Earlier this week, faculty and staff from the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) participated in the 2024 Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Conference, held from November 3-6 in Washington, D.C.

During the AUCD Poster Symposium, UCEDD faculty member Dr. Tara Lutz and graduate assistant Holly Labrecque presented their research. Dr. Lutz’s poster, titled “UConn UCEDD’s Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health: A Follow-Up Evaluation,” provided insights into the outcomes and impact of the certificate program. Ms. Labrecque’s poster, “Accredited Master of Public Health Programs: A Scoping Review of Required Courses,” offered a comprehensive analysis of the curricula across accredited MPH programs.

The AUCD Conference is an annual event that brings together over 1,100 researchers, policymakers, practitioners, advocates, and students to promote innovative thinking in disability policy, research, and advocacy. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Creating a More Inclusive World,” emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing the rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Lutz serves as the Training Director at the UConn UCEDD and coordinates the Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health. Her areas of interest include integrating disability education into public health and healthcare training programs.

The Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health is a 12-credit graduate-level program offered entirely online. It uses the 10 Essential Public Health Services as a framework to study the health and well-being of people with disabilities and their families.

Participation in the AUCD Conference provided UCEDD faculty and staff with valuable opportunities to share their work, engage with peers, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on creating a more inclusive world for individuals with disabilities.