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.
Mission
The IOD promotes full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change, promising practices, education, and research.
Vision
The IOD envisions a future where all people, including those living with disabilities, are fully engaged members of communities and where culturally appropriate supports that lead to independence, productivity, and a satisfying quality of life are available to individuals and families across the life span.
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
Biennial Reports
Traditionally, the Institute on Disability has produced a biennial report to document and report out on key grants, objectives, and outcomes related to research, academics, and service. These reports reflect pairs of fiscal years beginning in July and ending in June, respectively, of the years noted below.