Multi-Level Learners' Reflective Inquiry of International Service Learning Using Photovoice

This poster is describing a program of multi-level and interdisciplinary learners (First year level one occupational therapy (OT) students, third year OT capstone students, OT fellow, Physical therapy (PT) resident) along with OT, PT, and nursing faculty, and their reflections during an international service-learning program in Merida, Mexico. We utilized photovoice during this project to understand learners' reflective inquiry and as a way to evaluate the international service-learning curriculum.

• Download ISL Photovoice Poster 2024

The Speaker's Network: Empowering the Lived Experience Through a Presentation Skill Coaching for Self-Advocates in Postsecondary Programs

Discover the innovative ten-week coaching model by Westchester Institute for Human Development and Think College, empowering self-advocates to share their postsecondary experiences. Featuring video testimonials and insights from participants of the Public Speaking course, this session is essential for professionals in disability advocacy, education, healthcare, and social services, highlighting the significance of self-advocate perspectives in leadership and policy development.

• Download AUCD - 2024 Speaker's Network

Empowering the Disability Community from Within: Capitalizing on the Lived Experience to Build an Impactful Community Support Network

Westchester Institute for Human Development's (WIHD) Community Support Network (CSN) provides comprehensive services and training for individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals. With over 80% of the team personally connected to the disability experience, CSN offers direct consultations, professional training, and self-advocacy mentorship. This session highlights the innovative integration of lived experiences to enhance service delivery across education, healthcare, social work, and community services.

• Download 2024 CSN AUCD Poster.pdf

Promoting System Change Through Analysis of the Oregon-Specific Questions from the National Core Indicators Survey In-Person Survey

This poster describes a study designed to promote the well-being of Oregonians with disabilities by analyzing Oregon custom NCI questions developed in collaboration with ODDS and OHSU UCEDD. It covers service areas like provider types, education, relationships, health, and access. Results will inform planning, policy, and advocacy efforts, and be shared with service recipients, providers, and stakeholders. Recommended for self-advocates, families, LEND Trainees, and disciplines engaging with people with disabilities.

• Download OHSU-NCI Custom Questions Analysis_AUCD Poster 2024.pdf

Family-Centered Care in Early Childhood: A Goal Concordant Approach

This study investigated the implications of elevating parent goals within early childhood systems (medical, early education, family support services) as drivers to promote young children's health, development, and well-being. Goal concordant care describes clinical care that enables a patient to reach their self-identified goal(s). Findings indicated that regardless of how participants perceived goals, there is a clear benefit to engaging parents in discussion of their goals.

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The LEND CARES Program: An Experiential Learning Tool for Teaching Leadership Competencies

The LEND CARES (Connection, Advocacy, Resources, Empowerment, and Support) Program is part of the University of Pittsburgh?s LEND curriculum, affiliated with UPMC Children?s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Through an interdisciplinary team of LEND faculty, trainees, and advocates, CARES serves individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, and their families, to build advocacy skills and empowerment. Utilizing direct case-based practice, trainees develop Maternal Child Health Leadership Competencies. This topic is relevant to all disciplines.

• Download LEND-Pitt CARES Program Poster

Stronger Together: Replicating Miami's Project SALT at UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute UCEDD

Project SALT is a three-day leadership and advocacy intensive program for adults with disabilities. Originating from the Mailman's LEND program, one Nebraska UCEDD advocate brought this to her center. This session covers her journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned, highlighting the collaborative process across centers and states. Relevant disciplines include disability advocacy, leadership training, capacity building, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

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Physical Therapy and Disability Representation Roundtable: Discussion on Increasing Recruitment and Retention of Individuals with Disabilities

This session focuses on discussing strategies to recruit and retain individuals with disabilities into the physical therapy profession. Presenters will guide participants through the unique opportunities and challenges of students and professionals with disabilities. Speakers will moderate discussions on strategies to support the trajectory of physical therapy students with disabilities through real examples of student's matriculation. Discussions will facilitate attendees critical thinking about maximizing equity for clinicians with disabilities.

Faith Community Learning Collaborative: An Inclusive Faith Support Ambassador Program for Faith Leaders

Many people with disabilities and their families feel excluded from faith-based spaces. Fear of judgement and lack of accommodations often result in their absence, furthering social isolation and the need to build the capacities of faith leaders to meet their needs. The consequence of denying people with disabilities and their families equal opportunity to participate in their faith community activities can lead to great distress in their health and well-being.

Unveiling Injustice: The Historical and Current Day Impact of Forced Sterilization on People with Disabilities in the United States

Explore the historical and contemporary implications of forced sterilization in the US, focusing on its impact on disability rights. Highlighting legal precedents and current statistics, this presentation aims to raise awareness about ongoing eugenic practices affecting marginalized communities, particularly Black disabled girls. Through historical analysis and societal reflection, participants will engage in critical dialogue to advocate for justice and equity in healthcare and social policy.

Disability Innovation Fund (DIF): Alaska's Pathways to Partnerships

From exploration in the aviation and emergency management fields to providing students with disabilities the opportunity to explore culturally relevant subsistence employment goals, Alaska's Pathways to Partnerships is providing a variety of unique opportunities for transition-age Alaskans with disabilities to explore their career goals. This innovative statewide network of programs is a study in systems-level design, implementation, and change with a Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) award.

• Download AK DIF Pathways to Partnership

Engaging Fathers and Father Figures in Disability Programs and Systems

This poster summarizes work for a new curriculum for LEND trainees about engaging fathers in families and disability programs and systems. We center the voices of fathers and father figures who are often left out, including parents with IDD, fathers who have experienced incarceration, parents in fathering roles form the LGBTQ+ community, and fathers from minoritized racial and ethnic groups who are immigrants who are parents of disabled children.

Creating Comprehensive Sexual Education & Healthy Relationships Curriculum for All People with IDD

This poster explores the gaps in sex education curriculum options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), especially people with high support needs or nonverbal. We define what comprehensive sex education is and what additional needs people with IDD require to access this information. In addition, we describe the importance of sex education and how the lack of access to education harms the disability community.