About The Center for Human Development

Who We Are

The Center for Human Development (CHD) is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities in Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. There are 67 UCEDDs, at least one in every state and territory, that form an Association of UCEDD's (AUCD.org).  Since CHD is the only UCEDD in Alaska, we serve the entire state.

Mission Statement

The mission of the UAA Center for Human Development (CHD) is to improve the quality of lives for people who experience disabilities and their families, across the life span, through interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, exemplary service development, applied research and dissemination of information.

The goals and activities of CHD are guided by the values of integration and inclusion, self-determination, individual and family empowerment, cultural sensitivity, diversity, community referencing, independence, and productivity.

Consistent with this philosophy, CHD serves as a bridge between university and community resources.  CHD is a part of the College of Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

The UAA Center for Human Development has 4 Major Functions: 

  1. Interdisciplinary education
  2. Community training and technical assistance
  3. Research
  4. Information dissemination

These activities are designed to increase the independence, productivity, and community integration and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.  CHD’s projects and activities are not limited to developmental disabilities; they focus on a wide range of disabilities, ages, and issues.

How We Are Funded

The UAA Center for Human Development is funded primarily through a variety of federal, state, and private grants and contracts.

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) is the fundamental law supporting and enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. The DD Acts assures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the designing of, and have access to, needed community services, individualized supports, and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.

More information on the DD Act at AUCD.org