About Us

Exterior photo of the Sherlock Center building on the RIC campus.

Welcome to the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, established in 1993 at Rhode Island College. As the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, or UCEDD, for our state, we work to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families and their communities. 

Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices aimed at improving health, education, social connections and economic well-being. Collaborating with individuals with disabilities and their families, local and state government agencies, and community organizations, we provide information, training, technical assistance, services and research. 

Our priority areas are: 

  • Early intervention 
  • Supports for school-age children 
  • Supports for transition-age youth and adults 
  • Access and use of technology 
  • Increasing self-determination across the lifespan   
  • Professional and workforce development 

The Sherlock Center is also a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program, working to advance the knowledge and skills of all child health professionals to improve health care for children with developmental disabilities. 

The Center was named in honor of the late Paul V. Sherlock, a tireless advocate for community inclusion and leader of disability policy, upon his retirement as a Rhode Island College faculty member after 35 years. He also represented Warwick as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives for 25 years and was the state’s first director of special education.