Conference Invitation & Overview

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of AUCD and its Conference Planning Committee, I am excited to invite you to the 2014 AUCD Conference:

AUCD Unleashed:
The Power of Engagement

In keeping with the theme and spirit of last year's conference, the 2014 theme reflects our goal of achieving an elevated level of engagement with our respective and collective communities, networks, and well beyond in order to better inform, enhance, and enrich the work we all do to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Engagement is not new to our network; however, with the ever-changing landscape of how, where, when, and with whom we do our work, it requires some intentional reflection. I recently read about the benefits of public engagement to universities and to the public - it enriches teaching and learning, builds trust and mutual understanding, stimulates creativity and innovation, maximizes the flow of knowledge and learning between universities and society, and can increase appreciation and understanding for higher education and research. Engagement makes us relevant. Very powerful stuff.

"The Power of Engagement" is reflected in changes we have made to the conference format to offer attendees more time to connect with one another and with the information presented. This year, we launch a series of poster symposia, where posters will be grouped and showcased together by common themes. Facilitators will open each poster symposia with a statement about the theme, and the time that follows allows for greater exploration and interaction between presenters and attendees. We look forward to seeing how this more comprehensive model serves in deepening engagement with the work displayed.

New in 2014

The 2014 conference includes strands in postsecondary education, training and leadership, diversity, mentoring, family support, early intervention, aging, and so much more. Presenters will have opportunities to address issues related to this year's theme through group panels and individual sessions about their work. As always, we strongly encourage diversity among organizations, Centers or Programs, and individuals when submitting for panel presentations. We have also created more opportunities for attendees to connect with one another and engage on different levels and in different formats. We hope you take full advantage of and enjoy these opportunities.

Proposals

Proposals will be accepted through June 2, 2014, and we expect to notify presenters in early August. Note that this year's deadline will not be extended. Please see more about proposal submissions, paper formatting and requirements, and mandatory adherence to AUCD conference presentation accessibility guidelines at left under "presenter guidelines" and "presentation details."

Ink your calendars, get your submissions in, and make travel plans accordingly to participate in this engaging event that will serve in keeping our work relevant and our vision strong.

Respectfully,

Olivia Raynor, PhD
President-Elect, AUCD
Chair, AUCD 2014 Conference
Director, Tarjan Center, University of California, Los Angeles