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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

Volunteer Advocacy Project

Center:

TN-Vanderbilt University, UCEDD/LEND

Fiscal Year:

2026

Contact Information:

Robert Hodapp
[email protected]
615-322-8946

Project Description:

Realizing the challenges parents face in advocating for their children with disabilities, The Volunteer Advocacy Project (VAP) trains interested individuals to become special education advocates so they can provide instrumental and affective support to families of children with disabilities. Since its inception in fall of 2008, The VAP has trained over 600 advocates across the state. The VAP is comprised of three parts: (1) a 40-hour training, (2) the shadowing of a special education advocate, and (3) the linkage of the volunteer advocate with four families of children with disabilities.

Keyword(s):

parents; youth with ASD; adult services; advocacy

Core Function(s):

Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services

Area of Emphasis

Quality Assurance, Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Employment-Related Activities, Housing-Related Activities, Quality of Life, Other - Leadership, Other

Target Audience:

Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, Legislators/Policy Makers

Unserved or Under-served Populations:

Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Geographic Areas, Urban, Specific Groups

Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:

State

Funding Source:

COVID-19 Related Data:

Yes

1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Mailing address:
PO Box 8787
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8787