Center for Leadership in Disability

The Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which moved to Georgia State University in August 2008. CLD is housed within the Center for Healthy Development and the School of Public Health. CLD is one of 67 programs in the country funded by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, US Department of Health and Human Services.

Our mission is to translate research into sustainable community practices that contribute to independent, self-determined, inclusive, and productive lives for people with disabilities and their families. CLD envisions a Georgia in which all people, with and without disabilities, urban and rural, and of all races and ethnicities are full, contributing members of their communities. Our vision reflects our values of respect for all, recognition of essential human rights, appreciation of unique strengths and gifts, the importance of culturally competence in all programs and services, and an understanding of the positive contributions of individuals, families, and communities.

We seek to be a bridge between the academic and disability communities, developing and sustaining mutually respectful partnerships, and building a legacy of leaders and programs that support our mission.