UMKC IHD Staff and UCEDD Advisory Leadership Team members, fall 2018

The UMKC Institute for Human Development (UMKC IHD) began in the late 1970s as the UMKC Institute for Community Studies. At that time, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities were encouraging expansion of community-based programs for people with developmental disabilities. In 1977, the Institute for Community Studies established the Missouri University Center for Excellence (UCEDD). The new UCEDD specifically addressed consumer-identified needs from a community-based perspective. The program was outreach oriented and responsive to both rural and urban needs across the state.

In the mid-80s, the name was changed to the UMKC Institute for Human Development, further strengthening the UCEDD and its role within the university. The Institute expanded, providing training, demonstration, and research activities, and supporting the university’s urban mission.

Today, UMKC IHD works with a multitude of partners to respond to needs at the local, state, and national level. Projects span the full range of the human condition and life cycle, from infancy to late adulthood.

Throughout the years, it has become increasingly apparent that our community members with developmental disabilities also often belong to other underserved populations. By focusing on community inclusion and social belonging for all, we are striving to improve overall quality of life for everyone.

The mission of UMKC Institute for Human Development is to develop partnerships for effective social change.