University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development

09/03/2026

Each year, the LEND orientation includes a Poverty Simulation exercise in which trainees work together as members of families who must navigate the challenges of providing for their loved ones with very limited resources. The exercise simulates a month in the lives of these family members, with activities and tasks to complete in a series of four, 15-minute “weeks.”

The families face challenges such as struggling to provide food for kids, maintaining a roof over their heads, getting a job, keeping a job, or even making enough to pay for car repairs so they can make it to work. Knowing time may run out before they can complete their weekly simulation tasks heightens the challenge of the experience.

This year, there were 62 total participants, including 23 LEND trainees. CDD staff, and their family members and friends, joined the exercise to operate the community agencies and resources available to simulation participants. At the end of the exercise, trainees contributed to a robust and frank discussion about the experience, the first of many expected throughout the LEND year.

09/01/2026

September is National Service Dog Month! To recognize the efforts of these special animals, we celebrate and raise awareness about the life-changing impact service dogs have on people with disabilities.

Service dogs can have a wide range of jobs and tasks! Some of the many tasks could include pulling wheelchairs, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds and blood sugar levels, guiding, and mitigating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Every task is tailored to the handler’s unique needs, enabling greater independence and safety in daily life.

If you see a service dog in public, make sure to ask the handler before interacting with the dog. Remember, the best way to appreciate a service dog is to respect their space and the crucial assistance they provide to their handlers.

08/31/2026

Wondering about the difference between a Section 504 Plan and an IEP? Both are legal documents designed to support students with disabilities, provide services at no cost to families, and help ensure equal access to education. However, a 504 Plan focuses on ensuring access to learning, while an IEP provides specialized instruction and services for students who meet specific eligibility criteria. Understanding these similarities and differences can help families advocate for the support that best meets their child's needs.

08/27/2026

August is National Wellness Month! You can practice self-care by:
-Prioritizing sleep
-Staying hydrated
-Moving your body
-Connecting with loved ones
-Practicing mindfulness
What are your favorite ways to commemorate National Wellness Month? Comment down below what you do to exercise self-care!

08/27/2026

Come enjoy a free sensory friendly movie!

🍿Iowa City - it's time for our next 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 Sensory-Friendly movie with our friends FilmScene!

Join us 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗, 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟎:𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐌 for Monsters, Inc! Lights up, sounds low, and room to move around when needed. All are welcome!

Reserve your 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 tickets today 👉 https://icfilmscene.org/film/autism-society-of-iowa-screening-monsters-inc/

08/25/2026

The fall 2026 session of “Autism Basics,” the free webinar series for parents or primary caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis, begins Wednesday, Oct. 7. The series presented by Jillian Reiher, PhD, opens with “What is Autism”: https://links.iowacompass.org/4iqW9ea

08/21/2026

As summer winds down, a little preparation can go a long way. Practice school-year routines, create calming habits, and give your child space to share their feelings about the new year ahead. With support, patience, and time to decompress, they can start the school year feeling confident and prepared.

08/20/2026

Wapsi Weaving: Empowering individuals with disabilities through the art of weaving.

Brianna became a patient at CDD when she was just three years old. Brianna has Down Syndrome and hearing loss, and like many capable adults, she simply needed the right environment to thrive. Now, twenty years later, she has found a meaningful work where every day, she shares a different story.

In 2021, her family purchased a loom to weave wool from their farm's sheep. Brianna's parents realized that she had a natural ability for weaving. "She enjoyed the rhythm and focus of the loom and quickly developed real skill. Not as a hobby. Not as therapy. But as meaningful work."

They went on to open a weaving studio called Wapsi Weaving. Wapsi Weaving is a working studio where people with disabilities weave alongside others in an environment built around real craftsmanship, where all people are embraced. The weavers create handwoven rugs and textiles using wool from our own sheep along with other natural fibers. Others are made from thoughtfully repurposed materials, like recycled denim.

To learn more about Brianna and Wapsi Weaving, book a class, or purchase a handmade product, visit https://wapsiweaving.com/

08/18/2026

Back-to-School: Start the Conversation

A new school year can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Before the first day, take some time to talk with your child about what’s ahead.

Ask them:

What are you most excited about?
Is there anything you’re worried or nervous about?
What are you looking forward to this year?

Listening to your child’s hopes and concerns can help them feel comfortable, validated, and heard as they prepare for the transition.

A visual calendar or countdown can also help children understand when summer is ending and school is beginning. Marking important dates, like the first day of school, can make the transition more predictable, and give your child something to look forward to!

A little preparation and a conversation can go a long way toward making the back-to-school transition a positive one.

08/11/2026

Join the Make Your Mark Conference in September!