The Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED) is a part of a national network of university centers on disabilities and is a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). Through AUCD communication and committees, the NCED staff is able to stay current on critical policy issues that impact individuals with disabilities and work with other centers on policy and systemic change. The NCED is a statewide program located in the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The mission of the NCED is to work cooperatively with agencies and programs to assist the diverse population of Nevadans with disabilities of all ages to be independent and productive citizens who are fully included in their communities.
The work of the NCED is built upon the following CORE VALUES:
- Full Access: Striving toward increased access to services, supports, educational opportunities, and work experience.
- Collaboration: Partnering with state and local agencies and federal networks provide opportunities for all concerned to extend both effectiveness and reach.
- Capacity building: Increasing the ability of communities to meet the needs of people with disabilities through resources, training, and technical assistance.
- Systemic Change: Working within existing systems to effect change in policy as well as provide exemplary service.
- Advocacy: Empowering individuals and families to make their voices heard both individually and collectively.
Mission of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is to advise, assist, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through representation on the CAC. The CAC supports the mission of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED).
The purpose of the CAC is to enhance the mission of the NCED through representing issues and concerns of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
General Powers, Roles, and Responsibilities
All powers of the CAC will reside with the whole CAC. Responsibilities of the CAC include:
- Collaborate with NCED Director and staff to establish the long-term vision and values of the NCED
- Assist and advise in establishing the five-year goals of the NCED.
- Advise and review preparation of the NCED annual report and continuation proposals
- Provide feedback to NCED staff on impact of projects and grants to enhance lives of people with disabilities and their families.
- Advise NCED regarding use of Community Partner Fund.
- Advise regarding topic areas and contribute content to Nevada Access
- Advise regarding NCED website.
- Communicate NCED activities to other agencies, service providers, consumers and policymakers.
- Attend and participate in CAC meetings
- Hear reports from individual members.
- Seek to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to act as leaders and change agents.
- Upon request, provide letters of support for grant proposals.
- If supported by NCED to attend trainings or conferences, members will report on it at the following meeting.
Interested in learning more?
If you are interested in learning more about the CAC, please contact Mary Bryant at (775) 682-9057 or Melissa Westphal at (775) 682-9053 at the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities. To apply for a CAC position, call Mary or Melissa.
If you are interested in joining the CAC, please complete our online application.
