Letter from Executive Director

The strength of the AUCD Network lies not only in its breadth but in its unity of purpose. Across 68 UCEDDs, 60 LEND programs, and 15 IDDRCs, our members share a deep commitment to advancing inclusion, equity, and opportunity for people with disabilities.

Together, we form a powerful national, and increasingly global, network of educators, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and leaders dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals and families in every community.

This past year demonstrated, once again, how collaboration across the AUCD Network drives real-world change. Through our collective work, the network impacted over 2.4 million people in the disability community, from providing continuing education to technical assistance to clinical services and so much more. Over 5,000 people were trained across 46 disciplines such as dietetics, speech pathology, nursing and more.

We are seeing great work across the country from our UCEDDs, LEND programs, and IDDRCs. In South Dakota, the UCEDD and LEND programs are bridging systems of care—linking healthcare, education, and behavioral health services to strengthen rural and tribal communities.

In Minnesota, the Institute on Community Integration continues to elevate the essential work of Direct Support Professionals through Frontline Initiative, a publication that amplifies the voices of DSPs and self-advocates nationwide. Its new Direct Support Workforce Update has become a vital resource for strengthening teams, mentoring new professionals, and improving the everyday supports that make community inclusion possible.

Meanwhile, the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Maryland is redefining innovation in diagnostics. Researchers there developed a groundbreaking one-minute video game that can accurately identify autism with 80% success. This is a great example of how AUCD’s research network is expanding access to early, affordable, and precise diagnosis around the world.

In Tennessee, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s TRIAD Global Collaborative is extending the reach of the network internationally—training educators, clinicians, and caregivers across regions from the Caribbean to Vietnam to build sustainable, culturally responsive autism services.

These examples reflect the essence of AUCD’s mission: connecting knowledge, leadership, and compassion across programs and borders to achieve impact no single institution could accomplish alone.

Every day, our members are not only serving their communities; they are shaping the future of inclusion through shared expertise, innovation, and a common purpose.

Together, we are more than a network. We are a movement advancing access, opportunity, and equity for all.

Sincerely,

Sandy Root-Elledge
AUCD Interim Executive Director

Sandy Root-Elledge
AUCD Interim Executive Director