The Texas Center for Disability Studies is a federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program, joining 67 UCEDD and 60 LEND programs across the country.
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD)
The Texas Center for Disability Studies is one of sixty-seven nonprofit University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) based largely in colleges or universities throughout the United States and territories.
We are an interdisciplinary team composed of professionals with decades of experience across a variety of disability topics, including assistive technology.
Our Center maintains numerous partnerships to support our work, including with the Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Texas, and the Center on Disability and Development. Additionally, we collaborate with national, state, and local communities, service providers, and advocacy organizations to engage in mutually beneficial initiatives.
All of our activities are guided by a belief in individualized supports, inclusion, self-determination, natural supports, and collaboration with organizations to address policy issues and systemic change.
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs aim to improve health outcomes for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. These programs provide graduate-level training to the next generation of clinical, research, and community leaders. By participating in LEND, trainees learn about the importance of person- and family-centered care (honoring values and culture).
LEND trainees come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and including individuals from many disciplines, including advocacy and family leadership. All current and recent former trainees are part of the AUCD Emerging Leaders Community.
Association of University Center Councils
The Texas Center for Disability Studies has a representative on each Council established by the Board of Directors of AUCD. These Councils are comprised of experts in the field to help the leadership address emerging trends and issues, and to facilitate communication across and beyond the AUCD network. See below for the Texas Center on Disability Studies Council representation.
Council on Leadership Advocacy (COLA)
Representative: Larissa Minner
Community Education and Dissemination Council (CEDC)
Representative: Javier Sanchez
Council on Research and Evaluation (CORE)
Representative: Nina Zuna
National Training Director's Council (NTDC)
Representative: Sandy Magaña