About the Institute
Who we are
The Institute for Human Development is a research and
training program located on campus at Northern Arizona University. Our program is part of a national network of University Centers for Excellence in
Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).
What is UCEDD?
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities (UCEDD) exist in every state. Each one serves as a resource for
its community in the areas of education, research, and service, as related to
the needs of people who have developmental disabilities.
The network of UCEDDs in the United States is authorized by
the Developmental Disabilities and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 and funded by the
Administration of Developmental Disabilities by the United States
Department of Health and Human Services.
Learn about the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Network.
View this document in Spanish.
Our vision
The vision of the Institute for Human Development is that people with disabilities participate in all of life's experiences.
University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Established by President Kennedy’s Panel on Mental Retardation, the University Centers on Disabilities are meant to serve as a bridge between universities and communities. The reciprocal exchange of information between the community and its universities promotes better personnel preparation and the creation of better systems of service for the benefit of people with disabilities.
Read moreAs Arizona’s University Center on Disabilities, the
Institute for Human Development is responsible for the development and
implementation of four core program areas:
- interdisciplinary training
- community services
- research
- dissemination
We support over 20 statewide training, research, technical
assistance, and model service projects developed through collaboration among
the university, consumers, and state and local agencies.
Visit the national American
Association of University Centers on Disabilities for locations of other
UCDs in the United States, or contact Thomas.Uno@nau.edu
for more information about Arizona’s University Center on Disabilities.
Our staff and supporters
The Institute for Human Development is staffed by university faculty and professionals who represent a wide range of human service disciplines.
Read moreAdvisory committees
Our consumer advisory committee includes consumers, parents, service agency personnel, and private providers who assist
the Institute for Human Development by:
- identifying statewide training, service, and
research needs
- participating in the development of the program
goals, objectives, and activities
- developing program standards, criteria, and
outcome measures
- conducting program reviews and evaluations
University training council
We are also supported by a council composed of faculty members who serve as liaisons between the institute and the
academic training areas that relate to the field of disabilities. The council
assists with:
- recruiting trainees
- preparing interdisciplinary curricula
- developing core function plans
- conducting program reviews