“How do we promote research, professional interdisciplinary training, clinical services, dissemination, and advocacy at major universities?”

– President John F. Kennedy

“How do we promote research, professional interdisciplinary training, clinical services, dissemination, and advocacy at major universities?”

– President John F. Kennedy

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Washington State Sees a Need for IHDD…

Washington State Sees a Need for an Institute for Human Development and Disability

1960 ‐ A Washington State interagency committee recommended to Governor Albert Rosellini that a research and training center be established to meet the needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

1963 ‐ A citizens’ committee along with numerous University of Washington researchers and clinicians from diverse disciplines concerned with human development convinced the Legislature to help build a center.

1960 ‐ A Washington State interagency committee recommended to Governor Albert Rosellini that a research and training center be established to meet the needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1963 ‐ A citizens’ committee along with numerous University of Washington researchers and clinicians from diverse disciplines concerned with human development convinced the Legislature to help build a center.

Washington State Sees a Need for an Institute for Human Development and Disability

Establishing the First University Based Entities

In 1963 President John Kennedy signed Public Law 88‐164. Along with Public Law 88‐156 signed seven days earlier, these two laws represented the initial legislation intended to implement the recommendations of the President’s Panel.

One major recommendation was to establish the first university based entities focusing on individuals with developmental disabilities.

Construction of the IHDD Begins

Photo of the IHDD Groundbreaking Ceremony in 1967

1967 ‐ Construction of the nation’s largest Child Development Center began with a federal grant of $6 million matched by $5 million in state and other funds.

1969 ‐ IHDD opened on the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle in a complex of four newly constructed buildings.

1967 ‐ Construction of the nation’s largest Child Development Center began with a federal grant of $6 million matched by $5 million in state and other funds.

1969 ‐ IHDD opened on the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle in a complex of four newly constructed buildings.

Photo of the IHDD Groundbreaking Ceremony in 1967

The IHDD Today

Welcome to the IHDD today, a dynamic institution that encompasses over 20 departments, 120+ Research Affiliates, and 10 Specialty Clinics. Our comprehensive approach includes the Haring Center, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), all operating under the Center Grant. We take pride in being one of the 14 nationwide centers and one of only six centers to have all three components: IDDRC, UCEDD, and LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities).

At the IHDD today, our focus is on providing exceptional care and support to families. We work with a significant number of families each year, offering a wide range of appointments, services, and programs to meet their needs. Our institution is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals and families, and we continue to strive for transformative advancements in the field of human development and disability.

Join us on this remarkable journey as we make a positive impact through the work of the IHDD today.