The UCEDD and LEND are now integrated within the DBP as an academic, educational and research entity. To fulfill both URMC and community expectations the combined programs developed complimentary foci and continued the integrated programmatic structure that existed historically.

As DBP expanded its pediatric clinical and research programs, SCDD, while still providing substantial infrastructure for DBP, used its resources to develop a renewed community based, agespan identity and focused on health disparities, employment and the need for recreation for people with IDD. LEND developed novel approaches as well as the continuing educational infrastructure for traditional trainees and community members.

In 2008, the Golisano Foundation funded the Institute for Innovative Transition, shared between SCDD and the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development. The project began with a community task force led by The Advocacy Center (a local not-for-profit agency) and the Golisano Foundation, which issued a report calling for programs to facilitate the transition from school to adulthood for young adults with IDD. The project was headed by Dr. Martha Mock and Dr. Hetherington and was housed in SCDD. The aim was to improve the quality of life for individuals with IDD and their families as they transition from school age to adulthood. The project's principal components included information dissemination and technical assistance to families and young adults through an information and referral center, community technical assistance to support the development of transition programs and activities, including site evaluation of current programs; young adult leadership council and speakers bureau; and outreach and technical assistance to area schools, colleges, and universities to facilitate campus-based opportunities for students with IDD, and innovative education and job-training programs.

A cornerstone of the initiative was Project SEARCH, a one-year high school transition program that provides training and education leading to employment for individuals with significant disabilities; and a campus-based college experience, Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.