Drawings used by permission of Martha Perske, Darien, CT

UMKC Institute for Human Development

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service

 

Mission Statement

To improve the quality of life for people across the entire life span by promoting community inclusion, community membership, independence, productivity, and social participation.
 

What is a UCE?

The Institute for Human Development houses one of more than 60 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCE) across the country.  The IHD-UCE exemplifies the University of Missouri - Kansas City's goals of academic excellence and helping people reach their potential in the communities where they live.
 

Where did it come from?

The IHD-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. 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 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.
 

Who does it serve?

The UCE primarily serves people with developmental disabilities and their families.  Developmental disability, as defined by the Federal government, means a severe, chronic disability of a person which:

1. is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments;

2. is manifested before the person attains age twenty-two;

3. is likely to continue indefinitely;

4. results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living or economic self-sufficiency; and

5. reflects the person's need for a combination of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated.

However, the UCE does not serve the above population exclusively.  We offer support to all people with disabilities and their families.   Our goal is to promote the independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities into communities of their choice.

What does it do?

Working with local, state, and national organizations, the UCE supports people with developmental disabilities by building programs and activities designed to promote self-determination and independence, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.

From Birth
The UCE applies resources for the support of families and professionals who work together to meet the needs of infants, children, and teens with special needs.

Through Adulthood
The UCE provides training and technical assistance to people and systems working to enhance the community integration, inclusion, independence, and productivity of adults with disabilities.

And Into Maturity
The UCE guides the development of exemplary systems and services designed to enhance the lives of aging people with developmental disabilities.

Bridging the gaps...one step at a time.