The Institute on Disability and Human Development
The Institute on Disability and Human Development
The Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD) includes the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDD) for the State of Illinois. Our mission is to promote the community participation, health, empowerment, and advocacy for and with people with disabilities and their families in all aspects of society. We offer interdisciplinary pre-service training, provide clinical and community services, conduct research, and disseminate information about disability to academicians, policymakers, businesses, government agencies, and service providers.
Pre-service training
Interdisciplinary pre-service training offered through the UIC Department of Disability and Human Development academic programs, internships, and the IL LEND program.
Community service
Model services, community training and technical assistance based on the latest research and best practices.
Research
Nationally recognized disability research programs translating research into policy and practice.
Information dissemination
Sharing information with academicians, policymakers, businesses, government agencies, service providers and the general public to increase knowledge and awareness of disability issues.
Caitlin Crabb
Caitlin Crabb is a research assistant professor in the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) and a DHD Disability Studies PhD graduate. Within DHD, Caitlin works for the Institute on Disability and Human Development, the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities for the state of Illinois. She has worked on projects related to Medicaid managed care, non-emergency medical transportation, transitions of people with developmental disabilities out of Illinois state-operated developmental centers (SODCs), an evaluation of the person-centered planning process for adults with developmental disabilities receiving Medicaid waiver services in Illinois, quality reviews of Ligas consent decree class members, and an evaluation of the Best Buddies Friendship program in Chicagoland high schools. Caitlin's research interests focus on access to home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities and quality within those services.
IDHD Events
IDHD News
Claudia previously served as the Center’s Associate Project Director. She joined the Center in 2004 and has played a key role in directing and supervising its overall operations, including overseeing the Center’s information technology team, which develops and maintains web-based programs and services, including online and live distance learning.
Claudia serves on multiple national leadership committees within the ADA National Network, addressing issues related to social media, knowledge translation, disability inclusion, and Network member collaboration. She also lends her knowledge and expertise to efforts aimed at reaching underserved populations, particularly Spanish-speaking communities.
We’re excited for this next chapter and look forward to her leadership.
Peter was recognized as one of the leading experts on the ADA within the National ADA Network and was highly respected by federal agency liaisons who work with Technical Assistance staff nationwide. He was the second formal ADA Coordinator in UIC’s history and was honored by UIC with the Award of Merit for his contributions to the Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, where he served as both a member and Chairperson for several years.
Peter had many “groupies” within our service region who regularly called and emailed him for guidance when facing difficult situations involving employees, students, or customers. Numerous architects, engineers, and code officials frequently reached out to him to “run” ideas by him when they needed help interpreting the ADA Standards or resolving complex design questions. Research analyzing the outcomes of the Center’s technical assistance activities even identified a “Peter Factor,” closely associated with high customer satisfaction and positive outcomes.
Peter was also frequently interviewed and featured in various media outlets for his expertise in disability rights and accessibility, such as:
InclusionHub, where he discussed the significance of National Disability Independence Day and reflected on the ADA’s lasting impact on digital inclusion. bit.ly/3z6vM4Y.
Voice of America (VOA), highlighting his advocacy for stronger enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and equal access for all. bit.ly/47Mj7GB.
SFGate, where he spoke about the growing need to expand ADA protections to cover the internet and emerging technologies. bit.ly/41TTBM9.
And in this video interview, Peter emphasized the importance of digital accessibility for screen reader users and the real-world consequences of inaccessible websites for people with disabilities. bit.ly/4dBuWDi.
We were fortunate to have the opportunity to work and learn alongside him. He was not only a valued colleague but also a friend to many. His contributions to the disability community have left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to shape the path forward.
Peter Berg Obituary: bit.ly/4e5cxPm.
Over the years since the establishment of the organization, Robin has been the focal point of the organization and a leader in educating the communities she serves about the ADA, accessibility, and disability inclusion.
