Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) UCEDD Director Elise McMillan to Retire

After 28 years of working to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, Elise McMillan, J.D., has announced she will retire from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) in June 2023. McMillan currently serves as the director of the VKC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VKC UCEDD), director of Community Engagement and Public Policy team, and senior lecturer in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) Welcomes Pablo Juarez and Julie Lounds Taylor as New UCEDD Co-directors

The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) announces new leadership for its University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VKC UCEDD). Julie Lounds Taylor, Ph.D., and Pablo Juarez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, will succeed Elise McMillan, J.D., who officially retires June 30, 2023.

UW CHDD Promoted to UW IHDD with Sandra Juul as New Director

The University of Washington (UW) Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD) has been renamed the UW Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD), with Dr. Sandra Juul appointed as the new Director. The IHDD is a research, service, and training center that aims to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through various programs and services, including diagnostic, assessment, and treatment services.

Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities Recognized with University of Arizona Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards

At a ceremony on March 2, 2023, the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities was awarded the 2023 College of Medicine - Tucson Departmental Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for its outstanding excellence in the management of its people and resources, including its progress in building an inclusive workplace.

Sonoran Center Trains Students to Close Disability Care Gaps

Most people receive care from a variety of health professionals throughout their lives, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, people who run public health programs, and more. Unfortunately, not all of these professionals have experience providing care to people with disabilities. The Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities in the Department of Family & Community Medicine in the College of Medicine - Tucson works to ensure that future health care providers are prepared for some of the unique challenges they may face.

The Disability Employment TA Center (DETAC)

The Disability Employment TA Center (DETAC) is a five-year federally funded national Technical Assistance Center that provides training and technical assistance to Centers for Independent Living, Councils on Developmental Disabilities, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and Service, Protection and Advocacy entities, Traumatic Brain Injury Centers, and Projects of National Significance.

Iowa Works Together to Address the DSP Workforce Shortage

Recently, our UCEDD joined our sister agency, the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, and other organizations, including the Iowa Association of Community Partners, Iowa Caregivers Association, ASK Resource Center, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Serves and Iowa Workforce Development, to develop a new recruiting tool. "A Job That Matters: Learn How You Could Become a Direct Support Professional" is publication that features a series of stories about the job, the people who need supports and services to live in the community, and the people who do these jobs in different ways. The publication was recently inserted into local Sunday newspapers and is being circulated electronically throughout the state to build awareness and support DSP recruitment.

The Ohio State University Nisonger Center Creates Dental Certificate Training Program for Community Providers

Dental care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) is a challenge and a national issue. In 2021, the American Dental Association recognized this issue and approved Resolution 49 which recommended the expansion of training programs of dentists, hygienists, dental and dental hygiene students to meet the needs of this severely underserved population. To address this issue, The Ohio State University Nisonger Center partnered with the Delta Dental Foundation of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina (Delta Dental) to create a specialized certificate training program that aims to improve access to oral health care for individuals with ID/DD.

Apply Now! Become a 2023 Think College Policy Advocate!

The Association of University Centers on Disability (AUCD) and Think College National Coordinating Center (NCC) are happy to announce this opportunity to learn and practice policy advocacy skills is once again available to students and staff of inclusive higher education programs. If you or someone you know works for or attends a postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disability, you can apply to be a Think College Policy Advocate (TCPA).

UCLA PEERS for Careers: Breaking Employment Barriers for Autistic Adults

There will be an estimated 700,000 autistic adults aging into adulthood over the next 10 years and yet, a staggering 80% of autistic adults are unemployed. UCLA PEERS� for Careers is an innovative offering to support autistic undergraduate and graduate students in successfully transitioning from post-secondary education to the workforce.