The Center for Disabilities was established in 1971 as part of a national network of federally-designated centers now known as University Centers for Excellence in Development Disabilities, Education, Research and Service (UCEDDS). Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families across the state of South Dakota, the region and nationally. The Center for Disabilities carries out its diverse capacity-building efforts through community education, clinical services, interdisciplinary training, technical assistance, research, information dissemination and policy/advocacy work. Our work focuses on the strengths and contributions of people with disabilities. We believe that all people can achieve independence, self-determination, productivity and community inclusion. We strive for a brighter future within the community of people with disabilities, their families and the workforce who support them. 

Our Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program provides long-term, graduate level interdisciplinary training as well as interdisciplinary services and care. The purpose of the LEND training program is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities. They accomplish this by preparing trainees from diverse professional disciplines to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and by ensuring high levels of interdisciplinary clinical competence.