July 14, 2009

Contact:
Angela Arnold Go, 404-413-1083
University Relations

Center for Leadership in Disability awarded $2.6 million UCEDD grant

ATLANTA — The Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University received a $2.6 million, five-year grant and the designation as a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (UCEDD).  The UCEDD grant is funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The CLD, which is housed in the Center for Healthy Development in the College of Health and Human Sciences, translates research into sustainable community practices that support individuals with developmental disabilities to lead independent, fulfilling, productive lives. 

The CLD is charged with:

• Providing community education and technical assistance to people with developmental disabilities, family members, service providers, educators, and professionals on a range of topics, such as positive behavior support, person-centered planning, autism, individuals services and supports, and the SafeCare® training model.
• Researching the implementation of evidence-based practices and the supporting policies
• Disseminating information about services, supports, and resources for people with developmental disabilities, families, and providers
• Offering educational opportunities and leadership training for graduate students, professionals, and advocates

“This is truly exciting news for us at the Center, for GSU, and most importantly for Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families.  This will give us the chance to partner with people, providers, and community organizations to substantially improve lives,” says Daniel Crimmins, CLD director and clinical professor of public health.

There are 67 UCEDDs in the U.S., with at least one in every state and territory. Centers are in a unique position to facilitate the flow of disability-related information between community and university.

UCEDDs provide training, technical assistance, service, research, and information in working with people with disabilities, family members, state and local government agencies, and community providers.  Centers have played key roles in every major disability initiative over the past four decades.  Many issues, such as early intervention, health care, community-based services, inclusive education, transition from school to work, positive behavior support, employment, housing, and assistive technology have directly benefited by the research, services, and training provided by UCEDDs.

For more information about the Center for Leadership in Disability, visit www.cld-gsu.org or contact Daniel Crimmins at dcrimmins@gsu.edu.