AUCD 2026 Conference

November 8-11 | Washington, D.C.

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Conference Scholarships

The AUCD Conference brings together more than 1,100 researchers, policymakers, practitioners, professionals, advocates, community leaders, and students. This annual event is designed to promote innovative thinking that will launch disability policy, research, and advocacy initiatives to the next level. The AUCD Conference continues to provide a reduced registration fee for students, individuals with disabilities, and family members of individuals with disabilities. This year, AUCD is offering two types of Scholarships: Conference Scholarships and Emerging Leaders Conference Scholarships.

Emerging Leaders Conference (ELC) Scholarships

Annual Conference is a great learning and networking opportunity for current and former trainees! AUCD is offering scholarships of up to $500 to (a) current trainees and (b) former trainees presenting work conducted while a trainee. Former trainees must have 5 years or less experience in the AUCD Network.

Apply ELC Conference Scholarship

The AUCD Conference brings together more than 1,100 researchers, policymakers, practitioners, professionals, advocates, community leaders, and students. This annual event is designed to promote innovative thinking that will launch disability policy, research, and advocacy initiatives to the next level. The AUCD Conference continues to provide a reduced registration fee for students, individuals with disabilities, and family members of individuals with disabilities.

This year, AUCD is offering 12 Conference Volunteer Scholarships to current and former trainees.

  • Volunteering at the AUCD Conference is an excellent opportunity to reduce your costs of attending the Conference and receive hands-on leadership and learning opportunities about the AUCD Network and the management of a national disability Conference. Those who receive a Volunteer Scholarship must complete at least six (6) hours of volunteer time at the AUCD Conference.
  • Trainees may apply their $500 volunteer scholarship to support their attendance at the AUCD Conference, including hotel, air or comparable travel, or other expenses (excluding registration). Please note that awarded trainees (or their Program/Center) are expected to pay all costs associated with their attendance at the Conference upfront in their entirety.

Volunteer Scholarship Requirements

  • Volunteers will be participating in one of the below roles:
    • Registration - In this role, you will engage with Conference attendees as they check in and support AUCD staff with registration-related tasks.
    • Usher - In this role, you will welcome attendees to the plenary sessions, direct them to available seating, and offer additional support as needed.
    • Event support – In this role, you will support AUCD staff during conference sessions.
    • Social Media - Use social media during the Conference to relay your experience (if you use social media, if not it's ok).
  • Trainees volunteering must communicate with the AUCD staff members, show up at the appointed time and place, and carry out appointed activities. If there is an activity the trainee would like to attend that might pose a conflict for volunteering or that the trainee would like to volunteer at specifically, the trainee must communicate that to AUCD at least two (2) weeks before the Conference.

  • Scholarship awardees must attend the Trainee Networking Session and the Trainee-Professional Networking Breakfast during the Conference.

  • Travel expenses allowable under this scholarship include coach class air or reasonable ground travel and hotel accommodation. Additional details on allowable costs are included with the reimbursement form. Registration and poster charges for the Conference are not allowable.

Apply  here:  www.surveymonkey.com/r/AUCD2026Scholarship

  • The application must include the following:
  1. A current resume/CV: No more than three pages.
  2. One letter of support from your Program/Center's Director or Training Director.
  3. Brief written response to following:
    • Please explain how attending the Conference will help you achieve your personal and/or professional goals.
    • What relevant experiences, knowledge, or perspectives would you bring to the AUCD conference?
  • The application deadline is Monday, September 28, 2026. Applicants who have been selected will be notified no later than October 5, 2026.
  • Emerging Leaders awarded the Conference scholarships must submit a proper reimbursement form and relevant receipts to AUCD detailing their travel costs. The form must be sent to AUCD no later than 30 days (December 11, 2026) after the Conference.

If you have questions about the Emerging Leaders Conference Scholarship, contac Liza Crane at [email protected]. 

General Conference Scholarships

Two woman standing in front of the AUCD Banner.

The AUCD Conference Scholarship for the 2026 Conference provides a free registration to attend the entire event. The number of scholarships awarded for 2026 year is dependent on available funds.

Apply General Conference Scholarship

Scholarship recipients are expected to pay any other costs they might incur on their end associated with attending the AUCD Conference.

Eligibility

  • Self-advocates
  • Family members
  • Early career professionals (5 years or less experience in the Network)
  • Note this scholarship opportunity is not open to current Emerging Leaders

Criteria

  • Demonstrated leadership involvement in a program, activity or other initiative in your community, Center, Program, or other organization.
  • Demonstration of how the AUCD Network is benefitting from your leadership work.
  • Noted professional goals for the next 3-5 years.

  • Registration - In this role, you will engage with Conference attendees as they check in and support AUCD staff with registration-related tasks.
  • Usher - In this role, you will welcome attendees to the plenary sessions, direct them to available seating, and offer additional support as needed.
  • Event support – In this role, you will support AUCD staff during conference sessions
  • Social Media - Use social media during the Conference to relay your experience (if you use social media, if not it's ok).

The application must include the following:

  1. A current resume/CV: No more than three pages.
  2. One letter of support from your Program/Center's Director or Training Director. 
  3. Brief written response to following: 
    • Why would you like to attend the Conference?
    • What do you hope to gain from the Conference?
    • What makes you the perfect candidate to receive a Scholarship?
    • How has the AUCD Network benefited from your leadership?
    • Briefly describe your professional goals for the next 3-5 years.
    • What unique perspective do you think you could bring to the Conference?

The application deadline is Monday, September 28, 2026. Applicants who have been selected will be notified no later than October 5, 2026.

If you have questions about the AUCD Conference Scholarship, contact [email protected]

AUCD Association of University centers on disabilities

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Copyright 2026 Association of University Centers on Disabilities

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