University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)

University Center for Excellence In Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service

The Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) was designated as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in 1968 and maintains that designation today through the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. As a UCEDD, MMI is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD), one of 68 programs across the United States and its territories uniquely affiliated with universities, allowing them to serve as liaisons between academia and the community. UCEDDs are independent but interlinked centers, representing an expansive national resource for the promotion of independence, self-determination, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities and provide supports for families.

The core functions of a UCEDD are to provide pre-service preparation and continuing education, services (including technical assistance, community education, and direct services), research and information dissemination. As you will be able to see on this website under Patient Care, Training and Research, MMI has a very diverse and strong program providing support to individuals with developmental and other disabilities along with their families and caregivers.

Overview of the UCEDD

• What is UCEDD?
• The UCEDD at MMI
• Goals & Objectives
• History of the UCEDD

Policy and Systems Change Activities

MMI UCEDD staff participate in many activities that focus on local, state and national disability-related public policy issues. Examples include:

• The Nebraska Consortium For Citizens with Disabilities (NCCD)
• Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN)
• Disability Policy & Legislation
• The Nebraska Home and Community Coalition (HCBS)
• Early Development Network (EDN)
• Project Search
• Respite Across the Lifespan

MMI also works closely with Disability Rights Nebraska and the Nebraska Developmental Disabilities Council to coordinate with these agencies on key issues that affect individuals with disabilities and their families in legislative activities and policy development. The institute also coordinates regular visits and tours of the MMI UCEDD for local, state, and national legislative and congressional members and their staffs. Many MMI faculty and staff serve on national and state public policy and planning committees and task forces.