About CCIDS - CCIDS Mission

The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies, Maine’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, is a partnership of people that brings together the resources of the community and the University to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. We achieve our mission through interdisciplinary education, research, community services, and dissemination of information that reflect culturally competent attitudes and practices. As agents for social change, we believe in self-determination and advocacy for people with disabilities, and we are committed to community inclusion, interdependence, and the recognition of each person’s ability to contribute to society.

Our areas of emphasis

Committed to enhancing and promoting the interdependence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of Maine citizens with disabilities and their families.

• Education and Early Intervention
• Child Care
• Health
• Housing
• Employment
• Community Participation including recreation, transportation, criminal justice, and universal design assistive technology.

See also: Administration on Developmental Disabilities Roadmap

Our responsibilities

Maine’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service is part of a national network of UCEDDs established by the Developmental Disabilities Act, and sponsored by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of each UCEDD is to advance policy and practice for and with people with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

As a UCEDD, the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies has the following responsibilities consistent with the University of Maine’s mission as a Land Grant College:

• Interdisciplinary Undergraduate and Graduate Education in Disability Studies
• Research, Evaluation and Policy Analysis
• Community Service
• Dissemination

Our commitment

• Self-Determination
• Diversity
• Inclusion
• Advocacy
• Education
• Interdependence
• Support
• Collaboration
• Social Change
• Awareness
• Empowerment
• Innovation