About
![CEDD-About1 various glass containers used for lab testing](https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/files/2023/11/CEDD-About1.jpg)
Mission and Vision
MISSION
To improve the well-being and quality of life across the lifespan for individuals and families impacted by developmental disabilities in Alabama and beyond through clinical and community service, education, research, and advocacy.
VISION
The CEDD at UAB envisions a well-coordinated system that can serve the disability community effectively. To that end, we aim to bring together stakeholders across the University and the state to align the resources and programs of the University with the priorities and needs of the disability community, enhancing the quality, efficiency, and mission-driven nature of the work we do.
Our Partnerships
![Mental Health Professional playing with Down Syndrome woman various glass containers used for lab testing](https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/files/2023/12/iStock-1154444890.jpeg)
UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics
The UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics provide interdisciplinary evaluation and intervention services for individuals with a broad range of physical, developmental, learning, and/or behavioral difficulties, in a family-centered and culturally sensitive setting. It serves as the main site for UCEDD and LEND faculty and clinicians as well as the core interdisciplinary training environment for LEND trainees.
![ADDN](https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/files/2023/11/ADDN.jpg)
Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network
The UAB CEDD, along with the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) and the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP), work together as the Alabama Developmental Disabilities Network (DD Network). Our goal is to collaborate to bring knowledge and resources to those who can put it to the best use, including self-advocates, families, service providers, and policymakers.
![CEDD-About2 various glass containers used for lab testing](https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/files/2023/11/CEDD-About2.jpg)
Alabama Maternal & Child Health (MCH) Leadership Network
The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disabilities (LEND) training program of the CEDD is one of five programs in the Alabama Maternal and Child Health Leadership Network, bringing together university and community programs to provide interdisciplinary leadership training, continuing education and technical assistance, and advocacy. Programs include the following:
![image3](https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/files/2023/11/image3.png)
Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council
The CEDD is a member of the AIACC, whose mission is to meet the urgent and substantial need to develop and implement a statewide comprehensive, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency system of care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The AIACC meets quarterly, and CEDD faculty chair and are members of several subcommittees of the AIACC.
![image2](https://sites.uab.edu/cedd/files/2023/11/image2.jpg)
Civitan International Research Center (CIRC)
CEDD faculty collaborate with researchers in the CIRC (housed in the UAB Department of Neurobiology), whose mission is focused on expanding basic science and clinical translational knowledge about developmental disabilities. The Civitan-Sparks Clinics, housed in the CEDD, serves as a clinical partner of the CIRC, where research and practice can directly inform and support each other. Additional collaborations occur with the Civitan Autism and Neurodevelopment Research (CANDR) Core and Clinic.
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