Celebrating Disability Pride Month

July 1, 2024

July is Disability Pride Month! Disability Pride Month is held in July because it marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark legislation for inclusion. This month we honor the disability community’s history and achievements while also acknowledging their struggles and the work to break down the barriers that still exist. Throughout the month we’ll be sharing different pieces of disability history and highlighting individuals with disabilities! 

Congratulations to Our Aspiring Leaders!

June 17, 2024

The Connecticut Aspiring Leaders Academy’s concluded last week when the second cohort participants presented their capstones!

Congratulations to all of this years graduates!

If you would like to view their capstones, you can click here!

Photo of Jamie Bergmiller with her certificate Photo of Dawn Ducharme with her certificate Photo of Megan Ficke with her certificate Photo of Carolyn Fink with her certificate
Photo of Gregg French with his certificate Photo of Kyle Jones with his certificate Photo of Kayla Jose with her certificate Photo of Michelle Keegan with her certificate
Photo of Jessica Kuropat with her certificate Photo of Lauren Linberk with her certificate Photo of Afrika Lyons with her certificate Photo of Wendy McCabe with her certificate
Photo of Kathryn Natale with her certificate Photo of Lauren Osgood with her certificate Photo of Jennifer Stachowicz with her certificate Photo of Jodi Zielinksi with her certificate
Photo of Donna Zuber with her certificate CT Aspiring Leaders Logo

Connecticut Early Childhood Leadership Academy Meeting

June 11, 2024

Yesterday members of our Connecticut Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy met.
 
The objectives for the meeting were to: Identify the steps of strategic planning; identify what is needed to scale up and implement the practice, program, or policy, in multiple locations, service sectors or populations with fidelity as documented through an evaluation plan; and identify steps to sustain the scaled-up practice(s), programs, or policies with fidelity, fiscal accountability, and positive evaluation outcomes for all eligible infants and young children with risk conditions, delays, and/or disabilities and their families who represent diverse backgrounds.

 

June is Pride Month!

June 3, 2024

June is Pride Month! Each year, Pride Month is celebrated in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which set into motion the fight for gay rights in the United States.

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, you can celebrate Pride by attending fun, pride events, donating to an LGBTQ+ supporting charity, or even reading books or listening to podcasts about the history of Pride and gay rights.

Denzel Closs Awarded Goodwin University’s Community Service Award

May 23, 2024

A big congratulations to Denzel Closs, our summer intern and LEND Trainee, for receiving Goodwin University’s Community Service Award! The Community Service Award is presented to a student in recognition of their support of the mission of Goodwin University through dedication to community service.

The following words were said about Denzel by the presenter of the Community Service Award:

“While challenges can be daunting, individuals like our very own remind us that embracing our differences can lead to profound moments of self-discovery and validation. His work with the AFC provides a safe space for autistic youth and their families, where they feel valued, seen and supported. His journey inspires us to celebrate our differences, embrace our strengths, and create a world that values and uplifts all individuals. Our entire team is proud to recognize Denzel and all his hard work”

Way to go Denzel, we’re proud of you!

UConn UCEDD at the 9th Annual Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium

May 14, 2024

On Friday May 10, 2024, we were honored to be a part of the 9th Annual Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium. Our Consumer Advisory Council Co-Chair, Emily Ball, was featured in a breakout session, speaking about “Live Your Best Life: Planning your Future and Developing Your Vision for a Great Life.” Thank you to the State Education Resource Center (SERC), Connecticut State Department of Education, and Regional Educational Service Center for hosting such a wonderful event!

Celebrating National Volunteer Month

May 1, 2024

Picture of Michael Deckers

We concluded National Volunteer Month by asking Michael Deckers, our front office staff and volunteer at the UConn Health Information Desk, what volunteering means to him. Michael has been volunteering for over 20 years.

“I enjoy giving back,” he says. “When you’re volunteering, you’re helping someone and not expecting to receive anything. I do it out of kindness.” He offers an example of a time he helped someone in need while volunteering at UConn Health: “One time at the hospital I helped a woman get home after not having her cellphone set up and being unable to contact anyone. Two hours later after helping her set up her phone, she was able to go home. She was so thankful, it was so rewarding to help somebody in need.”

Thank you to Michael and all volunteers for offering their help everyday! Although it is no longer National Volunteer Month, we continue to celebrate and extend our gratitude to volunteers year-round!

Autism: Raising Awareness at the Connecticut State Capitol

April 30, 2024

Members of the UConn UCEDD had a great time at the Autism: Raising Awareness at the Connecticut State Capitol! We heard from CT state legislators and many advocates. Thank you to The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity for hosting such a wonderful, informative event!

     
Gentleman giving a speech to a crowd Gentleman giving a speech to a crowd