Public Policy

As a federally-funded member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), the Rose F. Kennedy Center has a responsibility to engage in policy education and systems change initiatives. We perform this work in partnership with local, state, and national agencies and non-profit organizations.

What is Policy Education? 

Policy Education is the act of informing a person or organization about policy options for systems change. As a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDD) the Rose F. Kennedy Center is required to engage in educating policymakers and, in conjunction with our LEND and DBP program, we are responsible for teaching trainees, fellows, and students about the policymaking process and their role in impacting policy as leaders in the field.

National Public Policy

Our national public policy work is performed in cooperation with the following organizations:

• American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD) - a non-profit, membership organization of interdisciplinary health professionals — including primary physicians, medical specialists, dentists, optometrists, nurses and other clinicians — committed to improving the quality of healthcare for people with intellectual & developmental disabilities (IDD). 
• Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) - A network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.
• American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) - A national, nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,600 private community providers of services to people with disabilities.
• NYSARC - A national leader of pooled supplemental needs trust administration and has helped thousands of people protect benefits and improve their quality of life.

State and Local Public Policy

Our state and local public policy work is performed in cooperation with the following organizations and agencies:

• New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council - The DD Council representing New York State.
• Interagency Council (IAC) - a provider association for non-profit agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities in New York State.
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) - one of the nation's oldest public health agencies, with more than 200 years of leadership in the field.
• NYC Consumer Advisory Board 
• New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
• NYDA