Reveling in the Work of Our Rose F. Kennedy Center Programs and Research

Friday, April 21, 2023, the inaugural Rose F. Kennedy Center Day offered an occasion for reflection, celebration, and hope. The day included a brief history of the Center, talks from accredited speakers and creative thinking workshops.

Dr. Wolfensberger's 'festschrift' Presented at McGoogan Library

The work of Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger, a critical figure in the development of home and community-based services in the US, is being featured in a new compendium developed from his collection of work at the McGoogan Library at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Iowa's UCEDD Welcomes a Professional Fellow from Zanzibar

Iowa's UCEDD welcomed Bakar Hamad from Zanzibar last month as part of his experience in the Professional Fellow Program, a joint project of the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston and Humanity & Inclusion. Hamad is the fourth Professional Fellow that Iowa's UCEDD has hosted through the program, which has provided wonderful opportunities for the fellows and for UCEDD staff to exchange information, ideas and strategies for supporting people with disabilities.

New Ohio Law Protects the Rights of Parents with Disabilities

A new law went into effect in Ohio this past April which makes it unlawful for Ohio decision-makers such as courts, children's services, child placement agencies and adoption agencies to deny or limit parental or custodial rights based on a person's disabilities. Following the lead of some 17 other states, the law ensures that the rights of parents with disabilities are equal to those without disabilities and acknowledges that disability does not determine fitness to parent.

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.