Building Capacity and Inspiring Change: The Impact of Louisiana’s UCEDD Across the Lifespan
HDC featured in the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal
The Human Development Center is pleased to share that our work has been featured in the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal (DDNJ). This recognition reflects the thoughtful scholarship and leadership of HDC authors Alicia Kowitz, Constance Alphonse, Phil Wilson, and Maria Blanco, whose manuscript highlights the scope and impact of HDC’s efforts to advance inclusive systems across Louisiana.
Drawing from initiatives in early childhood inclusion, educator preparation, transition services, and community engagement, the article illustrates how programs such as Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood, PAYCheck, and LEND strengthen professional capacity, support individuals with disabilities and their families, and contribute to more responsive and equitable systems statewide.
The authors also outline HDC’s growing areas of focus — including sensory‑friendly healthcare environments, first responder training, specialized teacher certification, and translational research — underscoring the Center’s commitment to expanding and refining models that improve outcomes for people with disabilities.
We are grateful to our colleagues for representing HDC’s mission on a national platform and for shining a light on the dedicated teams who work every day to build a more inclusive Louisiana.
Continue reading to see the abstract and plain language summary.
Plain Language Summary
The Human Development Center is called HDC. It is part of LSU Health in New Orleans. HDC helps people with disabilities and their families in Louisiana. It is part of a group of centers across the country. These centers work to make life better for people with disabilities.
HDC works with families, schools, teachers, and groups in the community. HDC helps people from when they are babies until they are adults. HDC helps young children learn in classrooms with all kinds of students. It helps teachers include students with disabilities. HDC also helps older kids and young adults learn how to get jobs. This helps them live more on their own. HDC also helps kids who cannot see or hear well. It also teaches people not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
HDC is thinking about new projects for the future. These ideas are not happening yet. They are still being planned. HDC is thinking about starting a clinic that checks young children for disabilities. It also wants to teach emergency workers how to help people with disabilities. Another idea is to help doctors and dentists make visits easier for kids with autism. HDC also wants to start a project where people with disabilities help doctors make simple guides about going to the doctor.
HDC is one of 68 centers in the United States. These centers work together. They want people with disabilities to be treated with respect. They want everyone to be included. HDC shows that working together helps make life better for all.
Abstract
The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Human Development Center (HDC), as the state’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), serves as a catalyst for inclusive systems change through interdisciplinary training, community engagement, and evidence-based service delivery. This manuscript highlights the breadth and impact of HDC’s initiatives across early childhood, education, transition, and community inclusion. Through programs such as Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood, PAYCheck, and LEND, HDC builds capacity among professionals, empowers individuals with disabilities and their families, and strengthens systems to be more responsive and equitable. The stories and outcomes shared illustrate how intentional, collaborative efforts can transform lives and inspire change. Looking ahead, HDC is expanding its focus to include sensory-friendly healthcare environments, first responder training, and specialized teacher certification, while also investing in translational research to support the replication of successful models. As part of a national UCEDD network, HDC’s work contributes to a shared vision of a society where all individuals with disabilities are valued, supported, and included.
Read the full article in Developmental Disabilities Network Journal