UC Health Celebrates Opening of the Expanded Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities

State-of-the-art facility transforms access to inclusive, whole-person care for adults with developmental disabilities in Greater Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UC Health announced the grand opening of the newly expanded Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities, a first-of-its-kind facility in the Greater Cincinnati region dedicated to providing comprehensive care for adults with developmental disabilities.

Named in honor of Dr. Timothy Freeman, a tireless advocate for equity and lifelong care for adults with developmental disabilities, the new center marks a transformative step forward in healthcare access and inclusion. Now located at 2830 Victory Parkway, the expanded Center increases its footprint tenfold, allowing UC Health to welcome more patients and deliver high-quality, interdisciplinary care in an environment designed for accessibility, dignity, and comfort.

"Hundreds of adults with development disabilities in our region still lack inclusive, coordinated care, and waitlists for vital services can stretch for years," said Cory Shaw, president and CEO of UC Health. "With the expansion of the Freeman Center, we are closing that gap. This space is our commitment to removing barriers to transform health and improve the lives of our community."

Every detail of the new Freeman Center was informed by input from patients, caregivers, self-advocates, and community partners. This collaboration led to the creation of a healing space that is physically accessible, sensory-friendly and tailored to the unique needs of adults with developmental and genetic disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome and spina bifida.

"We're proud to offer the region's only fellowship in developmental disabilities by investing in education and fellowship, we are training the next generation of clinicians to advance care for adults with developmental disabilities," said Gregory C. Postel, MD, executive vice president for Health Affairs at UC and dean of the College of Medicine. "This is a long-term commitment to equity and excellence in health care."

The Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Cincinnati offers a one-year Developmental Medicine Fellowship to train physicians in the specialized care of adults with developmental disabilities. Based at the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities at UC Health, fellows provide primary care, work with an interdisciplinary team, and participate in the LEND program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, with opportunities for teaching and research.

Under the leadership of Center director, Lauren Wang, MD, the Freeman Center currently cares for more than 1,200 patients. With $6 million in combined state and federal support, this expansion strengthens UC Health's commitment to advancing developmental medicine and eliminating health disparities.

In addition, it received broad philanthropic support, with donors committing more than $2.3 million in the past five years to support care, expand programming and contribute to the new facility. Local and national foundations like the Ronald and Florence Koetters Family Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society have given generously to ensure more patients and families can access the unique care that the Freeman Center provides.

"Our goal is to serve as a welcoming access point to the broader health system—where adults with developmental disabilities are not only seen, but deeply understood," said Dr. Wang, medical director of the Freeman Center. "This expanded space allows us to deliver whole-person care in a setting that feels safe, familiar and empowering."

The Center's model prioritizes continuity of care and long-term relationships, helping ease the burden on families who often serve as caregivers, advocates, and coordinators.

To learn more about the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities, visit: https://www.uchealth.com/en/freeman-center

ABOUT UC HEALTH UC Health is Greater Cincinnati's adult academic health system—where world-class care, groundbreaking research and the next generation of medicine come together to transform health and improve life within our community. To learn more, visit www.uchealth.com.

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SOURCE UC Health