| MISSION
STATEMENT AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The
mission of the Waisman Center, University Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities (UCEDD) is to support the full inclusion and self determination
of people with developmental disabilities and their families through:
-
development of personnel qualified to provide services in the health,
education, and social service systems
- provision
of services, technical assistance and the dissemination of information,
- improvement
of assessment, service and support approaches,
- contribution
of new knowledge about the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities,
the impact of disabilities on individuals and families, and the efficacy
of different assessment, intervention and support methods.
As
a member of the University of Wisconsin System, the Waisman Center UCEDD
adheres to the fourfold university mission to advance research, academic
training, service and outreach.
The
following principles reflect the core values and approaches that are common
to activities of the UCEDD.
Person and family-directed care and support, including culturally
competent services.
Faculty and staff will demonstrate through practice and training that
- people
with developmental disabilities and their families are in the best position
to identify their concerns and priorities and to make their own decisions.
- services
and support to people with disabilities and their families must be provided
in a manner that is understanding and respectful of their culture and
heritage.
- families
have the right to expect quality, comprehensive, coordinated interdisciplinary
services and supports with confidentiality assured.
-
individuals and families are encouraged to draw upon the resources that
exist in their local communities, and to call upon the Waisman Center
programs for technical assistance with assessment, diagnosis, development
of intervention strategies, treatment and care coordination within a
reasonable time-limit in relation to the services they have received.
Inclusion
of all people with developmental disabilities in the community.
Faculty and staff will work to ensure that
- appropriate
services and supports are available to foster inclusion in local community
programs.
- training
activities promote the value of inclusion, based on the belief that
each person has the potential to make a positive contribution to his/her
community.
Interdisciplinary
approach to service and training, including interagency partnerships.
Faculty and staff will promote
- interdisciplinary
and disciplinary provision of service and support to people with developmental
disabilities and their families, as well as training opportunities that
reflect these perspectives.
- a
spirit of interagency collaboration and community partnership that is
responsive to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities
and their families.
Best
practices and evidence-based approach to service and training.
Faculty and staff will demonstrate best practices by
- providing
activities that link theory, knowledge, values and developmentally appropriate
practice.
- striving
to incorporate clinical research in training and services to individuals
and their families.
- assuring
that program opportunities are accessible and responsive to consumer
requests and input.
- continuously
evaluating program directions and maintaining openness to new and innovative
ideas.
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