About IHD
Who we are
The Institute for Human Development is a research and training program located at Northern Arizona University. Our program is part of a national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs).
What is a UCEDD?
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) 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 with developmental disabilities.
Established by President Kennedy’s Panel on Mental Retardation, UCEDDs are meant to serve as bridges between universities and communities. The reciprocal exchange of information between universities and their communities promotes better personnel preparation and the creation of better systems of service for the benefit of people with 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 for Community Living, United States Department of Health and Human Services.
As one of two UCEDDs in Arizona, the Institute for Human Development is responsible for the development and implementation of four core program areas:
- interdisciplinary preservice preparation and continuing education
- community services
- research and evaluation
- information dissemination
Visit our core functions webpage for more information and contact information for each core function area.
Visit the Association of University Centers on Disabilities to learn about locations of other UCEDDs in the United States, or contact ihd@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.
Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC)
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 program goals, objectives, and activities
- developing program standards, criteria, and outcome measures
- conducting program reviews and evaluations
Interdisciplinary Training Council (ITC)
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