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Center for Human Development

Mission Statement
The mission of the UAA Center for Human Development (CHD) is to improve the quality of lives for people who experience disabilities and their families, across the life span, through interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, exemplary service development, applied research and dissemination of information. The goals and activities of CHD are guided by the values of integration and inclusion, self-determination, individual and family empowerment, cultural sensitivity, diversity, community referencing, independence, and productivity.
- CHD Core Functions
Interdisciplinary Education, Community Training and Technical Assistance, Research, and Information Dissemination:These activities are designed to increase the independence, productivity, and community integration and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. CHD's projects and activities are not limited to developmental disabilities; they focus on a wide range of disabilities, ages, and issues.
- Evaluation (programs, trainings, conferences)
- Mixed Methods
- Interviews
- Focus Groups
- Survey Design
- Community Needs Assessments
- Information Dissemination (infographics)
- Grant Writing
- Institutional Review Board Applications (including Tribal entities)
The UAA Center for Human Development is funded primarily through a variety of federal, state, and private grants and contracts.
AUCD
- Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC)
CHD has a Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) to ensure the perspective of people with disabilities and their families is included in our work. The CAC gives advice and feedback on CHD’s activities and serves as an informal bridge between the community and the University of Alaska.
By federal law the CAC must include representatives from: Disability Law Center, Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, and Self-Advocacy organizations
And other organizations such as: Parent and Training Information Center, those carrying out the Assistive Technology Act, Relevant State Agencies, Community groups concerned with people with developmental disabilities and their family members
- CAC MembersKristin Vandagriff
Mary Van Haneghan
Dave Fleurant
Mary ElamIan Miner
Don ShackelfordLeslie YamamotoMargie MedeirosRic NelsonKim ChampneyLetita Freed
Kristina Patrick
CHD is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in Education, Research, and Service authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and the Bill of Rights Act of 2000. There are 67 UCEDDs, at least one in every state and territory, that form an Association of UCEDD's.
- Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act), is the fundamental law supporting and enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
The DD Act assures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the designing of, and have access to, needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.
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