The mission of the Tarjan Center is to provide leadership in education, research and innovative practices that supports the quality of life and community inclusion of all people with disabilities. The Tarjan Center serves as a bridge between the university and persons with disabilities from state, regional and local communities, state and local government agencies and community providers.

• Supporting children, young adults and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health, health and oral health needs;
• Forging new alliances between individuals with disabilities, agencies and policymaking bodies in order to change policies, provide opportunities and improve services for people with disabilities, agencies and policymaking bodies in order to change policies, provide opportunities and improve services for people with disabilities in education, employment, housing, mental health, health, and arts and culture;
• Expanding the arts and cultural community’s capacity to include individuals with disabilities and support opportunities for individuals with disabilities to pursue careers in the arts;
• Facilitating the active engagement of people with disabilities as service members and volunteers in all levels of national and community service; and
• Examining the impact of national and state policies on people with disabilities and their families.