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September 2, 2026 |
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Announcements |
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Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Stephanie Coleman of Kansas LEND will provide an overview of the Kansas LEND Childcare Training Program, a continuing education initiative developed in collaboration with Skylar Bellinger, PhD, to support childcare providers across Kansas. The program focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping providers recognize early signs and connect children to intervention services sooner while building the knowledge and confidence needed to support every child in their care. What began as a single webinar has evolved into a comprehensive certification program. During this presentation, Stephanie will share the program's development, growth, and impact on childcare professionals throughout the state. |
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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 episode brings together workforce partners, business leaders, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to examine practical strategies for building and sustaining strong employer partnerships. The discussion highlights innovative approaches to workforce development, inclusive hiring practices, and collaboration between employers and service providers to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Listeners will gain valuable insights, real-world examples, and actionable ideas for strengthening relationships with employers and advancing inclusive workplaces.
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Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET
This webinar introduces trainees from Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND), University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC) programs to the Emerging Leaders Community and its role within the AUCD Network. Participants will learn about resources, leadership and professional development opportunities, and activities designed to enhance the traineeship experience. The session also provides an opportunity for trainees to connect with peers across programs and disciplines, build professional networks, and gain insights from former trainees about leadership development and engagement within the AUCD community.
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The AUCD Employment page focuses on job and fellowship opportunities at AUCD, within our Network, and at organizations affiliated with our Network. Please complete this form if you would like your job posted. Positions will remain on the website for 90 days.
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Funding |
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Centers for Disease Control - NCBDDD, Long-term Health Outcomes of People Living with Spina Bifida
Estimated Deadline: October 26, 2026
Estimated Award Ceiling: $300,000
The purpose of component A (8-11 awardees) of this NOFO is to collect high-quality longitudinal data on children and adults with spina bifida (SB) who receive care in specialized spina bifida clinics participating in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR). The purpose of component B (6-8 awardees) is to implement and evaluate the Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida (UMPIRE) iterative protocol which aims to improve the management of the urinary and kidney systems in infants and young children with myelomeningocele. Building on existing longitudinal data collection, recipients will continue to collect data on patients with SB to better understand health outcomes after interventions and treatments, analyze the data and share findings to identify opportunities for improvement of care.
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National Institutes of Health, NINDS Efficacy and Exploratory Clinical Trials
Estimated Deadline: March 9, 2026
Estimated Award Ceiling: TBD
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) encourages applications for investigator-initiated clinical trials to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). These trials must address questions within the mission and research interests of the NINDS and may include studies of small molecules, biologics, devices as well as surgical, behavioral, diet-based, or rehabilitation therapies. Studies addressing neurological diseases and care across the lifespan are highly encouraged. This notice invites both early- and middle-phase exploratory clinical trials as well as later phase confirmatory Phase 3 or comparative effectiveness clinical trials. |
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National Institutes of Health, Silvio O. Conte Centers for Basic Neuroscience or Translational Mental Health Research
Estimated Deadline: May 25, 2026
Estimated Award Ceiling: $2,500,000
This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) encourages applications for Silvio O. Conte Centers for Basic Neuroscience or Translational Mental Health Research. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) seeks teams of integrative researchers working at different levels of analysis and employing novel, and creative experimental approaches to address high-risk, high-impact questions with the primary objectives of: (a) advancing basic brain and behavior research that will uncover underlying mechanisms that could provide the foundation for understanding mental disorders; (b) supporting the integration and translation of basic and clinical neuroscience research on severe mental illnesses; (c) advancing our understanding of the neurobehavioral mechanisms and trajectories of psychopathology that begin in development. This program is intended only for projects that could not be achieved using other, more standard grant mechanisms. |
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Resources |
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In this episode of ADALive!, Caleb Dardick discusses growing up with parents with disabilities who later became disability rights advocates in the years leading up to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. At age five, Dardick traveled with his family from Amsterdam to India along the Hippie Trail as part of a generation's search for freedom and new ways of living. In his memoir, The Adventures of Superfreak: My Childhood on the Hippie Trail, Dardick recounts his family's unconventional journey, capturing both the idealism of the era and the realities of family life on the road. |
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What does it take to become a leader for meaningful change? It starts with knowledge, then grows through experience, advocacy, and a commitment to making a difference. The UMKC Interdisciplinary Leadership in Disability Studies (ILDS) Graduate Certificate is preparing the next generation of disability leaders through a new Certified Disability Leadership Professional (CDLP) designation. The self paced credential offers career focused learning, progress tracking, and a tangible way for students to demonstrate specialized knowledge and readiness for leadership in the disability field.Meet ILDS student Ashley Morency and learn how her personal and professional experiences have shaped her commitment to disability advocacy, and how the ILDS program is helping her turn that commitment into meaningful change. |
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Self-Advocate's Guide to Choosing a Post-Secondary Program is a guide for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families who are considering post-secondary education. Due to the efforts of self-advocates and their families, there is a national trend to provide more pathways for college participation for students with developmental disabilities. The result is a related increase in the number of programs available here in New Jersey and nationwide. This guide is designed to assist students and families in the process of exploring and evaluating these programs in order to determine which college experience is right for them. Created by The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. |
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Weekly news items may be submitted for consideration via the
AUCD Promotion Request Form. Submissions are due on Monday each week.
