AUCD is a Network founded on the importance of research. In this Annual Report, we showcase the inclusive research that has led this Network to success.
"Nothing about us without us, a famed mantra for our community, also means in research. Research must include all of us, across the entire research enterprise.”
- Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt
In FY21, over 1.9 million people and organizations received technical assistance from AUCD Network members, over 750,000 received continuing education, and over 155,000 families received clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations for developmental disabilities, therapies, and more.
One of the strategic goals of AUCD is to conduct and apply research and share knowledge. Collectively, AUCD network member Centers and Programs produced over 10,000 expert products each year, including newsletters, books and book chapters, conference presentations, academic and online courses, fact sheets, and press communications. These items reach tens of millions of people, educating them on evidence-based information and guiding them to resources available for people with disabilities and their families.
In 2021, the AUCD Network collectively trained 4,246 trainees in over 47 different disciplines. 49% of trainees were enrolled in allied health disciplines such as audiology, health administration, physical therapy, and social work. 38% of FY21 trainees were enrolled in health disciplines such as dentistry, genetics, medicine, or nursing. 11% of trainees were enrolled in general studies disciplines such as disability studies, family advocacy, child development, law, pastoral care, or are a person with a disability. 2% of trainees were enrolled in education disciplines such as early intervention, general education, or special education.
Part of the work of the AUCD office is to amplify the incredible advances – in research, policy, clinical practice, service to the community, and more – that are happening at our member Centers and Programs. By doing so, we can continue to change perceptions about the ways people with disabilities and their families prefer to be and should be included in their communities. To that end, we communicate regularly with our 25,000 email subscribers and on social media where messages regularly reach over 250,000 people per month.
AUCD is a 501(c)3 organization with a $5.2 million budget. The majority (81%) of AUCD’s income comes from grants and contracts; and the remainder comes from things like membership dues, event registrations, and private donations. AUCD works to keep our operations efficient, using the maximum available resources to further the goals of our strategic plan.
In FY2021, we were pleased to report the following highlights: