UCEDD National Training Initiative

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 aims to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are actively involved in shaping and accessing community-based services and supports that foster self-determination, independence, productivity, and full inclusion in society. To advance this goal, the Act authorizes grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, known as UCEDDs, to design and implement national training initiatives that address critical and emerging unmet needs. These initiatives focus on building culturally competent programs that enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities through education, research, and direct service efforts. The UCEDD National Training Initiative is a funding opportunity managed by the Administration on Disabilities within the Department of Health and Human Services, with grants awarded subject to congressional appropriations following the completion of core UCEDD funding. The initiative targets training programs that respond to gaps in service delivery and support systems, ensuring that training is responsive to the evolving needs of individuals and their families. The opportunity was posted on July 18, 2023, and inquiries can be directed to Dana Fink at the Administration for Community Living, who serves as the primary point of contact for this effort. The program encourages collaboration among UCEDDs to deliver nationwide training that aligns with the principles of the DD Act and promotes equitable access to meaningful community participation.