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Today is the deadline to nominate an outstanding person, program, or organization for the 2026 AUCD Awards! The awards recognize leadership and contributions to the disability community across advocacy, research, policy, and practice. Awards are presented in nine categories and honor members of the AUCD Network, collaborating partners, and local, state, and federal partners. Submit your nomination by August 28, 2026. |
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Following a national search conducted by the AUCD Search Committee and supported by ProFound Executive Search, The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is pleased to welcome Kimberly Knackstedt as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026. This milestone reflects AUCD’s ongoing commitment to amplify and advance the work of the AUCD Network to improve quality of life for people with developmental and other disabilities and their families. |
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What started in 2016 as one self-advocate’s desire to learn about filming and editing has grown into a decade of recorded conversations with guests from across the Southeast and opportunities for other self-advocates to find their voices. Ten years ago, “Chit Chat Thursday with Taylor” started with an idea, a camera, and a self-advocate willing to try something new. The first videos weren’t polished productions. There was plenty to learn about interviewing, filming, editing, and everything that happens in-between. But Taylor Carley had something to say - and he was determined to learn how to say it. |
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Last month, Iowa lost a great disability champion when Michael “Mike” Hoenig passed away after a long battle with cancer. During his 33-year career at the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), Iowa’s UCEDD, Mike was a relentless advocate for Iowans with disabilities as he contributed his experience and expertise to many different programs and projects. And through his life’s work, he taught many people with disabilities, especially young people, to develop and build their own advocacy skills.
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The latest issue of the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal highlights the critical work of the DD Network, featuring perspectives from UCEDDs, DD Councils, Protection & Advocacy agencies, and LEND programs. The issue explores how these partners collaborate to advance disability rights, improve services, expand employment and education opportunities, and support families and communities. |
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Since its founding in 2011, ArizonaLEND has trained more than 840 trainees across dozens of disciplines, supported over 3,000 activities across 24 projects, and contributed more than 600 scholarly and educational products to the field. This year, for the first time, the program is telling that story in one place: a new Program Impact Report capturing 15 years of interdisciplinary leadership training.
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The UCEDD Summer Internship Program at OHSU’s Institute on Development and Disability provides opportunities for Oregon high school or early college students to gain experience in the disability field, develop transferable skills, and learn about various career paths in health care. The long-running program had 12 interns this year. One intern reflects on their experience:
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The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) partners with Special Olympics Maryland and Kennedy Krieger programs to implement the Healthy Young Athletes program, which promotes healthy development and provides free health screenings for young children through inclusive activities and family engagement |
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The University of Iowa Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), home to Iowa’s Hawk IDDRC, UCEDD and LEND program, is conducting a remote research study looking at pregnancy, early childhood experiences, and genetic factors that influence child development, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). |
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In collaboration with the University of North Carolina Down Syndrome Program, the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) launched an interdisciplinary Down Syndrome Evaluation and Consultation (DSEC) clinic to provide psychological evaluation and consultation services for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families across the lifespan. |
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For 41 Mississippi youth with disabilities, this summer offered more than a break from the classroom, it offered an opportunity to step into real workplaces, take on new responsibilities, and gain confidence never felt before. The Institute for Disability Studies’ 2026 Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA), offered in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), provided students with disabilities opportunities to build employment skills through a week of intensive career preparation, followed by hands-on paid internship experiences in businesses and organizations across Mississippi. |
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AUCD is excited to announce (3) openings for the AUCD Emerging Leaders Internship for the 2026-2027 academic year. Ideal candidates are interested in learning more about information sharing, resource development, and stakeholder engagement in a national non-profit organization. Interns will support and represent the AUCD Emerging Leaders Community – a network of current and former trainees, including early career professionals – and act as connection points between their respective centers/programs and the AUCD network. |
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MN LEND fellow Lalinne Suon Bell (2025-26) is a childhood refugee, a mother to children who use special education services, a special education professional, a doctoral student in educational psychology at the University of Minnesota. She wants the special education system to support children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities by focusing on their strengths, not their deficits. |
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AUCD is excited to announce (3) openings for the AUCD Emerging Leaders Internship for the 2026-2027 academic year. Ideal candidates are interested in learning more about information sharing, resource development, and stakeholder engagement in a national non-profit organization. Interns will support and represent the AUCD Emerging Leaders Community – a network of current and former trainees, including early career professionals – and act as connection points between their respective centers/programs and the AUCD network.
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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. Each course outlines key foundational concepts and relevant approaches related to the treatment and support of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs (IDD-MH). |
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UC Davis MIND ECHO Autism: Supporting Neurodivergent Students with Evidence-Based Practices
Thursdays, September 17, 2026 - October 22, 2026
Save the Date for ECHO Autism: Supporting Neurodivergent Students with Evidence-Based Practices. This virtual series is ideal for professionals working with autistic learners in PreK through 12th grade. ECHO is an interdisciplinary learning network that offers training on evidence based practices and teaching through case based discussion. |
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Workforce & Employer Engagement Summit
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
Hosted by the Training Innovation Project at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute, this session brings together workforce partners, businesses, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to explore practical approaches for strengthening employer partnerships. Participants will learn employer engagement strategies, lessons from the field, tools they can use right away, and resources to support their work. |
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September 30, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
Join Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) for a free webinar about living on your own or more independently with a disability. Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, or just need information, this session is for you! Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community. |
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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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