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

 

 

Three UConn School of Social Work MSW students are serving as 2025-26 Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CT LEND) Fellows, gaining interdisciplinary training to enhance health care delivery for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.
UConn Today
As CT LEND Fellows, Alison Fox, Quinn Meehan, and Grace Hartmann are completing more than 700 hours of coursework, research, advocacy, and community practicum experiences working with infants, children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities,  including autism, across state and local settings.

Each Fellow brings unique strengths to the program: Alison Fox focuses on trauma-informed engagement and educational advocacy. Quinn Meehan, who identifies as disabled and autistic, works on disability justice and health policy internship
and Grace Hartmann emphasizes compassionate clinical practice and life-saving social work.

The CT LEND program, directed by Mary Beth Bruder, provides comprehensive interdisciplinary training that promotes cultural competency, family-centered care, and collaborative service integration across agencies and communities.

To read more!