Areas of Emphasis

Established in 1978, the Center for Excellence in Disabilities is located in Morgantown, West Virginia and is part of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center at West Virginia University. The Center is part of a national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD).

The University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) have been working to accomplish a shared vision that foresees a nation in which all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, participate fully in their communities. Independence, productivity and community inclusion are key components of this vision.

UCEDDs:

Provide interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students
Provide community services that include training and technical assistance for individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, professionals, paraprofessionals, policymakers, students and other members of the community
Conduct research, which may include basic and applied research, evaluation and the analysis of public policy
Disseminate information related to activities for persons with developmental and other disabilities

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 and meaningful education, transition from school to work, employment, housing, assistive technology, and transportation have been directly benefited by the services, research, and training provided by UCEDDs.

Each UCEDD determines what areas of emphasis their Center will address. Areas of emphasis that Centers can choose to focus on include quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation and other services.