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AUCD Community Inclusion

AUCD’s Community Inclusion Team supports the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Network in partnership with the Administration for Community Living.

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AUCD Maternal and Child Health Engagement

AUCD’s Maternal and Child Health Engagement supports the Autism CARES Programs, including LEND and DBP Programs.

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AUCD Public Health

AUCD’s Public Health Team works to create health promotion and public health efforts that include people with disabilities.

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AUCD Emerging Leaders Community

AUCD Emerging Leaders are a part of a community that includes trainees, early career professionals, self-advocates, and family members from AUCD member Centers and Programs.

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Product

Support Without Touch: Promoting Autonomy

Center:

VT-Center on Disability & Community Inclusion, UCEDD

Fiscal Year:

2026

Contact Information:

Cassandra Townshend
[email protected]
802-656-9349

Product Description:

Children with disabilities often have many things done to them and for them throughout their day, which can limit their opportunities to make choices and develop independence at the same pace as their peers. This makes it especially important to intentionally build self-advocacy skills early and to actively support bodily autonomy. By limiting physical contact and focusing on teaching coping tools, Staff help protect student dignity, respect personal boundaries, and support regulation skills.

Keyword(s):

Special education, Student, Autonomy, touch

Product/Publication Type(s):

Pamphlets, Brochures, or Fact sheets

Target Audience:

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Policymakers, Students

Alternative Format:

Visual Format or Large Print, Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

To Obtain Copies (URL or Email):

https://go.uvm.edu/i-team

COVID-19 Related Data:

N/A