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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

Community Engaged Learning around Autism & Neurodiversity: Identity, Belonging, & Advocacy

Center:

CA-Tarjan Center UCLA, UCEDD

Fiscal Year:

2026

Contact Information:

Maya Ayoub
[email protected]

Project Description:

In collaboration with the newly established Disability Studies Major at UCLA—the first of its kind within the University of California system— and the UCLA Center for Community Engagement, the UCLA Tarjan Center played a key role in launching the Perspectives of Autism and Neurodiversity undergraduate class. This interdisciplinary course, which welcomed 34 students from diverse academic backgrounds, including disability studies, psychology, biology, and others, provided an in-depth exploration of autism and neurodiversity through multiple lenses, including lived experiences, policy, and research. The course has been taught on two separate years, with funding from the center for community engagement working towards sustainable partnerships with three community organizations.

Keyword(s):

Mental/Behavioral Health – Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Special Health Care Needs

Core Function(s):

Continuing Education/Community Training

Area of Emphasis

Education & Early Intervention

Target Audience:

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees)

Unserved or Under-served Populations:

Specific Groups

Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:

Single-County