About Us

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), a network of interdisciplinary centers advancing research, education, policy, and practice for and with individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

History

SCDD began in the 1960s as a Community Diagnostic Clinic in the Department of Pediatrics in the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. With local and state funding as a community voluntary provider agency, this clinic grew to become the main resource for developmental diagnosis in the Finger Lakes Region of NYS. In 1978, we became a satellite University Affiliated Program (UAP) with the name of the Diagnostic Clinic for Developmental Disorders. In 1981, we became a full member of the American Association of University Affiliated Programs for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, and in 1988 achieved full status as a University Affiliate Program in Developmental Disabilities. We're now in our 33rd year serving the Rochester regional community as a Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. We've been collaborating with the disability community in upstate New York for the last 40 years.

Mission

Develop partnerships, foster accessibility, translate research to best practice, and promote diversity and inclusion with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.

Vision

Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities envisions a world in which people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued and respected, lead self-determined lives in the community of their choice, and contribute to that community and society at large.

Values

SCDD embraces the principles of equal rights and access, cultural and linguistic competence, self-determination, and quality of life within a society that fully includes individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SCDD advocates for each individual to choose and direct life goals and gain access to supports and experiences that enhance such choices.

What is a UCEDD?