I am overjoyed that both the House and Senate Appropriations bills are set to continue funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs). They are a vital cog in the wheel of collaboration among State DD Councils, State Protection and Advocacy Agencies and Universities Each has distinct and complementary functions resulting in collaboration-driven products — training, newsletters, projects, webpages and more.
The degree of this collaboration is high. It is especially high when quality of life, employment, health, early intervention, or cultural diversity are the focus.
I urge everyone to visit AUCD.org to learn more about UCEDDs. That site can direct you to individual university websites. I was particularly impressed by the Minnesota and Mississippi UCEDD websites where they highlight their within state collaboration.
In the current political climate we need to identify, celebrate, and promote collaboration. Through collaboration comes renewed strength and power to make every community in America more inclusive of individuals with disabilities.
Thank you.
Common Grounder
