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"The mission of the Institute is consistent with the mission of the University. I believe the commitment of the Institute to national, state, and private sector needs of persons with developmental disabilities will enhance both the Institute and the University. We are fortunate to have...what demonstrably is one of the best programs of its kind in the nation." - Steve Ballard, |
The University Center for Excellence at the University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC-UCE) began in the late 1970's when the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) and the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities (MPCDD) encouraged that funds be used for the expansion of community based programs for people with developmental disabilities (DD). To develop a more responsive UCE to meet these needs, the Institute for Community Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City established the Missouri UCE in 1977. The new UMKC-UCE specifically addressed consumer-identified needs from a community based perspective. Given Missouri's predominantly rural and urban nature, the expectation was that the program would be outreach oriented and responsive to needs across the state.
In 1985, the establishment of the UMKC Institute for Human Development (IHD) further strengthened the UMKC-UCE. The Institute was designed with the purpose of administrating the UCE's training, demonstration, and research activities. Because the Institute reports directly to the Office of Academic Affairs, through the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, stronger linkages can be established with a wide range of academic units.
