Disability Research and Dissemination Center
The Disability Research and Dissemination Center (DRDC) was formed in 2012 through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The aim of the center was to expand the capacity of the CDC’s National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD). DRDC aimed to:
- Identify and fund the best research in the field ofdisabilities, human development, and blood disorders;
- Foster training of health and public health professionals through fellowships;
- Complete specific projects to advance disability science and evidence-based practice;
- Use progressive mechanisms to disseminate knowledge.
DRDC represented a partnership among three PI-Institutions. The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) directed the center’s dissemination and policy activities. The University of South Carolina’s (USC) Arnold School of Public Health served as the administrative home and research lead on the project. The State University of New York Upstate Medical University (SUNY Upstate) provided leadership on research translation and evaluation activities.
The DRDC’s external Research Advisory Council was composed of 18 nationally acclaimed academicians and advocates who gave input to ensure that DRDC’s major objectives were met.
DRDC Infrastructure
The DRDC team provided infrastructure to support researchers throughout the US pursuing relevant research projects. The staff within three divisions of NCBDDD issued Requests for Applications through the DRDC to support projects related to Developmental Disabilities; Human Development and Disability; and Blood Disorders. These projects were directed toward prevention, early intervention, and health promotion. They were designed to answer NCBDDD study questions. DRDC maintained close interactions with NCBDDD to offers infrastructure that could promote and support new or ongoing projects.