About the Institute on Disability

The Institute on Disability/UCED (IOD) at the University of New Hampshire was established in 1987 to provide a coherent university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families.

Vision

The IOD envisions a future where all persons, including those living with disabilities, are fully engaged members of communities. We envision a future where culturally appropriate supports are available across the life span to individuals and families that lead to independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life.

Mission

The IOD advances policies and systems changes, promising practices, education, and research that strengthen communities and ensure full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons.

Values

The IOD values the participation of people with disabilities, the community, family members, and a culturally diverse membership in its governance and research, teaching, and service activities. The IOD works to advance principles of choice, family and consumer-directed supports, community inclusion and cultural competence throughout the life span. It does this through:

• INTEGRITY ... in its working relationships, practices, and decisions.
• LEADERSHIP... in generating and advancing promising practices.
• EXCELLENCE ... both in its individual and collective actions.
• SERVICE ... to communities, people with disabilities and their families, UNH, the public, and others who are affected by its work.
• RESPECT ... for individuals’ roles, diversity, contribution, and viewpoints.
• COOPERATION ... in the planning, management, and work of the IOD.
• COMMITMENT ... to improving the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
• Partnerships ... with other individuals, diverse groups, organizations, and people with disabilities and their families.
• Openness ... in communications and decision-making.

Services

To carry out its vision, mission, and values the IOD:

• Trains students, self-advocates, families and professionals through coursework, seminars, workshops and conferences
• Provides technical assistance to organizations and individuals to improve their capacity to include all citizens
• Serves as a resource for information to policymakers and government officials
• Disseminates information to families, consumers, community members and professionals via books, monographs, articles, videos, newsletters, the Internet and press coverage including TV, radio, newspapers and consumer forums
• Conducts applied research to better understand and address the needs of individuals with disabilities
• Engages in collaborative activities and joint projects with organizations that share common goals