The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is Under Threat
UCEDD programs like the IDRPP are currently being threatened with budget cuts and potential elimination by the Trump Administration. We urgently need your voice to protect vital disability programs under threat in the proposed federal budget.
The Issue
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is proposing a budget that would eliminate dedicated funding for University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs). While the total funding might not disappear, it would be redistributed to states as unrestricted block grants—with no guarantees that these funds would continue to support UCEDDs, or people with developmental disabilities at all.
If this proposal moves forward, states across the country, including Utah, will lose critical infrastructure that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in education, employment, healthcare, transportation, mental health, and community living. These changes would also affect funding for autism services and interdisciplinary training programs that prepare future leaders in the disability field.
UCEDDs, like the Institute Disability Research, Policy & Practice, and others across the country, have led national efforts in disability research, policy, and practice for over 50 years. Together with DD Councils and Protection & Advocacy organizations, they form a coordinated, cost-effective national network created by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act).
Eliminating any part of this system weakens the whole. Today, 68 UCEDDs across the country work to build and strengthen stated disability support system which helps allow for independent living and full participation for people with disabilities in our communities.
Here's what you need to know.
1. The FY26 Federal Budget proposal calls for the elimination of UCEDDs as independent programs
The President's Budget Proposal folds the UCEDDs' funding and four other unique programs into the Independent Living (IL) program under a single, broad budget. Combining these programs will make these systems inefficient, directly conflict with federal law, and result in immense nationwide harm for people with disabilities, research institutions, and the disability workforce.
2. This will have a dire impact on the disability population in Utah and nationwide
UCEDDs have been supporting people with disabilities for over 60 years through research, training, and community services. Our independence has allowed us to work efficiently and effectively with other Independent Living programs to advance services and supports for families.
3. The Administration's FY26 budget proposal risks dismantling this essential infrastructure
The current budget proposal proposes dismantling Projects of National Significance (PNS), Limb Loss Resource Center, Paralysis Resource Center, and the Voting Access for People with Disabilities Program in addition to UCEDD funding.
Media Coverage
A 2% Cut To This Utah Disability Center Could Have An Oversized Impact
Utah Public Radio
USU Disability Research and Traning Center at Risk of Losing Major Funding
KSL NewsRadio
Opinion: Protecting Utah's Disability Infrastructure--Why UCEDDs are Indespensible
Deseret News Op-Ed
USU's Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice Fears Elimination of Core Funding
The Herald Journal
Policy Briefs
Key Facts & Talking Points: The DD Act, UCEDDs, & the USU IDRPP
UCEDD Funding: A Call to Action (shareable PDF)
Congressional Timeline
The House LHHS Markups:The House Subcommittee markup for the FY26 Labor-HHS (LHHS) bill is scheduled for Monday, July 21st at 5 pm ET, followed by a full Committee markup on Thursday, July 24th at 10 am ET.
US Senate FY26 Budget Timeline:
Information regarding the Senate's FY26 budget timeline, specifically for appropriations markups, is less certain.
Now that the "One Big Beautiful Bill," H.R.1, has become law, it is important that we focus on educating lawmakers on the important work the UCEDDs do and the need to protect their funding and funding for other disability programs.
Action Steps
You can help us by taking action today. Call or write your members of Congress and urge them to:
• Protect UCEDD programs by keeping them authorized under the DD Act and within the Administration for Community Living.
• Reject block grant proposals that remove oversight and weaken effectiveness.
• Preserve national disability data that informs policy and improves services.
• Defend a proven, bipartisan network that strengthens communities and lives.
Find Your U.S. Representative
Find Your U.S. Senator
Resources
You will find sample messages and talking points to help you call or write your representatives and senators on our UCEDD Call to Action Page. Please personalize your messages—and if possible, please call, write, and advocate over social media!
Additional Policy Issues We Are Following: