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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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Project

Connecting Families

Center:

WI-Waisman Center, UCEDD/LEND

Fiscal Year:

2026

Contact Information:

Gail Chodron
[email protected]
608-890-0145

Project Description:

Connecting Families is a network of peer support in the state of Wisconsin for families of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Connecting Families addresses needs for family peer-to-peer support in four areas of high need identified through a needs assessment: families of children who are deaf or have hearing differences; families of children with medical complexity; Black families of children with special health care needs; and families of children with special health care needs living in rural areas. Peer support may at times involve making one-to-one connections, the main focus is on creating innovative group opportunities and sustaining a multi-faceted approach to peer supports. A learning community is provided for Support Parents to learn, grow, share resources, and feel supported as they in turn support others.

Keyword(s):

Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Health Care Transition, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs, parent peer support, support for deaf children, community collaboration

Core Function(s):

Continuing Education/Community Training, Other Direct/Model Services, Demonstration Services

Area of Emphasis

Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life

Target Audience:

Family Members/Caregivers

Unserved or Under-served Populations:

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups

Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:

State

Funding Source:

COVID-19 Related Data: