AUCD Joins University of Kansas as Co-Host for Gatlinburg Conference on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

March 18, 2024

Silver Spring, MD – March 18, 2024 – The Gatlinburg Conference, a premier research event focused on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in its 56th year, is proud to announce that the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) will be joining the University of Kansas as co-host for this year's conference. The event is scheduled to take place from April 17th to 19th in Kansas City, MO, with the theme "Early Life Identification of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities."

The Gatlinburg Conference, recognized as a leading forum for researchers to convene and discuss the latest in the field of IDD, has significantly evolved over time. Under the leadership of Dr. John Colombo, Director, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas, this venue now provides a unique opportunity to elevate the dialogue around IDD research. By bringing together researchers alongside community leaders, advocates and ‘citizen scientists’, the conference strives to better define co-development of innovative, inclusive, and meaningful research.

"We are thrilled to join the University of Kansas," said John Tschida, MPP, Executive Director of AUCD. "KU and AUCD’s commitment to advancing disability research, education, and service align perfectly with the mission of the conference, and we look forward to the impactful discussions and insights that will emerge from our collaboration."

This year, the conference program will feature keynote presentations from Beth Tarini, Maya Sabatello, and Ami Klin, and panel presentations and poster sessions, and three preconference sessions on Science Communication, Funding Strategies and Early Career Mentoring. AUCD will also host a plenary panel on the impact and lessons learned from adopting more inclusive community-engaged research approaches. Together, these activities will provide attendees with valuable opportunities to interact and exchange ideas on emerging research findings, innovative practices, and future directions in early life identification of IDD.

“We are excited to partner with the AUCD to host the Gatlinburg Conference," said Dr. John Colombo, Director, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas. "This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to promoting inclusive research and practice for intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Registration for the Gatlinburg Conference is open, with discounted rates available for students and early-career professionals. The conference is supported in part by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development (grant number R13HD102142).

For more information and to register, please visit gatlinburgconference.org.

For Conference Information:
Drew Rosdahl, Conference Manager, University of Kansas
[email protected]