WVU CED seeks public help amidst proposed funding elimination
The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (WVU CED) and all University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) are set to be eliminated on October 1, 2025 if the new federal budget remains unchanged.
Established in 1978, the CED has led efforts to provide better services to West Virginians with disabilities through training, research, sharing evidence-based information, and direct services. Last year, the CED provided services to over 435,000 people through its 20 programs and clinics.
“The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities has been the foundation for developing, testing and sustaining evidence-based trainings and services that help West Virginians with disabilities achieve independence and a better quality of life—building a support system that the community and state depend on. Over the years, programs like Life Quilters and the intensive Autism Services Delivery clinic for children have originated and grown through the efforts of CED team members, trainees and experts,” said Lesley Cottrell, director, WVU CED, professor in WVU Department of Pediatrics, WVU School of Medicine.
The new Health and Human Services budget incorrectly lumps UCEDDs in with DEI programs. UCEDDs have existed for more than 60 years, with at least one in every U.S. state and territory. They work with people with disabilities, their families, state and local government agencies, and community providers. A key focus of UCEDDs is to help individuals with disabilities build towards independence, helping them remain in their homes and out of costly institutions.
These services are especially important when considering that 1 in 3 West Virginia adults (37%) live with a disability according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. U.S. Census Bureau statistics also indicate that West Virginia has a disability rate of 19.4%, which is the highest in the country. If UCEDD funding is eliminated, 96 jobs will be removed within the state and $11.2 million additional leveraged dollars will be lost.
The Association of University Centers for Disabilities (AUCD) developed a tool that makes it easy for your voice to be heard. If you choose to get involved, this is a simple and effective way to do it. Individuals, professionals and students who would like to share a positive experience they’ve had with the WVU CED can do so by filling out the Center’s Share Your Story form. This will help raise awareness and educate others about the important services offered by the WVU CED and other UCEDDs. The CED has also created a Protect Disability Network Digital Toolkit that can be used to further spread awareness about this pressing concern.
“Many West Virginians have been trained in some form by the services at the CED if they work with individuals with disabilities. Many of these individuals have gone on to develop and expand services within West Virginia and across the nation. With secured funding, the Center will continue to train our future, advance our knowledge of key disabilities through innovative research, and work hard to make sure that these services are available to every community in the state,” said Cottrell.
CONTACT: Melina Danko
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
304-293-4265; mdanko@hsc.wvu.edu