Association of University Centers on Disabilities

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order that attempts to dismantle the Department of Education. Formally dismantling the Department of Education requires an act of Congress. Attempts by the Administration to take down the Department of Education skirt congressional authority and are an overreach of power. AUCD is alarmed by the actions of this Administration, which are causing real and lasting harm to students with disabilities and their families. Read AUCD’s full response ?? https://lnkd.in/gEygnQVA

AUCD provides technical assistance and support to 68 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) across the United States and its territories. Learn more about UCEDDs below!

The 9th LifeCourse Nexus Showcase 2025, from the UMKC-Institute for Human Development, will feature powerful and inspiring keynotes. Dan Habib and Samuel Habib will host a special screening of their impactful film, "The Ride Ahead," followed by a dynamic discussion on inclusion, independence, and the transition to adulthood. In a separate keynote, the LifeCourse Nexus will dive into supported decision-making, sharing real-life experiences and practical strategies to empower people in making their own choices and shaping their futures. These keynotes promise to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action—don’t miss out! Visit https://lnkd.in/gq-2RTRW to learn more and register for the experience.

Build your curriculum vitae as a reviewer for the “Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal.” Those with interest and a background in disability studies and social justice should send an application in before March 31. Learn more and submit your application this month! https://lnkd.in/gEVnzvi9 Review of Disability Studies: An International Journal

Increasingly, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are directing their own services. The result? Better outcomes and lower costs. Read more in the latest issue of “Impact,” an Institute on Community Integration publication, from AUCD UCEDD and LEND ?? https://lnkd.in/gZ2WHrr6

Staff from the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability are incredibly proud of this informative conversation from their Spanish speaking community members. The discussion on the podcast, “Autism Conversations,” includes challenges associated with locating resources, including online supports in their spoken language. Learn more and check out the episode today ?? https://lnkd.in/gtjHTSMD

AUCD is excited to announce that Lillie Heigl, Esq., MPA, joined the team this week as the Senior Policy Advisor. Lillie will serve in this key leadership role to advance AUCD’s public policy efforts, fulfilling the mission and vision of AUCD. Join us in welcoming Lillie to her new role on the Policy Team! Learn more about Lillie at https://lnkd.in/e-nhibbP

In 2023, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) celebrated 40 years of service. To honor this achievement, they recorded a series of interviews with key figures at MI-DDI. Dive into the first part of a three part series exploring MI-DDI's past, present, and future, featuring Liz Bauer, former Disability Advocate for the Michigan State Board of Education, Barbara W. LeRoy, former MI-DDI Director, and Janice Fialka, MI-LEND trainer, author, and disability advocate. Check it out ?? fanlink.tv/wiCV

Join the March 19 online global event, “The Dignity of Work: An International Forum.” Hosted by the Institute on Community Integration, an AUCD UCEDD and LEND, the forum will bring together scholars, employers, and disability employment service providers. Presenters from Ukraine, Japan, Malaysia, India, the Czech Republic, the United States, and Australia will discuss the current state of employment for people with disabilities, the use of robotics to support employment, and more. Learn more and register today ?? https://lnkd.in/eBn7W-bC

Do you work with families interested in #InclusiveHigherEducation? Send them the Think College Family Resources webpage that is full of resources, including information on helping families get started exploring #IPSE programs to information on how to pay for college. #ThinkHigher. #ThinkCollege. ?? https://lnkd.in/dK776DcK