Winter 2023 Issue of the "Disability RAPP"

In the Winter 2023 issue of the Disability RAPP, we look at how the language we use when talking about disability affects the way we see ourselves and each other. Learn how the systemic use of ableist language has cultivated exclusionary policies and how the evolution of language can help us break down barriers to inclusion and foster a sense of dignity for people with disabilities.

Iowa's Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Launches Training Series

Iowa's Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health (CEBH) recently launched a virtual training series, which will help build the capacity of Iowa's providers to ensure people with serious mental illness have access to the treatment they need to help them live healthy, meaningful lives in the community. CEBH is one of the newest grant programs based at Iowa's UCEDD, the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD, Iowa's UCEDD).

University of Kansas Black Feathers Podcast

Hosted by mental health experts Crystal Hernandez, who has a doctorate in psychology, and Shauna Humphreys, a licensed professional counselor, "Black Feathers" is a product of the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ongoing Longitudinal Data Project of National Significance and produced with support from the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities (KUCDD), a part of the KU Life Span Institute. Episodes focus on Native American experiences with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health, anxiety disorders and health care access, among other topics.

UCEDD Volunteer Wins 2023 President's Volunteer Award

Racheal Barnes, volunteer with the Training, Resources and Information for the Advancement of Disability (TRIAD) Service program, was recognized with a 2023 President's Volunteer Service Award in the Lifetime Achievement category. Racheal served four years as a national service member with the TRIAD program and has been a volunteer for the past seven years.

2023 NIRS Formularios en Papel

Iowa Promotes Competitive Integrated Employment through Participation in ASPIRE

Iowa was selected by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, as one of seven states participating in the second round of the ASPIRE Initiative-Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment. Iowa is one of four states that participated in the first round of the initiative, with the overall goal of promoting competitive integrated employment for individuals with mental health conditions by aligning state policies, programs, and funding.

The Inclusive Dojo: HDI training supports martial arts instructors in transforming training spaces

Darrell Mattingly, computer specialist at HDI, developed HDI's Adaptive Martial Arts training course, which teaches martial arts instructors about disability etiquette, universal design and how to adapt their teaching to be inclusive of students with disabilities. Mattingly serves as president of the Adaptive Martial Arts Association, which offers further resources for both students and instructors.

Call for UCEDD LEND ECHO Organizations

The Wyoming Institute for Disabilities is inviting organizations across the network to join the newly formed UCEDD LEND ECHO Collaborative. These monthly calls are open to any UCEDD or LEND program that is currently replicating or interested in implementing the ECHO model. The collaborative will allow UCEDD, LEND, and partner agencies to share successes, challenges, and strategies in using the ECHO model to build capacity throughout their programs supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

The IOD Welcomes Its First Director of Operations

On March 6, 2023, the IOD will welcome its first Director of Operations, Lisa Leach. Lisa brings new and diverse leadership experience in healthcare and human services to this position. The IOD Director of Operations will provide leadership and support for core functions across IOD projects and programs in the areas of HR, office management, staff development, and technology. She will work as a member of the IOD Management Team.

Jennifer Sulewski Named Associate Director and Assistant Research Professor at the Institute on Disability

The Institute on Disability is pleased to announce that Jennifer Sulewski, PhD, has been named Associate Director of the Institute on Disability (IOD), as well as Assistant Research Professor. As a Senior Research Associate and Project Manager at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at UMass Boston, Sulewski brings knowledge and an interest in community life engagement, evaluation, community building, and employment services and supports to this new and unique position at the IOD.