The Division of Developmental Disabilities is housed in the Center for Disabilities and Development, which is located next to UI Children's Hospital and UI Hospitals and Clinics. Division staff -- about 230 individuals -- represent such disciplines as audiology, communication, computer science, education design, medicine, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, pediatric dentistry, physical therapy, psychology, recreational therapy, social services, speech-language pathology, and vocational rehabilitation.

Last year, the Center for Disabilities and Development had more than 10,250 patient visits, from infants, children, and adults. The concerns that brought them to the center included ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, behavioral disorders, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, dental concerns, Down syndrome and other genetic syndromes, eating and growth disorders, mental retardation, sleep disorders, and spina bifida. Services are provided through a newly renovated Alfred Healy Clinic for outpatients; and through a seven-bed Inpatient Service.

In addition to clinical services the center also provides training and education, both on campus and throughout the state. Last year, 171 students from 21 different fields participated in training at the center. In communities throughout Iowa, people with disabilities, families, and service providers took part in more than 650 consultation, education, and training events. The center is also engaged in collaboration with many other other agencies and organizations, and is involved in more than thirty different grants, contracts, and programs.

Staff at the center share information with people in every county in Iowa in a variety of ways. In addition to ongoing personal contact with individuals, family members, and service providers, information is shared through the center's web site; its unique in-house Disability Resource Library; InfoTech (information on assistive technology), and Iowa COMPASS (information on services for people with disabilities).

During their first and second years, all pediatric residents rotate through the Division of Developmental Disabilities at the Center for Disabilities and Development. The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Program is a collaborative effort of the Divisions of General Pediatrics, Pediatric Psychology, Developmental Disabilities, and the Child Abuse Program for the state of Iowa. During the rotation, residents see patients not only at the Center for Disabilities and Development and the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, but also at sites outside Iowa City.

The fellowship program prepares individuals for careers in Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics. During the three-year fellowship program, fellows have a unique opportunity to earn an MPH at the same time that they complete requirements for boards in development and behavior. Staff members of the Center for Disabilities and Development are currently participating in more than 50 different individual research projects; fellows actively participate in this research.

During a required rotation in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, residents serve infants,children and young adults who have complex physical, intellectual, learning adjustment and/or medical problems.