Goals and Objectives

Goal 1

Promote and enhance the roles of the IDS/UCEDD as a bridge between the university and communities of service agencies and providers, support networks, and individuals with disabilities and their families.

Objectives

• Maintain and develop a highly qualified staff at IDS capable of responding to the mission of the UCEDD and the changing needs within the state that promote independence, productivity, and community integration and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Maintain and expand roles of university and consumer advisory councils to ensure meaningful participation in and optimal outcome of UCEDD goals, objectives and activities.
• Expand and formalize a strategic planning and development process for each core function across each emphasis area that focuses on system change, capacity building, advocacy and measurable quality of life outcomes.

Goal 2

Advance and augment interdisciplinary university training options, emphasizing content across emphasis areas and life stages, for undergraduate and graduate students who will positively impact systems change through entrance into direct service and leadership roles at the national, state and local levels.                  

Objectives        

• Coordinate efforts to maintain and expand practicum and internship placements in community settings for students enrolled in early intervention, low incidence/severe/profound, and transition training programs.
• Coordinate efforts with USM departments to recruit students and to leverage university training resources through grants, contracts, and private foundations.

Goal 3

Through community services and technical assistance, including the development of model community service programs, and direct client services, promote and enhance state and community capacity building for strengthening individual/family driven supports that promote independence, productivity, community inclusion, and community participation.

Objectives

• Provide training and technical assistance to policymakers, administrators, direct service providers, advocacy organizations, public and private businesses and industries, and consumers to increase awareness, knowledge and skills regarding values based, culturally competent, consumer/family driven community services and supports.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate model service demonstration projects that serve as models for systems change.

Goal 4

Disseminate information and research findings, including the empirical validation of activities related to training, best practices, services and supports, that contribute to the development of new knowledge and promote the independence, productivity, community integration and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Objectives

• Research, continue and expand opportunities for faculty, students and professionals to engage in applied research activities which document the impact of training and services on quality of life outcomes.
• Continue and expand comprehensive dissemination plan for national, regional, and state dissemination of print, audio-visual and other products that result in increased awareness of issues impacting quality of life outcomes.
• Continue to disseminate information and best practices through training institutes, conferences, workshops, and presentations at national conferences.