The Tarjan Center is part of a national network of University Centers for Excellence (UCEs). University Centers for Excellence were first authorized by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Their purpose is to promote independence, productivity, and full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in their communities. Today, there are 67 UCEs with at least one in every state and territory in the United States.

Founded in 1969, the Tarjan Center is unique in the national network. It is the only program based within a Department of Psychiatry (the Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior). Our founder, Dr. George Tarjan, was an internationally recognized expert in the field of developmental disabilities who pioneered clinical services, the training of personnel, and the establishment of a research center dedicated to the field of mental retardation.

Today, the Tarjan Center is a bridge connecting the knowledge, expertise and resources of the university to persons with disabilities and the service delivery systems of the community. Our mission is to provide leadership in education, research and innovative practices to support the quality of life and inclusion of all people with disabilities and their families. We do this through:

• University Education
• Community Education
• Technical Assistance and Program Evaluation
• Research and Demonstration of Exemplary Programs
• Information Dissemination

Our faculty and staff represent a variety of academic and research disciplines, but they share a common commitment to and interest in developmental disabilities.

The Tarjan Center Advisory Committee provides advice and assistance to the Center on program objectives, project development and suggestions for new initiatives. A key function of The Tarjan Center is to disseminate knowledge to the community in areas of mutual interest. In turn, we rely on feedback from the community to help inform our work. The Tarjan Advisory Committee is composed of key stakeholders, including persons with disabilities, family members of persons with disabilities, representatives of community agencies, Protection and Advocacy, Inc. and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Click here to view their bios!

Tarjan Advisory Committee Members:

• Tony Anderson
• Sandra Burnett
• Linda Butler
• Javier Chavez
• Wayne Cook
• Robin Hansen
• Randy A Gibeaut
• Marcy Good
• Gwen Jordan
• Terri Lantz
• Danise Lehrer
• Joe Meadours
• Peter Mendoza
• Barbara Silva
• Cindy Simon
• Kathi Smith
• Martin Sweeney
• Kecia Weller
• Mario Zamudio