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The AUCD Awards recognize people, programs, and organizations for their leadership and contributions to the disability community. AUCD awardees offer an outstanding example in leadership, advocacy, research, policy, and practice. Their work creates more diverse and inclusive communities for people with disabilities, their families, and communities. Awards are given in 9categories and honor members of the AUCD Network, collaborating partners, and local, state and federal partners. Nominations must be submitted by August 28, 2026. |
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JFK Partners announces the retirement of Corry Robinson Rosenberg after 33 years as faculty with the CU Department of Pediatrics as of June 30, 2026. She served as Director of JFK Partners from 1993 to 2015. After stepping away from the Director position, she worked part-time leading an Inclusive Higher Education initiative (https://inclusivehighered.org/about/ ) funded through state legislation, and the Colorado Office of Employment First (https://employmentfirstcolorado.org/) funded through an interagency collaboration and state funds. |
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The Center for Disabilities and Development joins many others in remembering Mike Hoenig and celebrating his remarkable life. Since joining the Center in 1993, Mike was a dedicated advocate who made a lasting impact on the disability community. Through his passion, kindness, and commitment to advancing disability rights and opportunities for people with disabilities across Iowa, he touched countless lives. Mike’s legacy will continue through the many people inspired by his work. He will be deeply missed, and the Center extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.
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Multistate study led in part by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center shows cerebral palsy in children is being identified sooner, opening doors for earlier intervention. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) is part of a five-state research group that recently released significant findings on the prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) among children in the United States. CP is the most common cause of lifelong motor disability in children that results from abnormal development or injury to the developing brain before, during or shortly after birth. |
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Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC)(TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) member and assistant professor of Practice, Psychology and Human Development and VKC member Jessika Boles, PhD, and colleagues recently published results of a research study detailing the complex lived experiences of adult siblings of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). “‘A positive experience over a negative one’: Stress, coping, and the experiences of adult siblings of intellectually and/or developmentally disabled individuals” can be found in the most recent publication of the journal Research in Developmental Disabilities.
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The University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) have launched the Batchelor Bridge for Autism Grant Program, a new initiative designed to accelerate innovation in autism research, implementation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Made possible through the generosity of The Batchelor Foundation, Inc., the program will provide competitive pilot funding to support cross-campus projects that improve autism screening, intervention, family support, and systems of care. Proposals are required to include meaningful engagement of individuals with lived autism experience and promote collaboration between the Mailman Center and the Department of Psychology/CARD.
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In July more than 100 educators from across Texas gathered at Texas A&M University in College Station for the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Summer Summit, a three-day professional development event dedicated to strengthening employment outcomes for students with disabilities. The summit brought together educators who oversee Work-Based Learning projects in their schools. These projects support the development and implementation of school-based businesses, providing students with disabilities meaningful opportunities to build workplace readiness, develop employability skills, and prepare for successful transitions into competitive employment. |
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Project Hoʻokuʻi: Finding a Path for the Future is a 30-minute sequel to the 2023 documentary The Power of Hoʻokuʻi: Joining Together to Build Our Future. The film follows students, educators and community partners connected to Project Hoʻokuʻi, a UH Mānoa College of Education Center on Disability Studies initiative, that supports students as they prepare for college, career training and future professions. |
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As the PacRim Conference reflects on another successful year, it celebrates the many individuals who came together to learn, share, and strengthen their collective commitment to advancing inclusion and improving the lives of people with disabilities across Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and beyond. This year’s conference served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens through connection—through those “unbreakable threads” that bring people together. From presenting innovative research and sharing lived experiences to building new partnerships and reconnecting with longtime colleagues, every attendee contributed to the spirit of collaboration that continues to define PacRim. Download the Center on Disability Studies eNewsletter Summer 2026 at https://coe.hawaii.edu/cds/news/summer-2026-enewsletter/ |
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On May 13, 2026, the University of Kansas (KU) Center on Disabilities (KUCD) welcomed Dr. Rebecca Hines, Commissioner of the Administration on Disabilities (AoD) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), for a visit and tour of the Center. During her visit, faculty and staff from KUCD and KU's Department of Special Education had the opportunity to learn about Dr. Hines' strategic vision for AoD and the future of disability supports and services, while also sharing how their research, training, and outreach efforts are improving the lives of people with disabilities across Kansas and beyond. |
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An ICI delegation spoke during the Senate Special Committee on Aging listening session for UCEDDs (University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities ) and LENDs (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities), which support people with disabilities, families, and communities across the lifespan. From left to right, the delegation included Adam Langenfeld (2019-20, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Children’s Minnesota), Jennifer Hall-Lande (ICI Director of Education, Training and Outreach), Amy Hewitt (ICI Director), Mahdi Warsama (2023-24, CEO of the Somali Parents Autism Network), and Stacy Lawrence (2024-26). |
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Check out the newest CACTI Blog in which Sara Valderrama shares about her experience with the DISCAPAZ project and how it deepened her understanding of diverse populations and communities, strengthened her ability to support children and teens with disabilities from border regions, and further developed her skills as a culturally-responsive school psychologist. The CACTI Blog features the voices of our interdisciplinary trainees and Community Advisory Council members as they highlight diverse images of people with disabilities and provide community information and advocacy on disability issues |
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Former CDHD student trainee Bailey Butterfield turned hands-on experience into a meaningful career. Today, as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, she helps children and families build skills that support greater independence. Bailey credits the CDHD student trainee program with giving her practical experience, professional confidence, and a strong foundation for her career. Read Bailey's story to learn how the trainee program helps students take the next step toward meaningful work. |
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Community Transition Trainers: Living Independently With Disabilities
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
The Community Transition Trainers (CTT) program by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute offers free virtual presentations and workshops to help people with disabilities, families, and support agencies learn about independent living, housing options, and community participation |
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Thursday, August 20, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
The CEDC's Access for All: Building Digital and Document Accessibility Skills series continues with the first session in a three-part series on Social Media Accessibility: Creating Inclusive Online Content. Participants will learn best practices for creating accessible social media posts and communications. The training will be led by Dr. Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles, ATP, an Instructional Design Specialist at Kennedy Krieger Institute. All are welcome to attend the full CEDC Quarterly Meeting or join for the training session.
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Therapists and Counselors Course - Fall 2026
Wednesdays, September 2, 2026 - October 21, 2026
Register now for the Therapists and Counselors Course starting September 2, part of the IDD-MH Professional Development Series hosted by the National Center for START Services at the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability. This course is open to all. Previous experience with START is not required. This series consists of four live, virtual courses developed to address specific roles in the human services system. |
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58th Annual Gatlinburg Conference
October 6-9, 2026, Minneapolis, MN
The Gatlinburg Conference on Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is one of the premier conferences for behavioral scientists conducting research on intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has a rich history that started in Gatlinburg, Tennessee in 1967, and the name of its original location remained. Each year, Gatlinburg Conference brings together scientists from around the world to gather to discuss research and collaborations in the field. |
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AUCD 2026 Annual Conference
November 8-11, 2026, Washington, DC
This year’s AUCD Conference is all about sharing new ideas, learning from one another, and working together to make a REAL difference in our communities. The focus is on innovation and building strong partnerships to improve services, research, and support for people with disabilities, their families, and the community. |
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Items may be submitted for consideration via the AUCD Public Promotion Page. Submissions are due on the second Friday of the month. AUCD 360 is promoted on the last Friday of the month.
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