Network Highlights

Engaging Leaders and Transforming Systems:
2025 AUCD Leadership Academy

Ellie Potts, a Doctoral Candidate in Counselor Education and Practice at the University of Georgia and a GaLEND alumna, shared her experience: “I’m not sure what I was expecting from the Leadership Academy, but it definitely wasn’t what I expected—in the best way possible. It changed the way I was looking at myself and my place in leadership and how I understand my role as a leader.Sandra Root-Elledge, Interim Executive Director of AUCD, also reflected on the impact of the Academy: “Supporting leadership development for the sustainability of the AUCD network is crucial. The Leadership Academy allows participants to apply historical context, engagement with peers and faculty, and new challenges to help frame how they will guide our network. Attending the 2025 Academy allowed me to experience firsthand the energy, passion, and vision of this next generation of network leaders. I left feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future of our network and those we serve.”

Researchers at Waisman Center Improve Assessment Protocols Identify Cerebral Palsy Earlier

“When physicians are able to provide an early CP diagnosis, this may help give families an understanding of what supports might be needed for their child, get access to more cerebral palsy-specific information, and understand how their child may benefit from certain therapies and early interventions,” says Ellen Sutter, PT, DPT, PhD, lead author on the related recent study publication and former graduate student in Gillick’s lab. She is now a postdoctoral researcher at Boston University. Gillick, a Waisman investigator and professor of pediatrics, investigated the implementation of new assessment protocols implemented in 2017 to evaluate their impact on how early an at-risk child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and how that affected the family’s access to interventions. “The importance of developing pathways to identify children at high-risk for CP cannot be understated, early detection leads to early intervention and the promise of improved lifelong outcomes,” says Gillick.

TN DD Network Statewide Joint Needs Assessment

The joint needs assessment is already informing our UCEDD’s clinical services by highlighting service gaps, especially in rural areas, and guiding telehealth expansion efforts for diagnostic evaluations,” said Bruce Keisling, Ph.D., executive director of the UTHSC Center on Developmental Disabilities in Memphis. “Insights from the survey and focus groups are helping the clinical team refine its approach to accessibility and individualized supports. By integrating findings from both community data and direct service experiences, the UCEDD can better respond to real-time needs.” By sharing this data publicly, the DD Network aims to support advocates, service providers, and policymakers in making informed decisions. The report is also intended to promote collaboration, support effective use of resources, and drive long-term improvements across Tennessee.