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April 2026 I Volume 12 I Edition 4 |
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AUCD has a long history and foundation in advancing disability research, training, services, and advocacy. For decades, it has served as a national organization connecting UCEDDs, LEND programs, and IDDRCs, supporting leadership development and systems change. With this legacy continuing to be a source of pride and credibility across the network, the Executive Director will lead AUCD into its next chapter. Based in Silver Spring, MD, this in-office role involves overseeing AUCD’s operations, budget, and long-term sustainability, while fostering collaboration across its national network of UCEDDs, LEND programs, and IDDRCs. The Executive Director will also represent AUCD with policymakers, federal agencies, and academic institutions to strengthen partnerships and expand the organization’s impact. The ideal candidate will have executive leadership experience, particularly in complex organizations, and a strong commitment to disability advocacy. Expertise in budget management, federal funding, and board collaboration is essential. Candidates with lived or professional experience in the disability community are encouraged to apply. Download the AUCD Executive Director Position Specification.
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The AUCD Conference Planning Committee invites Network members, people with disabilities, partners, and friends to submit proposals for a Concurrent Session, Poster, or both! These session formats offer flexible ways to share and learn. This is a chance to highlight your work and connect with other leaders in the disability field. AUCD is seeking about 80 Network members to serve as reviewers for proposals for the AUCD 2026 Conference. Your time and expertise will help ensure the conference features high-quality, relevant content to attendees.
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Project DIVERSE doctoral scholar, Stephania Jackson received a Doctoral Stipend Award this month (March 2026) from the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders (MSLBD). MSLBD's stated mission is to provide equitable leadership that advances equitable education opportunities and outcomes for students with behavioral needs, and supports the professionals and families with whom they are connected.
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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children and adults and can make it difficult to focus, stay organized, or control impulses. Although medications are available to help manage symptoms, most current treatments focus on the same brain systems that involve the chemical dopamine. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC)(TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) researchers are now exploring a completely different approach that could open the door to new types of treatments.
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The Center on Disability Studies, College of Education, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is delighted to announce the release of the latest issue of Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal (Volume 20 Number 4). This issue brings together interdisciplinary research in disability studies spanning education policy, assistive technology, arts, Indigenous knowledge, and disability history. Plain language versions of all abstracts may be viewed at: https://rdsjournal.org/index.php/journal/plainlangv20i4 |
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Marnie Morneault, Early Childhood and School Age Coordinator at CCIDS, attended the CEEDAR National Cross-State Convening as a member of the Maine CEEDAR team. With over 20 states, national leaders, and organizations in attendance, the purpose of the convening was to learn about states as individuals, and cross-state collaborations, the work that is happening to meet the goals of each state, and CEEDAR in general.
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Marnie Morneault, Early Childhood and School Age Coordinator at CCIDS, attended the CEEDAR National Cross-State Convening as a member of the Maine CEEDAR team. With over 20 states, national leaders, and organizations in attendance, the purpose of the convening was to learn about states as individuals, and cross-state collaborations, the work that is happening to meet the goals of each state, and CEEDAR in general. |
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Young job seekers with disabilities received job-hunting tips, and heard from peers who work in competitive employment as part of Special Olympics Minnesota’s Inclusive Career & Resource Fair at the University of Minnesota. |
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ArizonaLEND Self-Advocacy Fellow Gabriel (Gabe) Martinez was invited to speak at this year’s Disability Policy Seminar in Washington DC. The Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) is the premier opportunity to build support on Capitol Hill and amplify the concerns of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities before Congress. Disability advocates from across the United States come together first to learn about key disability policy issues and then to educate lawmakers. |
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Project DIVERSE doctoral scholar, Stephania Jackson received a Doctoral Stipend Award this month (March 2026) from the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders (MSLBD). MSLBD's stated mission is to provide equitable leadership that advances equitable education opportunities and outcomes for students with behavioral needs, and supports the professionals and families with whom they are connected. The MSLBD awards up to two doctoral students pursuing degrees with an emphasis in working with students with behavioral needs or a closely related field. This award was presented to Stephania Jackson, a special education doctoral advisee working with Dr. Lisa Bowman-Perrott, Associate professor at Texas A&M University. Congratulations Stephani! |
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New mothers who participated in the pilot of the University of Minnesota’s 40-Day Project report that it was helpful and provided support during an important time in their new role as parents.
The 40-Day Project promotes mental well-being and social support for new parents before birth and during the first five weeks after birth. The program currently serves Somali and Latinx parents and was created by a partnership of University of Minnesota extension educators, child development specialists, health providers, and members of the Somali and Latinx community. “In many cultures outside of the United States, there are traditions and help for a new mother during the first 40 days after giving birth,” said Cari Michaels (MNLEND 2021-22) an extension educator who partnered with the Institute’s TeleOutreach Center to develop the pilot as part of her Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MNLEND) fellowship. |
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The Institute for Community Inclusion is seeking participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities for their interview study on career growth.View Flyer
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2026 START National Training Institute
May 12-14, 2026, Virtual
Everyone interested in improving mental health for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) is invited to register for the virtual START National Training Institute on May 12-14, 2026. The annual SNTI brings together professionals and providers, researchers, policy makers, people with lived experience of IDD-MH, caregivers, and family members. Previous experience with START is not required. Join us via Zoom as we explore our theme, "Values in Action: Holding Hope, Building Belonging." |
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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 8-12, 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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AUCD | 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000 | Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
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This newsletter is in part supported by the Administration on Community Living (ACL) through a technical assistance contract for the URC and the 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 not to be inferred. |
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