Pre-Service Training & Continuing Education

The Center for Disabilities and Development educates more than one hundred UCEDD trainees each year from disciplines that include Medicine, Audiology, Dentistry, Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychiatry, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work and Speech/Language Pathology. Trainees include those who are part of Iowa’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ILEND) program. In addition to their participation in a core curriculum, trainees enjoy many opportunities to take part in several specialty clinics, research and grant activities.

Core Curriculum

2012 LEND trainees group photo

Competency-based courses include:

  • Interdisciplinary Issues in Disabilities
  • Advanced Topics in Teaching and Learning

Seminar Topics

  • Intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and autism spectrum disorders
  • Family-centered care and cultural competence
  • Advocacy, policy making, systems improvement, leadership and ethical decision making

Other Learning Opportunities

  • Grand rounds presentations and brown bag luncheons
  • State and local conferences
  • Systems improvement meetings
  • Distance learning
  • Special events within CDD and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Clinical and Research Opportunities

  • Biobehavioral Clinic
  • Autism Clinic
  • Neurobehavioral Clinic
  • Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic
  • Day Treatment Biobehavioral Clinic
  • NIMH funded Teleconsultation Grant
  • Challenging Behavior Grant with the Iowa Department of Education
  • Functional Communication Training Research

Iowa Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Project

Iowa’s UCEDD is proud to be a part of the national network of Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs funded by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration. Learn more about this unique interdisciplinary training opportunity, Iowa LEND.

Health Care Provider Training - Communicating Effectively with Patients with Disabilities

CDD responded to the need to improve health care provider communication with people with disabilities with this exciting pre-service program for students in the College of Medicine, and the Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs. Learn more about health care provider training.