Mission:

To assure that individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages and their families participate fully in activities designed to promote freedom and self-determination in all facets of life, thriving in an inclusive community and culturally resilient island in American Samoa and the Pacific. The Pacific Center in Human Security was created to meet a broader and inimitable need for our cultural landscape, geographic location in the Pacific, and American Samoa. We are one of 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) across the United States and Territories. Since the creation of American Samoa UCEDD in 1993, minimal resources have constricted the growth and delivery of activities. The creation of the Pacific Center in Human Security allows the expansion of the Center to explore deep rooted issues as threats experienced within our disability and aging community that leads to community and cultural resilience. Throughout the 30 years of our existence, we’ve engaged in grassroot conversations that interfere with the disability and aging community and family members from living freely and inclusively in American Samoa and the Pacific. Our work advocates to access all aspects of life, network with territory leaders to address systemic challenges, and navigate barriers to strengthen community and cultural resilience.