacity
- Research and policy analyses to identify emerging best practice and model services
- Statewide information and referral services for assistive technology and disability services
Vision and Mission
The Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) shares the vision of "a life in the community for everyone." Part of University of Iowa Health Care. CDD is dedicated to improving the health and full community participation of people with disabilities and advancing the community supports and services on which they rely. CDD partners with Iowans with disabilities, their family members, providers, state and local agencies, and many other stakeholders to achieve our mission and vision.
Clinics at CDD provide diagnostic and therapeutic services across the lifespan for individuals with disabilities from experts in the fields of Audiology, Education, Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Dentistry, Psychology, Physical Therapy, Social Services, and Speech-Language Pathology.