Mark Harniss, PhD, serves as interim director of the University of Washington Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD). The institute’s mission is to promote the inclusion, independence and well-being of people with developmental disabilities through research, education and service.

Based at the University of Washington in Seattle, the institute works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan, along with their families, professionals, researchers, trainees, advocates and community partners throughout Washington and beyond.

“Our vision is to support inclusive communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live, learn, work and thrive.”

Research, training and community services

The Institute on Human Development and Disability brings together research, interdisciplinary training, clinical and community services, information sharing and policy work.

Its interdisciplinary specialty clinics provide evaluation, care and support in areas such as autism, genetics, neurodevelopment, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, pediatric audiology and metabolic conditions.

The institute also has research programs and core facilities that support basic, clinical and translational research related to intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its educational work includes leadership development through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program and other training opportunities.

Community-based programs address employment, assistive technology, inclusive education, adult health and services, family support and disability policy.

Celebrating 50 years of employment support

One initiative Harniss is especially excited about is the University of Washington Employment Program, which is celebrating 50 years of helping people with disabilities prepare for, find and succeed in meaningful employment.

Today, the program works with adolescents and adults with developmental, physical and cognitive disabilities. It provides individualized assessment, job development and matching, on-the-job training and long-term follow-up.

Employment specialists also work with businesses to identify employment needs, develop effective accommodations and support employees after they are hired.

“As UWEP marks its 50th anniversary, we celebrate the contributions of participants, families, employers, staff members and community partners who shaped its first five decades.”

The program is also looking ahead as it continues to build more inclusive pathways to employment.

Partnership is central to the work

IHDD collaborates with people with disabilities and their families, community organizations, state agencies, service providers, educators, researchers and advocacy organizations. These partnerships help the institute identify priorities and develop useful research, training, services and resources.

“Partnership is central to IHDD’s work.”

As Washington’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the institute works alongside the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council and Disability Rights Washington as part of the state’s Developmental Disabilities Network.

Looking ahead, IHDD aims to strengthen these partnerships and continue building communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included, supported and able to participate fully.

Turning shared concerns into action

One recent example of this work is the institute’s partnership with the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council on the 2025 report, People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System.

Led by Harniss, the project examined how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are treated in the criminal justice system in Washington and nationally.

The report identified barriers and recommended steps such as specialized training for justice system personnel, expanded community-based alternatives to incarceration and stronger reentry supports.

The project shows how collaboration among researchers, policymakers, advocates and community partners can turn shared concerns into practical information that supports advocacy, policy discussion and systems change.

Connect with IHDD

Individuals and families can visit ihdd.org to learn about specialty clinics, community programs, research participation opportunities, educational events and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The website includes contact and referral information for individual clinics and programs. People can also email ihdd@uw.edu, subscribe to the IHDD email newsletter or follow the institute on LinkedIn for news, events and resources.

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