WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities receives funding for next five years

Stories | WVU Today | West Virginia University

Wednesday, July 12, 2017
West Virginia has a higher prevalence of disabilities than any other state in the United States. In 2015, 19.5 percent of the WV population reported having a disability while health programs for individuals with disabilities are limited.

The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED) was awarded funding to continue serving as West Virginia’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The WVU CED is one of 67 UCEDDs funded to address issues, find solutions, and advance research to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Funding for the next five years will focus on supporting individuals with disabilities and their families in many ways, particularly with regard to their health care, employment opportunities, health and wellness, and transitional experiences.

“Individuals with disabilities and their families living in West Virginia are particularly vulnerable to changes being considered in health care, accessible education opportunities, and employment. Given that a significant portion of our WV population has at least one disability, it is crucial that we are focused and effective in our services to the state” said Dr. Lesley Cottrell, WVU CED Director.

The WVU CED was funded 2.73 million dollars for the fiscal period of 2017-2022. This funding provides core administrative funding needed to provide training, community services, research, and information dissemination to the state. Last year, the WVU CED served 60,950 West Virginians through its 7 programs and 3 clinics.

This funding is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Administration for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.






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