University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
The Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is the University of Rochester’s UCEDD. First awarded in 1977, the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities strives to collaborate with the community of people with disabilities and their families. Its goal is to create a world in which people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued and respected, lead self-determined lives in the community of their choice, and have the opportunity to contribute to that community and society at large.​ SCDD’s mission is to develop community partnerships, foster accessibility and inclusion, and translate research into best practice with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in our community. SCDD strives to do this work in a culturally and linguistically respectful manner through its service, research, training, community engagement, and advocacy work. Its programmatic areas of emphasis are education, employment, health disparities, and recreation, and programs and activities cover the age span, from birth to aging. Beyond these activities, the SCDD both informs and supports, and is supported, by the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) clinical and research efforts.
Examples of programs sponsored by the SCDD
| Education |
Employment |
Health Disparities |
Recreation |
| LEND |
Project SEARCH |
Special Olympics |
Accessibility Project |
| Community Consultation Program- TA and Training |
Job Club |
Interpreter Project |
Inclusive Curriculum for libraries, rec centers, etc. |
| Rochester Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders |
Employment Summit-Disability, Poverty, and Employment |
Tic Capacity Building Project |
|
| School Based Reform |
MyPathNY |
DOH EI Family Engagement Effort |
Faith Based Initiative |
Current Projects and Initiatives
- Community Consultation Program (CCP) - Providing systemic, behavioral, and educational supports to districts, schools, individuals, and agencies
- Health Disparities - Dedicated to improving health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through education to current and future healthcare providers, technical assistance, research, and advocacy
- Improving Family Centeredness Together (IFaCT) - Led by the New York State Department of Health. The project focuses on improving the Early Intervention Program (EIP) experience for families and children
- - The video campaign is designed to facilitate a business to business conversation about the benefits of inclusive hiring
- - The video campaign is designed to facilitate a conversation about the benefits of inclusive recreation and leisure opportunities
- Mindfulness Programs - Teaches paying attention to experiences in a deliberate way, without judgment. Skills are gained via didactics, in-person practice, and assigned practice
- MyPathNY.org - MyPathNY.org is a free website that helps students and young adults with disabilities across New York State move from school and other places to a job. It helps young people and their families navigate the service system, think about the impact of benefits on employment and more
- - The video campaign is designed to facilitate a business to business conversation about the benefits of inclusive hiring
- Project SEARCH® - High school to employment transition programs for 18-21 year olds with moderate disabilities
- Rochester Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (RRCASD) - Providing training, information and referral, and resources to a 12 county area
Information on the national level of UCEDD can be found on their .