CT LEND

06/19/2026

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, honor the contributions of Black Americans, and recommit ourselves to building communities where every child, family, and individual can thrive.

06/17/2026

Football is for Everyone!
Did you know that an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability? FIFA's new Disability Football Toolkit is helping make the beautiful game more inclusive by providing practical guidance for clubs, coaches, organizations, and communities to create meaningful opportunities for players with disabilities. Learn more and access the toolkit here:

The official site of the international governing body of football with news, national associations, competitions, results, fixtures, development, organisation, world rankings, statistics, the International Football Association Board, history, laws of the game, futsal, publications, downloads, and co...

06/16/2026

Have you visited our website? https://uconnucedd.org/ Your feedback can help us improve and make sure families, providers, and community members can easily find the information and resources they need. Take our short survey and share your thoughts
https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5yFjnuRVzdiHrb8

06/15/2026

June 23rd from 5:30pm-8pm in Willimantic for Traffic Stop Practice Event: Supporting Autistic Drivers and Passengers. Participants will review and practice the process of a routine traffic stop with local police. They will also learn how to use the DMV "Blue Envelope." A light dinner will be available for all participating families. Register at bit.ly/ASD-CenterStore S

06/13/2026

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?
Visit Mystic Aquarium, an inclusive destination that welcomes visitors of all abilities! Enjoy fully wheelchair-accessible pathways, quiet spaces for sensory breaks, and engaging exhibits that provide meaningful sensory experiences for everyone.

06/12/2026

Turning Points: The Disability Rights Movement
Join this important webinar as we reflect on key moments in the disability rights movement, honor the advocates who paved the way, and celebrate the progress toward inclusion and accessibility for all. This event also recognizes the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ongoing work to advance disability rights. July 16, 2026, 2:00–3:00 PM EDT Virtual

This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, and the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). When President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA into law, he said we celebrated “another ‘independence day,’ .....

06/01/2026

Countdown to America 250: Celebrating All Americans!
As we count down to America's 250th birthday, we have an opportunity to celebrate the stories, contributions, and achievements of all Americans—including people with disabilities who have helped shape our nation throughout history.

From leaders, innovators, artists, athletes, advocates, and everyday citizens, people with disabilities have strengthened our communities and advanced the ideals of freedom, opportunity, and inclusion. America 250 is a time to recognize that our nation's story is richer and stronger because of the diverse experiences and contributions of people of all abilities.

As we prepare for this historic milestone, let's ensure that celebrations are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive so everyone can participate in honoring our shared history and envisioning our future.

Together, we can celebrate 250 years of progress while continuing to build a nation where everyone belongs.

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05/29/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Lepowsky, who speaks to our LEND class every year on the Role of Oral Health in the Interdisciplinary Care of Persons with Disabilities
He has been reappointed Dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine!
https://today.uconn.edu/2026/05/dr-steven-lepowsky-reappointed-dean-of-uconn-school-of-dental-medicine/

05/29/2026

he Promise of IDEA Must Be Kept! Nearly 50 years after the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal government still has not met its commitment to fully fund special education. Congress originally pledged to cover up to 40% of the additional costs of educating students with disabilities, yet current federal funding falls far short of that promise, leaving states and local school districts to fill the gap.

For educators, families, and advocates, this funding gap is more than a budget issue—it impacts access to services, specialized supports, inclusive learning opportunities, and the resources schools need to ensure every child can thrive. As the funding gap widens, so does the challenge of providing the high-quality education and support that students
with disabilities deserve. To read more

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has been a bipartisan priority for decades, but the federal government has never fulfilled its funding promise and the law has not been update…