Glasgow University Centre for Excellence in Development Disabilities
The Glasgow University Centre for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) was established in 2000. Internationally, UCEDDs have built on the original concept and aims of the University Affiliated Program (UAP) model, developed in the USA in the 1960s. The Glasgow UCEDD adopts the UCEDD principles, in order to further the inclusion and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities. The Glasgow UCEDD strives to work in partnership with others to make a difference; to improve people's lives and futures, and is a partner organisation in the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability.
Current research
Please refer to the video links to the right.
Vision
The Glasgow UCEDD is committed to inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities; through maximising personal health, wellbeing and lifestyle opportunities, and assisting families to support their relative with intellectual disabilities.
Outline strategy
The Glasgow UCEDD respects and takes into account the views of people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of its work. It contributes to the vision in four main ways:
- Conducting high quality research which is relevant, ethical, and of importance to people with intellectual disabilities and both the local community and internationally. Glasgow UCEDD research is published in international peer reviewed academic and professional journals; there is also a commitment to wide dissemination of research findings through a range of other approaches and forums. Dissemination is undertaken in order to inform and improve policy, commissioning, clinical and social care practices and supports for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
- Promotion of exemplary service delivery and evidence-based practice. The Glasgow UCEDD is involved in the provision of direct professional care, and is also a resource of expertise for advice related to health and service delivery.
- Delivering training for professionals, under-graduate and post-graduate students. The Glasgow UCEDD directs and contributes towards a number of training programmes which are University accredited and/or accredited by professional Colleges and Societies, in addition to hosting open meetings.
- Developing and strengthening national and international collaborations, to facilitate the transfer of ideas, good practice, experience, information and knowledge.
Affiliations
The Glasgow UCEDD is hosted by the developmental theme within Mental Health and Wellbeing, Division of Community Based Sciences. It comprises an interdisciplinary collaboration of affiliated Departments and positions. These include academics based within Mental Health and Wellbeing, Section of General Practice and Primary Care, Division of Community Based Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, Faculty of Information and Mathematical Science, and the Strathclyde Centre for Disability Research of Glasgow University, Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Applied Social Science, and clinical researchers in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde . Hence the affiliations cut across University Faculties, and benefit from senior support within the University. Glasgow UCEDD hosts regular seminars, regularly attended by 60 members from West of Scotland Universities, NHS Trusts, Social Work Departments, Health Boards, voluntary and charitable organisations. Glasgow UCEDD is networked with other UCEDD s across the globe. Glasgow UCEDD welcomes affiliation from agencies working to promote the interests of people with intellectual disabilities.