POLICY AND ADVOCACY
1/31/2022
Vacunda? Vacundo? Vacundx?
AUCD Efforts with the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN)
AUCD participated in NCRN's Regional Community Coalition to increase COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Read a story from one of our AUCD Network members, who engaged in this coalition.
12/13/2021
Growing Self-Advocacy in the Heartland
The second SOAR Conference sponsored by four Midwestern UCEDDs was held virtually this fall, with Iowa's UCEDD taking the lead for 2021.
12/13/2021
Iowa's Legacy of Policymaking Inspires LEND Trainees
LEND trainees, faculty and staff recently visited the Harkin Institute in Des Moines, Iowa. The visit, which served as part of the program's policy curriculum, will become an annual event.
10/13/2021
AUCD 2021 Hill Day Virtual Meeting Request
We have provided a sample script that you may individualize to set-up a meeting with members offices for the #AUCD2021 Virtual Hill Day. Note: you will need to fill in the editable fields and delete the highlighted text before sending.
10/13/2021
Creating a Map to Navigate Missouri's Abuse and Neglect Investigations System
UMKC Institute for Human Development has partnered with the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council to develop the Missouri Adult Abuse & Neglect Investigations System interactive Map. The map has multiples uses, including Missouri reporting agencies to improve the abuse reporting system, and for training and educational purposes.
10/13/2021
Getting and Keeping Iowa ON-TRAC for Health
Iowa's UCEDD recently received an award from ACL to implement a plan for community-based transition to adult health care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
6/2/2021
Innovation in Self-Advocacy and Family Networks Award Winner
Tracey Manz, the lead parent facilitator and program coordinator of Aspirations at the Nisonger Center, was awarded the Innovation in Self-Advocacy and Family Networks Award by the National Charting the LifeCourse Nexus.
5/21/2021
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Organizations Leaders Object to Offensive Language Made by Albert Watkins
AUCD and leading intellectual and developmental disability organizations object to the offensive language made by Albert Watkins. Read our joint statement below
5/7/2021
Supporting Families in Crisis
Recently I read a blog that shared how families that have a loved one with a disability are just waiting for the next battle to happen. That life seems to be going well and then the rain begins and the storm moves in. This blog written by the mother of a child with a developmental disability resonated with me. Even in the good times, it seems like that storm or battle could come at any time. It swoops in and changes our perspective and our priorities. At that moment, nothing else matters except winning that battle and coming out on the other side of the storm.
4/21/2021
Governor Appoints Dr. Kiriko Takahashi to Hawai'i State Council on Developmental Disabilities
On March 31, 2021, the Hawaiʻi Senate voted to approve Governor David Ige's recommendation (GM581) to appoint Dr. Kiriko Takahashi to serve as a member of the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council).Effective immediately until June 20, 2022, she will join the 28 Governor appointed members that include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, parents, family members and representatives from public and private agencies that serve this population.
4/16/2021
Advocates in the Making
While on the path to adulthood, all young people need to learn to advocate for themselves. In other words, they need to find their voices. For young people with disabilities, learning to advocate for themselves is crucial in becoming more independent and reaching their life goals. The Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) Transition to Adulthood Programs have recognized the need to have advocacy at the core of all curriculum and services.
3/11/2021
Congratulations to the 2021 Think College Policy Advocates
For more than 40 years, there has been a Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) in the nation's capital, organized and hosted by numerous disability organizations. Until last year! And this year it's all virtual.... It doesn't make it any less important or impactful, though. This unique seminar has offered the opportunity for passionate advocates, self-advocates, experts, and professionals in the field to come together and learn about key issues.
3/2/2021
Georgetown UCEDD Awards Washington Post Journalist Award for Disability Inclusion and Storytelling
In Washington DC, the Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GUCEDD) is proud to announce that journalist Theresa Vargas was awarded the 2020 Geraldine P. Waldorf Making A Difference Award. Working for The Washington Post, Vargas wrote 38 articles advocating for individuals with developmental and other disabilities and their families last year.
2/22/2021
2021 Disability Policy Seminar
April 19-22, 2021 - A Virtual Event
The Disability Policy Seminar offers the opportunity for passionate advocates, self-advocates, experts, and professionals in the field to come together and learn about key issues that affect them most. After two days of training and learning, attendees head to Capitol Hill for a day of meetings with their Members of Congress.
2/9/2021
AUCD Policy Fellowship 2021
The purpose of the Fellowship is to provide significant experiences in national level activities related to policy and legislative development, advocacy, program development, technical assistance, and AUCD administration. The Fellowship in Disability Policy is envisioned as a mutually beneficial arrangement between the Fellow, the Fellows community, and the AUCD central office.