March 18^th was Medicaid Day of Action, a nationwide event that urged us to stand up and speak out against proposed Medicaid cuts that would devastate our most vulnerable neighbors. Thousands rallied at the Connecticut State Capitol to raise their voices, because it’s not about numbers — it’s about people.

One powerful voice, Melissa Thompson, who relies on Medicaid for her disability needs, reminded us of what’s at stake. CT State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said it best: “They are using their agendas to take our country back to a time when we let the most vulnerable in our society be completely and utterly neglected.”

With the 60th anniversary of Medicaid approaching, the urgency is clear. Congress is proposing $80 billion in cuts — that’s $880 million lost for Connecticut, threatening healthcare for 900,000 CT residents, including pregnant people, seniors in nursing homes, and individuals with disabilities — our friends, family, and loved ones.

Thank you to Rep. Joe Courtney, Rep. John Larson, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Governor Lamont — we need your continued leadership now more than ever. We’re counting on you.

A new study from the UConn Neag School of Education has found significant gaps in how emotional well-being is measured in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

The authors explored which areas of emotional well-being are assessed in individuals with intellectual disabilities. They found that most items assessing emotional well-being only focused on the quality of everyday experiences or life satisfaction and few items focused on the ability to pursue goals, which is a well-being component linked to better long-term outcomes.

March is 31 days. But having a disability? 24/7, 365.

The UConn UCEDD is excited to kick off March supporting the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities’ Developmental Disabilities Awareness month theme, “We’re Here All Year.” Community, accessibility, and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities should be recognized and championed every day—not just in March.

Join us in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across the state of Connecticut through advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion.

Happy National Preschool Health and Fitness Day! Teaching little ones healthy habits is so important for their physical and social development.

Need some ideas for physical activities for your preschooler?

The Special Olympics Young Athletes app gives personalized activities based on your child’s development and allows access to other health resources. Learn more about Young Athletes by clicking here!

Conn School of Medicine’s Dr. Linda Barry has been prestigiously recognized by U.S. President Joseph Biden with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). It is the nation’s highest honor that mentors can receive.

Dr. Barry is a professor in the Department of Surgery and the Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn School of Medicine, serves as associate director of the UConn Health Disparities Institute and associate dean of the Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs, and is a member of our Consumer Advisory Council.

To read more about Dr. Barry’s award, click here.

On January 4, President Biden signed the Think Differently Database Act (H.R. 670) into law. This bipartisan legislation—sponsored by Representatives Marc Molinaro (R-NY) and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) in the House and Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) in the Senate—will create a comprehensive, national website database of support services and resources for people with disabilities in every state.

To read the bill, click here.

President Biden has signed into law the bipartisan Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act, or Autism CARES Act of 2024.

The Autism CARES Act is the most comprehensive federal law addressing the urgent needs of children, adolescents, and adults with autism. Over its 17-year history, this law has resulted in a significant increase in our understanding of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities. The CARES Act is crucial to maintaining and improving the monitoring, training, and research programs focused on improving the lives of children and adults with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families.

Click here to read more about this.

AUCD Celebrates Congressional Passage of the Autism CARES Act! The Senate has officially passed the Autism CARES Act of 2024. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation is vital for sustaining and enhancing the critical monitoring, training, and research programs led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These efforts support children and adults with autism, individuals with other neurodevelopmental disabilities, and their families. Programs like Connecticut’s LEND and Learn the Signs Act Early are directly impacted by this important act. A heartfelt thank you to the Senators for their dedication and hard work!

Click here to learn more about the Autism CARES Act.

Exciting News! Bethanne Vergean, our dedicated Connecticut Learn the Signs. Act Early Ambassador, joined her fellow ambassadors from across the country in Atlanta this week for the annual meeting hosted by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This inspiring gathering is all about sharing knowledge, building connections, and strengthening our commitment to early childhood development. We’re thrilled to bring back fresh insights and strategies to support families and young children here in Connecticut!