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About Policy & Advocacy

AUCD is committed to protecting and enhancing the civil rights of people with disabilities across the lifespan. The University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Programs, and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Centers (IDDRC) have direct impact across all levels of government in advancing policy and practice. Current federal policy and advocacy activities have significant impacts on ensuring access to services and supports for people with disabilities and their families.

Engage with AUCD's Policy and Advocacy Activities

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Be a part of the action. Join the Public Policy Committee, subscribe to Disability Policy News, listen to the latest episode of "Tuesdays with Liz" and much more. 

Learn more about disability by state and territory by viewing AUCD's State Profiles. 

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Related News

August 8, 2025

Updated Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect UCEDDs, LENDs & IDDRCs in FY26 Budget!

Graphic with a bold header that says “Updated Action Alert.” Below, it reads: “Take Action Now: The Senate has released its LHHS bill and the House is next. **Tell Congress to fund UCEDDs and critical disability programs in FY26.” An orange megaphone illustration appears in the lower left corner. Text below says: "Take 2 minutes to act!" followed by a shortened link: aucd.quorum.us/campaign/135821/. AUCD logo is at the bottom center, and there is a QR code on the right side for quick access to the campaign.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced the FY2026 Labor-HHS bill, rejecting proposals to cut UCEDDs, LENDs, and IDDRCs. But the fight isn’t over—House committees may still consider cuts. Take action now to ensure these essential programs are fully funded and your voice is heard in both chambers! More

August 7, 2025

AUCD Policy Talk: My Summer at AUCD

A young man with dark hair is smiling, wearing a white shirt and light blue tie, standing in front of a blurred background of trees and a building. Beside him is a quote on a dark blue background that reads: "This summer at AUCD deepened my commitment to disability advocacy and taught me the power of accessible communication to drive real change." — Rincon Jagarlamudi, AUCD Policy Intern. At the bottom, the AUCD Policy Talk logo is displayed.

This summer, Rincon Jagarlamudi served as a policy intern with AUCD’s Policy Team, diving deeply into the world of disability advocacy and policy. They advanced their ability to craft plain‑language communications—translating complex federal policy into accessible narratives for broader audiences—and contributed to multimedia outreach, including AUCD’s “Disability Policy for All with Liz” video series. More

August 1, 2025

Celebrating Mills and the Families Who Won This Important Case

A young boy with a disability, smiling joyfully in a red adaptive chair, wears a striped shirt and sits at a table with colorful toys. Beside him, a quote reads: “The Mills case underscores the significance of parent advocacy and legal action in upholding the educational rights of children with disabilities. In fact, all of the rights we enjoy today came from individuals and families railing against the establishment.” — Denise Stile Marshall, COPAA. The image features the AUCD Policy Talk logo in the bottom right corner.
The Mills case was a turning point in disability rights, proving that family advocacy can drive lasting change. Read reflections from Denise Stile Marshall of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc., on why this case still matters today.

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