This long-standing focus began as a local project in Baltimore in the 1940s when Civitan began funding specialized teachers. The Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) is an interdisciplinary center focusing on the development of the mind-brain through our unique mission of service, education and research. The CIRC was established in 1989 on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birming
ham with the support of Civitan International - a volunteer service organization. The mission of the Civitan International Research Center is to improve the well-being and the quality of life of individuals and families affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities. We seek to:
• Expand our knowledge about human development and developmental disabilities through basic and applied research;
• Provide interdisciplinary clinical and research training in developmental disabilities;
Use this knowledge to develop and provide high quality, exemplary services and programs
• Exchange information in a timely way with consumers, practitioners, scientists, and society
The Civitan Center's activities are guided by a strong commitment to values that recognize all people first as individuals. Through partnerships with consumers, professionals, organizations, and agencies, the Civitan Center seeks to shape policy decisions related to research and to increase the opportunities for inclusion, independence, productivity, and personal life satisfaction for individuals with developmental disabilities.
