A non-partisan forum where presidential contenders offered their visions on policy that affects people with disabilities. Go to www.NFDI.org to view the webcast of the entire event and download the full transcript! With the election less than two weeks away take the time to learn where the candidates stand on issues important to you! You can search the transcript for key issues and phrases.

The conference brings together researchers, policy makers, activists and practitioners to share scholarship and ideas, and provides a forum for Nordic and international collaboration in intellectual disability studies. The first conference takes place in June 18 in Oslo, Norway, under the title Human righs and rule of law. The second conference takes place in June 20 in Trondheim, Norway, under the title Living conditions and quality of life.

Part 1 of this series reviewed the conceptual basis for using digital video in early intervention and illustrated many ways that video can enhance a number of key practices, including assessment, documentation, planning, family support/engagement, self-reflection, and more. Part 2 will explore more technical aspects and will review a six-step process for working with video, including shooting, titling, organizing, editing, sharing, and storing video files. An in-depth resource guide will accompany the session. This webinar is presented by AUCD's Early Intervention/Early Childhoood Special Interest Group and is open to all.

The conference theme "The Sooner We're Equal the Better," not only shows our pride as the Sooner State, but it also describes the efforts of self-advocates across America and the globe to enjoy the same rights as any citizen in any community while striving to live independent and fulfilling lives

Please join the next Act Early Webinar as we welcome Susan Bertonaschi, Director of Health Promotion at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, to introduce the Healthy Beginnings System of Care project. This project was designed to address the goal of helping young children become and stay healthy, develop well, and thrive socially and emotionally in order to achieve academic success.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) released a guidance document related to services for those on the autism spectrum. Now it is left to individual states to grapple with what that means for each state. This webinar will feature presenters from AUCD, Easter Seals. NHeLP, and the Autism Society, and provide perspective on how one state (Connecticut) has responded to the guidance. Our goal is to provide some direction and ideas for those states still grappling with the implementation of the guidance

The Alaska LEND is hosting a webinar on ePortfolios for use in LEND Programs. National ePortfolio expert, Paul Wasko, will present about ePortfolios and how they are being used, with some ideas for LEND programs.

The Autism SIG will host a webinar which focuses on autism and co-morbid mental health conditions in children. We will focus on the challenges families face in accessing comprehensive services, as well as community and school based interventions.

We will explore how trainees alumni create meaningful change in their communities - from early career moves (finding a job) to goals and lifelong professional development. AUCD offers ongoing support to trainee alumni through activities and as a resource as trainees begin their careers through job postings and early career professional development. Learn strategies to continue your leadership once class is dismissed and your diploma is hanging up on the wall.

In order to best support and serve persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we must be aware of potential genetic impacts on behavioral and psychiatric symptoms.This presentation will provide an overview of 8 of the most common genetic syndromes that lead to intellectual disability. Related behavioral phenotypes, medical conditions, and physical features will be described for each.

The Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence is excited to offer the first in a series of five Leadership Academies that will be conducted on June 22-25, 2015 in Santa Fe, NM. The Leadership Academy is a collaborative, multi-faceted initiative with a goal to increase the number and capacity of leaders to advance and sustain cultural and linguistic competence and respond to the growing cultural diversity among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the US, its territories, and tribal communities.

Traditional chemical dependency models have been less than ideal for those with cognitive impairment and this session will examine why this is, and what is needed to change that. Our participants will help us (through audio/video/stories) describe the key strategies and points discovered in working with this population.

Education for All: An Evening with AUCD will be the first of what will be an annual celebration honoring the AUCD network's accomplishments and, more importantly, the millions of people with disabilities who benefit from them. On March 2nd, we will shine the spotlight on our impact promoting inclusive disability policies and improving education outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.