(a) The Secretary, or his or her designee awards grants to eligible entities designated as University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (“UCEDDs”, or “Centers”) in each State to pay for the Federal share of the cost of the administration and operation of the Centers. Centers shall:

(1) Provide leadership in, advise Federal, State, and community policymakers about, and promote opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be productive, and be integrated and included in all facets of community life.

(2) Be interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities or public not-for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in core functions, described in § 1328.3, addressing, directly or indirectly, one or more of the areas of emphasis, as defined in § 1325.3 of this chapter.

(b) To conduct National Training Initiatives on Critical and Emerging Needs as described in § 1328.4.