AUCD Central Office News

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AUCD Celebrates April as Autism Awareness Month

On December 18, 2007, the UN General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day, which was first observed in 2008. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days that brings world attention to autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disorder that affects as many as 1 in 50 children, according to new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). In this spirit, the entire month of April is recognized as National Autism Awareness Month. Read more...

25 Act Early Ambassadors Selected for 2013

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau at the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs have announced that 25 new Act Early Ambassadors have been selected as liaisons to the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Ambassadors will work as community champions with programs that serve young children and their parents to improve early identification of developmental delay and collaborate with state agencies and campaign partners to improve policy and programs for early identification. Read more....

AUCD 2013 Promoting Inclusion in an Increasingly Diverse World: Submit A Proposal Today

This year's Conference theme promotes our network values of inclusion of all persons with developmental and other disabilities in community life and engages the network in conversation and practices to ensure our work reflects the changing cultural and linguistic landscape in our Centers and States. The 2013 AUCD Conference  provides a special opportunity for you to share your interests, talents, and perspectives in the areas of promoting inclusion, increasing diversity, and a wide range of disability related topics with others in our network and our partners. Read more and submit your proposal by May 31, 2013.

LEND Accomplishments Under CAAI, 2008-2012 (infographic) 

The nation's 43 LEND programs, part of MCHB's Combating Autism Act Initiative (CAAI), are tasked with improving the lives of children who have or are at risk for autism and other developmental disabilities in part by promoting early screening, diagnostic evaluations, and interventions. For this infographic, AUCD examined data from the past four years of LEND CAAI activities in training the next generation or providers, training current professionals, screening and diagnosis of children, and disseminating publications and products. Read more....

Amy Hewitt, PhD, is AUCD's Early Career Professionals' April Guest Blogger

AUCD is happy to announce the Early Career Professionals’ April guest blogger – Amy Hewitt, PhD. Amy is the Associate Director of the LEND program at the Institute on Community Integration, as well as the Training Director for its UCEDD. Please take a moment to read Just Some "Food for Thought".

Network News - Awards & Honors

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2013 Readers' Choice Award Winner: Florida Center for Inclusive Communities

Elizabeth Perkins, Associate Director and Research Assistant Professor at the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities, was asked if she had a message for the fans who made it the Favorite Special-Needs Regional Resource winner, and she wrote: "We are truly humbled by the support of everyone who took  the time to vote for the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities. Thank you all for helping FCIC's website to become an About.com Reader's Choice award winner. It is a badge of honor that we will wear with pride!" Read more....

Network News - Activities & Resources

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HRSA & CDC Announce New Autism Data 

The report, "Changes in Prevalence of Parent-Reported Autism Spectrum Disorder in School-Aged Children: 2007 to 2011-2012," estimates autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence based on parental reporting using the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). The survey results are based on a national sample of familiies accross the country. The report was released by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Read more...

PA and VT LEND Directors Collaborate to Write an Article for AAP News 

Nathan J. Blum, M.D. and Stephen H. Contompasis M.D., LEND Directors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Vermont collaborated to write an article for AAP News entitled "IEP must include transition plan to prepare teens for adulthood".  Read more...

A Network that Works - GA UCEDD

The Georgia Developmental Disability Network (Includes the GA UCEDD) - A Network that Creates Positive Change 

The Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act) created new pathways to providing successful programs and supports for people with disabilities. The DD Act established three programs with a shared goal and complementary functions. The combined efforts of the University Centers on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), the Protection and Advocacy Agencies (P&As), and the Developmental Disabilities Councils (DD Councils) was intended to serve as a network creating positive change in the lives its citizens with disabilities.  Read more...

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Momentum at the GA UCEDD 

Momentum is building in Georgia around the support of inclusive post-secondary education (PSE) options. The Georgia Inclusive Post-secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC) is working hard to create more than one program in Georgia. Currently the one inclusive PSE option is at Kennesaw State University's (KSU) Academy for Inclusive Learning. Read More... 

GaLEND Testimonial Video Posted on Youtube

New video on youtube shows the benefits of the GaLEND program at the Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University. Read more..

Nisonger Center's LEND Outreach Initiates Community Clinic Training 

The LEND program at The Ohio State University's Nisonger Center (OH UCEDD/LEND) has developed an outreach healthcare training component with two goals: to improve the health of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities in rural areas of Ohio and to teach interdisciplinary trainees about rural health care issues. Read more...

Highlights from the MI UCEDD

'Possibilities' Video Series from MI UCEDD - New Videos Relating to Postsecondary Education for Students with IDD

DDI’s award winning Possibilities series of videos focuses on the lives and accomplishments of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Each 4-7 minute video highlights the journeys of different individuals, along with their family and friends, and illustrates the lives possible for all people as they mature, become independent, and pursue their life's dreams and goals. In February, 2 videos related to postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities were posted to YouTube. Read more...

New Learning Community for Students with Disabilities at WSU (MI UCEDD) 

Students Sharing Success is a Learning Community focused on supporting WSU students with disabilities as they transition to college life.  Everyone needs a little help when it comes to starting in a new school, city, or career.  This is why S3LC makes it it's goal to offer support and friendship to new WSU students with disabilities as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. Read more...

Iowa LEND Trainees Partner with Iowa Children's Museum to Heighten Disability Awareness 

On Saturday, March 2, four Iowa LEND trainees, 15 University of Iowa physical therapy students, and a group of community volunteers held a two-hour disability awareness event at the Iowa Children's Museum.  Children participated in a variety of hands-on learning opportunities which included navigating an obstacle course using a wheelchair, walker or stander; performing tasks or playing games while experiencing a simulated sensory impairment; interacting with therapy dogs, and reading and writing braille. Read more...

