About KUCD
KUCD is an internationally recognized disability research center with a strong team of leaders in the field of special education, disability supports and services, and inclusive research. We have a strong team that seeks to build partnership to address issues facing the disability community. KUCD is part of the Life Span Institute a leading research unit at the University of Kansas.
History of KUCD
KUCD was established in 1969 under the leadership of Dr. Richard Schiefelbusch, a pioneer in interdisciplinary research at the University of Kansas. KUCD has grown and evolved over time and continues to advance interdisciplinary research focused on enhancing outcomes for people with disabilities and the schools and communities that support them. KUCD supports research, training, technical assistance, and community engagement projects in schools, communities, and disability service systems in Kansas, across the United States and the world.
Funding
In addition to federal, state, and private research, training, and technical assistance grants, KUCD is also the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in the state of Kansas. This core funding provides support to ensure a strong focus on enhancing outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the life course. The national network of UCEDDs is authorized under Public Law 106-402 (The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 or "DD Act") and their core funding is administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). KUCD is also a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) network.
Mission and Values
We aim to strengthen communities so that everyone can learn, work, feel included, and thrive. We do this by leading research, providing education and training, and building partnerships with people with disabilities, their families, educators, other support providers, and the community. Our approach is built on teamwork, creative ideas, and innovation.
We envision a world where people with disabilities are supported to live fulfilling, self-determined lives in their community. We recognize that people face barriers and unequal treatment based on their identities such as disability, race, and gender/sexual identity. Together, we will remove barriers and promote social justice for everyone.
While our core functions–research, community engagement, training and education, and information dissemination–have always directed what we do, the values explain both why and how we have undertaken this work. These are the five values that guide our work:
KUCD Diversity Statement
KUCD is committed to enhancing the quality of life, self-determination, and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families. Our core values include seeking diversity and respecting and including all people. Diverse experiences, perspectives, and values enrich our work and our communities. We are committed to ensuring that multiracial, multiethnic, and multicultural voices drive our work.
We recognize that people have been, and continue to be, treated unfairly and cruelly based on disability, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, age, and other factors. The long history of this inequity has created lasting disparities in health, education, wealth, and quality of life. We will proactively develop an environment where we reflect on, disrupt, and continue to address our own racism, ableism, sexism, ageism, and other biases, and actively seek out diversity in background, experience, and perspectives in our work.
Definitions
Multiracial: More than one race
Multiethnic: More than one ethnicity
Multicultural: More than one culture
Disparity: A big difference
Biases: Opinion based on perceived differences
KUCD-LEND Consumer Advisory Panel
The KUCD-LEND Consumer Advisory Panel, or KUCD-LEND CAP, is a 9-member panel of leaders that advise KUCD and LEND on key issues faced by the disability community in Kansas. The nine-member panel is primarily comprised of self-advocate leaders, as well as other disability organization partners in the state of Kansas.
Community Partners
KUCD staff and affiliates are involved in activities that promote the best and most effective services for people with disabilities and their families while keeping in mind the diverse population and culture in Kansas. We collaborate with multiple agencies to impact services in Kansas. Some of our partners include:
Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas
The Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) is a statewide advocacy group made up of adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. SACK encourages and teaches people to speak up for themselves and to obtain the highest possible level of independence.
Families Together, Inc.
As the Kansas Parent Training and Information (PTI) & Family-to-Family Health Information (F2F) Center, Families Together provides support and information for families of children, from birth to age 26, with disabilities and/or special health care needs.
Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) is the Council on Developmental Disabilities for the state of Kansas. KCDD’s mission is to empower individuals with I/DD and their families to lead systems change, build capacity, and advocate for inclusive, integrated, accessible communities where everyone belongs and thrives.
Disability Rights Center of Kansas
The Disability Rights Center (DRC) of Kansas is the Official Protection and Advocacy System for Kansas and is a part of the national network of federally mandated and funded protection and advocacy systems. As such, DRC advocates for the rights of Kansans with disabilities under state or federal laws.
