The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) was established in 1994 at the University of the Virgin Islands to address issues affecting people with disabilities and their families throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Housed within the University of the Virgin Islands School of Education, VIUCEDD maintains a presence on both the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, allowing the Center to serve communities across both districts of the Territory.
For more than three decades, VIUCEDD has worked with individuals, families, professionals, government agencies, community organizations, and other partners to improve access to services, strengthen professional practice, and address disability-related needs across the Territory.
VIUCEDD is one of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) located throughout the United States and its territories. UCEDDs were established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) and serve as university-based resources for states and territories. Together, they form a national network focused on improving opportunities, services, and support for people with developmental and other disabilities. VIUCEDD is also a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), which connects UCEDDs and other university-based disability programs across the country.
VIUCEDD’s work responds to disability-related issues that affect people at different stages of life. This includes early identification and developmental support for children, inclusive education and transition from school to adulthood, access to assistive technology, employment and independent living, accessible communication, health and wellness, aging with a disability, community participation, and training for families and professionals.
VIUCEDD also works with community and government partners to identify service gaps, share information and resources, strengthen systems, and support policies and practices that improve access for people with disabilities.
This work is grounded in the principles of the DD Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The DD Act supports the independence, productivity, inclusion, and self-determination of people with developmental disabilities, while the ADA provides broad civil rights protections for people with disabilities in areas such as employment, government services, public accommodations, transportation, and communication.
Through its role at the University of the Virgin Islands, VIUCEDD brings university resources and community experience together through interdisciplinary education and training, research and evaluation, technical assistance, community-based activities, and information sharing.
At the heart of VIUCEDD’s work is a vision of a Virgin Islands where people with disabilities have the opportunity, access, and support to live, learn, work, and thrive in the communities they call home.
Preparing professionals through interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education that strengthens services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Conducting basic and applied research, program evaluation, and public policy analysis to improve programs, services, and outcomes across the Virgin Islands.
Providing accessible information, educational resources, publications, and outreach that empower individuals, families, professionals, and community partners.
Delivering direct services, technical assistance, training, and model demonstration programs that expand opportunities and promote inclusion throughout the territory.
Our leadership is committed to advancing inclusion, promoting independence, and improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Every initiative is guided by a commitment to bridge research and practice while delivering innovative, evidence based programs that strengthen communities across the Virgin Islands.
We work alongside families, educators, healthcare professionals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact.
Through research, evaluation, and public policy analysis, VIUCEDD promotes evidence based solutions that improve services and expand opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Accessibility is at the heart of our work. We strive to ensure information, technology, education, and community resources are available to everyone through inclusive practices and innovative solutions.
Our programs, training, outreach, and technical assistance empower individuals, strengthen families, and support communities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.