Boston's Institute for Community Inclusion (MA UCEDD/LEND) Fellow Raises Awareness of Down Syndrome

Filmmaker Melanie Perkins McLaughlin, who last year became the first person to receive the Allen C. Crocker Family Fellowship from University of Massachusetts Boston's Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), unveiled the videos on the eighth annual World Down Syndrome Day. The clips were produced in conjunction with the National Down Syndrome Society's (NDSS) "My Great Story" video project. Read more...

CHOP (PA LEND) - REACH Your Potential Workshop 

For high school students and their families, thinking about life after graduation can be both scary and exciting. For youth with IDD, the experience is no different. However, young people with IDD often do not get the right supports during their high school years to ensure their success in the workplace and in their adult lives. Post-high school support, such as vocational rehabilitation, Social Security benefits and offices of developmental programs can be very difficult to navigate for both youth and parents. In response to these challenges faced by many patients and their families at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), REACH Your Potential was born. Read more...

Projects from MA Shriver UCEDD & LEND

Health Promotion Project at the UMass Medical School - E.K. Shriver Center LEND & UCEDD Programs

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center LEND and UCEDD programs at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) have recently been awarded three grants that expand their work in health promotion for youth with developmental disabilities. Read More...

Considering Culture in Autism Screening Kit (A Project of the MA Shriver LEND) 

To improve cultural and linguistic equity in identifying children in Massachusetts at risk for ASD and other developmental disorders, the MA Act Early State Team was awarded a 2012 State Systems grant from AMCHP to disseminate the Considering Culture in Autism Screening kit that the team conceived and developed. The kit educates pediatric providers about how to deliver culturally and linguistically competent autism screening and referral services for families whose primary language is not English.  Read More...

Vermont LEND Nutrition Faculty Member Dorigen Keeney, M.S., R.D. Develops On-line Child Hunger Course for Primary Care Providers 

Children with complex health issues are at greater risk for hunger and under-nutrition. Hunger Free Vermont, a non-profit, has developed a free, accredited, online tutorial that gives health professionals the information and tools to screen, identify and help families whose young children are at risk of developing health problems caused by food insecurity. Read more...

Montana's (MT UCEDD) Children's Autism Waiver Outcomes 

In 2009, the State of Montana sought and was granted a waiver to provide intensive, applied behavior analytic service to 50 young children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The State partnered with The University of Montana and the Rural Institute to provide program development, professional development, technical assistance and project evaluation. The results indicate that the program is highly successful with results on par with published outcomes for young children with ASD. Read more...

Submissions

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News items may be submitted for consideration via the
AUCDigest Submission page.

Guam CEDDERS Celebrates 20 Years 

Guam CEDDERS is a dynamic, everchanging, collaborative organization with the singular vision of enhancing the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities. In Heidi San Nicolas' (Center Director) words: "We have, from 1993-2013, touched an entire generation of individuals. Those born in 1993 are now in the workforce, or are in the process of completing college degrees. As we renew our commitment for the next decade, we look forward to your continued support, collaboration, and partnership as we continue our journey, expand our legacy, strive to even higher levels of excellence, and stay true to our mission over the coming decades." Read more...

Upcoming AUCD Webinars

Postsecondary Options for Students with ASD: Three Programs and a Parent Perspective
April 15 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Presentations will include an overview of three programs and a parent perspective. 

Who's in Charge: Decision-making Options for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
April 17 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

This presentation will provide general information, along with tips on how to create and uses inforgraphics.

NCEDC Webinar: Infographics 
April 18 | 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

The webinar will provide an overview of adult guardianships, including the functional purpose of guardianship and the legal standard for appointment of a guardian. 

Targeted Treatments for Autism: From Genes to Pharmacology
April 23 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

This webinar will focus on translational research related to targeted drug development for core symptoms of autism based on the emerging understanding of autism neuroscience. 

The Neurobiology of ADHD and Related Disorders 
April 30 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

This webinar  will describe the prefrontal cortex's role in attention, behavior and emotion and how abnormal development in this area of the brain contributes to ADHD, ODD and bipolar disorder. 

The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities Report and Recommendations for Managed Long-Terms Services and Supports
May 1 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST

This webinar will provide an overview of managed long-term services and supports, explain key issues for individuals with ID/DD, and highlight recommendations contained in the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities 2012 Report to the President.

Read more about our webinars and register.

2013 Disability Policy Seminar

April 15-17, 2013
Washington, DC

The 2013 Disability Policy Seminar is the biggest and best opportunity for advocates to advance the grassroots movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This unique platform offers you the opportunity to come together with other advocates, learn about the issues, and speak with your elected officials about what is important to you. Hosted by: The Arc, UCP, AUCD, AAIDD, NACDD, and SABE  Read more...

Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity

April 29-30, 2013
Honolulu, HI

The theme for the 29th Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity-Being in Community-embraces the ideals of all people living together harmoniously and happily in a barrier-free world without fear of exclusion from social, economic or political life. ‘Being in community' means living inter-dependently, ensuring that basic needs are met, that policies and laws are accessible and fair to all. It means ‘nothing about us, without us.' Read more and register.

2013 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability

July 15-19, 2013
Toronto, ON

The theme of the 2013 Summer Institute is "In God There Is Diversity, But No Division: Building Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration through Theology and Disability." As the title suggests, with the diverse city of Toronto as backdrop, the focus will be on exploring disability and theology from a variety of religious perspectives and traditions. Read more...