Home | USC UCEDD at CHLA | Developmental Disabilities Center

Welcome to our website

The USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, based at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and affiliated with the USC Keck School of Medicine, is a nationally recognized leader in developing and implementing quality services for infants, children, youth and adults with, or at risk for, behavioral, developmental, physical, and/or special health care needs and their families.

Originally founded in 1966, the USC UCEDD is among the largest of the 67 UCEDDs in the nation, authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.

Our services

We provide services that are sensitive to the needs, values, and beliefs of not only the individual, but also the entire family. We provide clinical services to more than 5,000 individuals each year and our interdisciplinary training programs reach more than 16,000 parents, students and professionals.

Education

We give you access to trainings, videos, and share research updates

Resources

We offer educational resources to everyone

Advocacy

Find policy and advocacy resources on our website

Our core programs

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Clinical and Community Services

Specialized clinical services delivered with the intention to enhance the well-being and status of recipients. This includes direct problem-solving services to assist individuals with developmental and other disabilities and their families. Services that field test promising or exemplary practices and may be integrated with training, research, and/or dissemination functions.

Community Education and Technical Assistance

Seminar(s) or courses of instruction offered by a UCEDD that serve to maintain professional credential and encourage professionals to expand their knowledge base and stay up-to-date on new developments. Training provided by UCEDD faculty/staff to enhance knowledge of a variety of community members. Direct problem-solving services provided by UCEDD to assist community members.

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Professional Training

Instructional program offered by the UCEDD that is designed to advance an individual’s academic or professional credentials and takes place in an academic setting or program.

Research

Implementation of basic and applied research, program evaluation, and analysis of public policy on issues impacting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Information Dissemination

Distribution of knowledge-based information through UCEDD developed products and activities.

Our projects

We also collaborate in research and policy projects to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, develop more responsive systems of care, and increase access for children with special health care needs. Originally funded in 1966, the USC UCEDD is among the largest of the 67 UCEDDs in the nation, authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act.

Virtual Certificate I/DD Training Program for Nurses

Peer Empowerment Network

Peer Navigation Transition Training Program

Frequently asked questions

What is the USC UCEDD?

The USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) is a center based at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and affiliated with the USC Keck School of Medicine. Originally founded in 1966, it's among the largest of the 67 UCEDDs in the nation, authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. It develops and delivers quality services for infants, children, youth, and adults with, or at risk for, behavioral, developmental, physical, and/or special health care needs, along with their families.

Who does the USC UCEDD serve?

The center serves individuals of all ages—from infants through adults—who have or are at risk for developmental, behavioral, physical, or special health care needs, as well as their entire families. Services are designed to be sensitive to the needs, values, and beliefs of both the individual and the family. Each year the UCEDD provides clinical services to more than 5,000 individuals, and its interdisciplinary training programs reach more than 16,000 parents, students, and professionals.

What kinds of services and programs does the center offer?

The UCEDD works across five core areas: clinical and community services, community education and technical assistance, professional training, research, and information dissemination. It also runs specific projects such as the Virtual Certificate I/DD Training Program for Nurses, the Peer Empowerment Network, and the Peer Navigation Transition Training Program.

How can I get in touch with the USC UCEDD?

You can reach the center through the "Contact Us" links on the website. The UCEDD is located at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Mailstop #53, Los Angeles, California 90027. The website also offers education, resources, advocacy, and directory sections to help you connect with the right support.

Welcome to the CHLA UCEDD

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