CT LEND

09/04/2026

We are excited to welcome our newest group of trainees to the CT Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program! Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Our pre-semester orientation brought trainees together to learn, connect, and prepare for the year ahead. The day included introductions to the LEND program and semester, an overview of assessments, a panel featuring past LEND trainees, and opportunities to get to know one another.

We are looking forward to a year filled with learning, leadership, collaboration, and growth as our trainees build the knowledge and skills to help improve systems of care and support for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Please join us in welcoming the 2026–2027 CT LEND Cohort!

09/03/2026

Registration is now open! Join us for the Shaping the Future of Disability Rights - 2026 Nonpartisan Candiates' Forum on October 7th!

08/28/2026

AUCD Executive Director Appointment Announcement Kimberly Knackstedt, PhD
Following a national search conducted by the AUCD Search Committee and supported by ProFound Executive Search, The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is pleased to welcome Kimberly Knackstedt as its new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2026. This milestone reflects AUCD’s ongoing commitment to amplify and advance the work of the AUCD Network to improve quality of life for people with developmental and other disabilities and their families.

08/11/2026

Accessibility is more than a requirement—it’s about ensuring everyone can fully participate in their community.

We’re inspired by this story, highlighting a Connecticut woman who turned her experience after an accident into advocacy for people with disabilities and greater accessibility in her community.

Stories like this remind us why listening to people with lived experience matters. When people with disabilities are included in conversations about accessibility, we can better identify barriers and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong, and thrive.

A Mansfield woman who lost her left arm after an accident is looking to help those with accessibility challenges navigate the world.

08/10/2026

A new week is a new opportunity to create communities where everyone belongs.

This Monday, we’re starting the week with a reminder that inclusion is more than being welcomed into a space—it’s having a voice, being valued, and having meaningful opportunities to participate.
Small actions can help build more inclusive schools, workplaces, healthcare settings, and communities.

08/09/2026

As primaries approach on Tuesday, take time to get informed, learn about your voting rights, make a voting plan, and encourage others to participate.
Connecticut voters with disabilities have the right to accessible voting, including accommodations and assistance when needed.

Your experiences matter. Your voice matters. Your VOTE matters.

Let’s make sure the disability community is represented at the polls and in the decisions that shape Connecticut’s future.

08/07/2026

Disability Rights Connecticut is conducting its annual survey! If you care about the legal rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut, they want to hear from you! Your input in this survey will help them decide what DRCT focuses on in 2027 and beyond. The survey is voluntary. Your answers are confidential, and we will not ask for your name or contact information. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to fill out.
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8919541/2027-Disability-Rights-Connecticut-Public-Input-Survey

08/06/2026

People with disabilities fear service cuts as Trump’s DOJ questions legal protections
Following an executive order expanding involuntary treatment and institutionalization, the Justice Department now says federal disability rights laws don’t require states to provide services for home care. To learn more

The stage is set for a legal fight between advocates, states, and the federal government.

08/05/2026

Happy National Blogger Day!
Every story has the power to educate, inspire, and create change.
Today, we're celebrating the voices behind the Hand in Hand blog, where stories of inclusion, advocacy, families, volunteers, and people with disabilities help build a more understanding and connected community. From sharing real-life experiences to providing practical resources, every post reminds us why inclusive communities matter.
https://www.handinhandqc.org/blog

08/04/2026

It is National Health Center week! This week, we celebrate the incredible community health centers across Connecticut that provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible care for individuals and families.

Health centers play an essential role in supporting people with disabilities by offering inclusive healthcare, preventive services, behavioral health supports, care coordination, and connections to community resources. Their commitment helps ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their best health, regardless of ability, income, or insurance status.

Thank you to Connecticut's health center teams for the compassionate care, advocacy, and dedication you provide every day. Together, we can build healthier, more inclusive communities for all.