The primary purpose of the Community Disability Policy Initiative (CDPI) is to work collaboratively with the consumer community in systems change efforts. The CDPI was established as a mechanism for enhancing the interaction between the University and the community and to stimulate policy discussion and research. This involves on-going dialogue with individuals with developmental disabilities and consumer advocate groups to identify the issues that the community considers appropriate for UCEDD assistance in research, training or service activities, and policy development. The CDPI recognizes a long-term commitment to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and welcomes input from the community.

Current Projects:

Systems Change Research

In addition to working on systems change efforts of importance to the consumer community, the CDPI is working to facilitate communication among the individual UCEDD projects that employ systems change strategies. The purpose of this dialogue is that the UCEDD will become more aware of and able to utilize systems change strategies more effectively in our task force and committee work and project implementation.

Our first task is a review of the social sciences literature to define clearly what "systems change" means and what makes for successful systems change advocacy in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Disability Studies Curricula Development

CDPI staff continue to be heavily involved in the University-wide Disability Studies Development Committee that includes faculty from across campus.

LINKS TO NEW COURSES, COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT, ADDITIONAL WEB RESOURCES, LIBRARY AND MEDIA RESOURCES ON CAMPUS, etc.

Links to other sites involved in systems change efforts at the UCEDD:

CTDS

Community Health Care for Adults and Elders with Developmental Disabilities

How to reach us:

Just click on name to email: Doug Cook or Sherrie Brown