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AUCD | 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000 | Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
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August 26, 2026 |
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Announcements |
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Wednesday, September 09, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Stephanie Coleman, with Kansas LEND, will share an overview of the Kansas LEND Childcare Training Program — a continuing education program she built with Skylar Bellinger, PhD to support childcare providers across Kansas. The training program focuses on intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping providers recognize early signs so children can get connected to intervention sooner, while giving providers the confidence and knowledge to keep every child in their care thriving. What began as a single webinar, has since grown into a full certification program — and Stephanie will walk us through that journey.
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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 Join workforce partners, businesses, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to explore practical approaches that strengthen employer partnerships.
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Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET
Hosted by the Training Innovation Project at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute Join workforce partners, businesses, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to explore practical approaches that strengthen employer partnerships. |
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Funding |
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Centers for Disease Control - NCBDDD, Long-term Health Outcomes of People Living with Spina Bifida
Estimated Deadline: October 26, 2026
Estimated Award Ceiling: $3000,000
The purpose of component A (8-11 awardees) of this NOFO is to collect high-quality longitudinal data on children and adults with spina bifida (SB) who receive care in specialized spina bifida clinics participating in the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR). The purpose of component B (6-8 awardees) is to implement and evaluate the Urologic Management to Preserve Initial Renal Function Protocol for Young Children with Spina Bifida (UMPIRE) iterative protocol which aims to improve the management of the urinary and kidney systems in infants and young children with myelomeningocele. Building on existing longitudinal data collection, recipients will continue to collect data on patients with SB to better understand health outcomes after interventions and treatments, analyze the data and share findings to identify opportunities for improvement of care. An additional objective for Component B is to finalize the UMPIRE protocol for children 0-10 years old with myelomeningocele. Sources of data are specialty clinics that care for pediatric and adult patients with SB |
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Resources |
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“You only have one life and it’s now.” This video explores the powerful changes that happen when people move from institutional settings into community life and experience greater freedom, choice, connection, and belonging.
Mary Kissel, founder of Georgia Options, reminds us that everyone has the opportunity to thrive when they are surrounded by respect, meaningful experiences, and the freedom to live life on their own terms. Her question challenges us all: Why make people wait to start a real life?
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Voting is one way people make decisions together, and people with disabilities have the right to participate in that process. Whether voting in national, state, or local elections, people with disabilities can take steps to make their voices heard, including registering to vote, learning about their ballot, making a voting plan, and knowing their rights. Read the Pacific ADA Center’s Voting Rights for People with Disabilities fact sheet to learn more about voting rights and accessible voting. |
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Fundamentals of Transition Planning is a free, self-paced course designed for transition case managers, educators, school counselors, disability service providers, and family members. The 9-lesson course covers key principles of transition planning, collaboration, evidence-based practices, transition assessment, postsecondary and annual goals, and transition services. Participants gain practical tools and strategies to create meaningful transition plans that support positive post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. The course is flexible and includes videos, discussions, and resources, with 10 recertification points available if approved by your building administrator.
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| View Online |
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Weekly news items may be submitted for consideration via the
AUCD Promotion Request Form. Submissions are due on Monday each week.
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AUCD | 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000 | Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
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This weekly newsletter is in part supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) through a technical assistance contract for the URC and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a National Professional Organization for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. The content of this material does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of any federal agency. No official support or endorsement by federal agencies is intended nor should be inferred. |
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