Advancing self-determination and promoting equity among the diversity of people with disabilities.
The Center advances self-determination among the diversity of people with disabilities and their families, throughout the life course, promoting equity to ensure their full participation in all aspects of community life.
For over half a century, the Center has addressed the broad spectrum of interests and needs of individuals with developmental and other disabilities across the life course. We champion individuals’ rights to receive an education, build friendships, seek and maintain meaningful employment, engage in recreational activities, and live in homes and communities of their choice.
Current Research
Troxel, M., Kraper, C., Verbalis, A., Safer-Lichtenstein, J., Seese, S., Ratto, A., … & Anthony, L. G. (2024). Reaching “the other half”: Teacher referral increases inclusivity in intervention research for neurodivergent school-age children. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 1-14.
Key Activities
Technical Assistance
The Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities advances self-determination among the diversity of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families, throughout the life course, and advocate for their full participation in all aspects of community life.
Guided by an Advisory Council, GUCEDD fulfills its mission by conducting four core functions:
- Interdisciplinary pre-service training and continuing education
- Community services (such as community education, direct services, and technical assistance)
- Research and evaluation
- Information dissemination
Workforce Development
Georgetown Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (GULEND): GULEND is an interdisciplinary training program focused on strengthening the local services and supports for people with disabilities and their families across the lifespan. GULEND trains clinicians and related service providers at any level of their career alongside advocates and family members with lived experiences of disabilities. It includes Mentorship for Equity, a program is designed to support trainees to embed cultural and linguistic competence in their career and life goals.
Community and Clinical Services
Developmental Evaluation Clinic: The DEC provides developmental evaluation services to babies who were born prematurely. The babies are followed at regular intervals up until 2 years of age. Each baby is evaluated by a team of specialists including a developmental pediatrician, clinical psychologist, and pediatric physical therapist. Verbal feedback, a summary report, and recommendations are provided at the time of the assessment. Referral to community resources is provided to families if it is determined that the child would benefit from early intervention services.
Research and Evaluation
Re-hospitalization Rates for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the District of Columbia. This study will provide more information on how these rates compare to adults without diagnosed IDD; factors that contribute to hospitalizations; and the percentage of observed re-hospitalizations that are preventable.
Health Screening for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. Overall findings showed that with clear guidelines and a fairly simple tracking process, it is possible to assure that individuals with ID in public care receive most recommended preventive health screens, and at higher rates than the general population.
People
Director of Research & Evaluation, GUCEDD
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Associate Professor
Director of Community Health Division, Director of Community Health Leadership Development Fellowship, Assistant Director of Community-Based Learning
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Associate Professor
GUMC Adjunct — Assistant Professor
Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Professor of Pediatrics
Director of Workforce Development, Education, and Training, Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities
Adjunct Research Instructor
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Research Instructor
Resources
Transition Supports for Parents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Partnership Project: Action Plan & Project Final Report for The District of Columbia
A Review of Cultural Adaptations of Screening Tools for Autism Spectrum Disorders