The University Centers on Disabilities were established by President Kennedy's Panel on Mental Retardation to serve as a bridge between universities and communities. The underlying premise for University Centers on Disabilities is on the active, reciprocal exchange of information and resources between communities and institutions of higher education would benefit persons with disabilities through improved systems of service and personnel preparation.

As the Arizona University Center on Disabilities, the IHD is responsible for the development and implementation of six essential core program areas: (a) Interdisciplinary Pre-service Training, (b) Outreach In-service Training, (c) Technical Assistance, (d) Direct Services, (e) Dissemination, and (f) Research.

The IHD currently supports over 20 statewide training, research, technical assistance, and model service projects, most of which were developed through collaboration with consumers and other state and local agencies. The IHD is staffed by university faculty, students, and professionals representing a wide range of human service disciplines, and by paraprofessionals, consumers, and parents.

Advisory Committees assist the IHD by: (a) identifying statewide training, service, and research needs; (b) participating in the development of the program goals, objectives, and activities; (c) developing program standards, criteria, and outcome measures; and (d) conducting program reviews and evaluations. IHD advisory committees include consumers, parents, service agency personnel, and private providers.

A Council of University faculty serve as liaisons between the IHD and the various academic training areas that relate to the field of disabilities. These faculty assist the IHD with recruiting trainees, preparing interdisciplinary curricula, developing core function plans, and conducting program reviews.

Staff and faculty of the University of Arizona Program Site work in collaboration with the IHD in addressing statewide Arizona University Center on Disabilities goals by providing interdisciplinary pre-service and in-service training for physicians and other health care professionals.

For more information about the Arizona University Center on Disabilities, e-mail Tom Uno: Thomas.Uno@nau.edu

Visit the national American Association of University Centers on Disabilities for locations of other UCDs in the United States.