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April is Autism Awareness Month
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!
11th Annual Arc CT/IDD Caucus Family Hearing Day
ADVOCACY DAY AT THE CAPITOL
11th Annual Arc CT/IDD Caucus Family Hearing Day
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.
Governor Lamont Proclaims March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!

11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium: Youth Leading a Changing World
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium brings students and their families together with educators and other professionals to improve secondary transition programming and services for students with disabilities.
The 11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium will build the capacity of educators and other professionals, in partnership with middle and high school students with disabilities and their families, to help ensure successful postsecondary outcomes. There will be a variety of presentations for families, youth, and professionals.
The symposium is one full-day, in-person session. The event is hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), and the State Education Resource Center (SERC). Other supporting stakeholders include; the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC), the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Connecticut RESC Alliance (Regional Educational Service Centers), and the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).
To cover the cost for logistics there will be a $15 fee for participants. There will be no cost for students/youth.
| Location | CCSU Campus, New Britain Student Center, 105 Ella Grasso Blvd, New Britain, CT 06053 |
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Welcome CT Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy Cohort 5
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)
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

Now accepting applications for Early Intervention Specialist Program – for Birth to Three Providers
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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

The statewide rollout of Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program & Community Training Symposium
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

Now accepting applications for Early Intervention Specialist Program – for Birth to Three Providers

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
