UAB Civitan International Research Center

The UAB Civitan International Research Center is the culmination of over 50 years of Civitans helping those challenged by developmental disabilities. The Civitan International Foundation awarded a grant of up to one million dollars a year for 20 years to The University of Alabama at Birmingham for the creation of the UAB Civitan International Research Center, the first institution of its kind in the United States to be solely dedicated to research of developmental disabilities. This generous act by Civitans all over the world created a tremendous source of human, financial, and technical work to focus on the research and treatment of developmental disabilities.

Through interdisciplinary research, clinical services, and community programs, the UAB Civitan International Research Center improves the lives of people at risk for or affected by developmental disabilities. The Center conducts research on the development of the central nervous system, with special emphasis on developmental disabilities. The Civitan-Sparks Clinics retain the same focus, but serves the developmentally disabled through various therapies and special needs programs. Because the Civitan International Research Center is a Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Research, Education and Service, it also provides training for professionals to become leaders in the field of developmental disability studies.