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About the CDD

The Center on Developmental Disabilities (CDD) is one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) and 52 Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LENDs) in the United States.  These programs were established by the federal government to develop interdisciplinary training, service, and applied research related to developmental disabilities. The CDD is dedicated to improving quality of life for people of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote, support, and enhance the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in the community.

Our Goals

The CDD's mission is embodied in the needs-based goals and activities of its faculty and staff.  The goals are to:

  • develop and provide exemplary, coordinated, culturally-competent, person-centered supports and services to individuals with disabilities and their families
  • provide excellent, relevant interdisciplinary training
  • disseminate information, products, and plans to consumers, professionals, agencies, and policymakers
  • serve as advocates and agents for meaningful systems change on local, state, and national levels
  • develop and conduct relevant disciplinary and interdisciplinary clinical research, and
  • provide technical assistance to individuals, groups, agencies, and policymakers in the priority areas of inclusion and self-direction

Our Faculty and Staff

The CDD employs a wide array of faculty and staff who work in an interdisciplinary manner to meet the needs of people with disabilities in our community.  A full listing of our faculty and staff can be found here.

Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network

Our statewide network includes Disability Rights Tennessee, the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, the UTHSC Center for Developmental Disabilities, and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.  More about our network can be found here.

May 26, 2022