The goal of this academy is to develop leaders who will provide innovative and sustained leadership to the CT Special Education system under IDEA. The academy will focus on competencies listed below, illustrated by state and national speakers, learning activities, and a capstone project. Participants will also benefit from both expert and peer mentoring opportunities.
Competency Areas
Leading Self
Implementation of Policies, Laws and Regulations
Leading With Others
Managing Operations and Resources
Leading Learning
Leading Results
Leading Change
The academy is at no cost and includes a total of 93 hours beginning in September 2026. Classes will meet biweekly via Zoom (6-8 hours per month), followed by an in-person, full-day Saturday class the following month. This schedule will alternate all year. In addition, participants will be expected to complete asynchronous online activities requiring up to 15 hours of engagement. Selected participants are required to attend a two-day in-person orientation at the Avon Old Farms Hotel from July 14-15, 2026, which includes an overnight stay. Participation in all meetings is mandatory.

For more information on the academy and how to apply, please contact Paula DeMichiel at: demichiel@uchc.edu

 

CT Aspiring Leaders Flyer_2026_2027_ver2

The Center of Excellence on ASD at SCSU has partnered with local agencies to provide Traffic Stop Practice: Supporting Autistic Drivers and Passengers. At this event, participants with autism will have the opportunity to review and practice the process of a routine traffic stop with local police. They will also learn how to use the DMV “Blue Envelope.” Participants can be drivers or passengers in the vehicle, including student drivers. All ages are welcome. To register 

 

 

 

Did you know? Autism Awareness Month was founded in April 1970 by Bernard Rimland, Ph.D., a psychologist and autism researcher. He chose the month of April to coincide with his son’s birthday, as well as the start of spring—a time for new beginnings. The Puzzle Piece has become an internationally recognized symbol of power, strength, hope, and unity for those affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The puzzle piece was first introduced in 1963 by the National Autistic Society as part of their logo. The Puzzle Piece symbolizes the complexity of ASDs and reminds us that we are all interconnected.

Autism Speaks is a global organization that works tirelessly to educate and support individuals living with autism. In 2004, they launched the Light It Up Blue campaign to bring awareness to autism. The goal was simple: get everyone worldwide—from businesses and schools to homes and public places—to light up blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month.

The UConn UCEDD recognizes the importance of Autism Awareness!

ADVOCACY DAY AT THE CAPITOL

11th Annual Arc CT/IDD Caucus Family Hearing Day

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026
• 10:00 AM  12:30 PM
• Legislative Office Building

Make your voice heard. Share your story. Join us to advocate for adequate funding for the IDD Community and the providers who care for them.

We welcome a new cohort for the CT Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy! The goal of the CT Leadership Academy is to develop leaders in early childhood intervention who will drive innovation and sustained leadership within the CT Part C and Part B (619) system under IDEA. The program’s content focuses on competencies illustrated by speakers and learning activities. Participants will complete a capstone project resulting in a systems change in early childhood intervention. 

 

Advocacy Summit on Supported Decision Making – Thursday, January 29, 6:00 – 7:30 PM (Virtual). Learn how you can use your voice to help lawmakers understand the importance of SDM! Register here: https://ow.ly/M2TL50XVMrz

 

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This post-baccalaureate program is focused on enhancing the knowledge, skills, and competence of practitioners and administrators working in the CT Birth to Three System. Completion of the training program provides knowledge that can be applied to the CT OEC Birth to Three certification under the supervision of a program administrator.

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Isenberg at 860-679-1561 or email JIsenberg@uchc.edu

Register now! 

EISP Flyer_final2026_link

The statewide rollout of Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program & Community Training Symposium will be held on January 14, 2026, at the Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1A. This event will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and is open to the public, but individuals with disabilities, disability rights or related advocacy organizations, first responders, and legislators are encouraged to attend. Limited seating is available, and registration is required, so please be sure to REGISTER! If you have any questions, please contact: TJ Nuccio at: thomas.nuccio@cga.ct.gov

This post-baccalaureate program is focused on enhancing the knowledge, skills, and competence of practitioners and administrators working in the CT Birth to Three System. Completion of the training program provides knowledge that can be applied to the CT OEC Birth to Three certification under the supervision of a program administrator.

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Isenberg at 860-679-1561 or email JIsenberg@uchc.edu

Register now! 

EISP Flyer_final2026_link