The Partnership for People with Disabilities, formerly known as the Virginia Institute for Developmental Disabilities (VIDD), is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), as a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities. Founded in 1985 under the leadership of Dr. Howard Garner with fewer than five staff at Virginia Commonwealth University; and subsequently developed over the last 20 years by Dr. Fred Orelove, the Partnership today is home to more than 20 federal and state programs, staffed by more than 80 professionals, family members, people with disabilities, and university students supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. The Partnership maintains an interdisciplinary approach to all of its activities, which allows it to explore a wide spectrum of professional services and community interests as it seeks to expand opportunities to individuals with disabilities.