LEND Boston

03/12/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

This month is a reminder that people with developmental disabilities deserve full access to economic opportunity, financial security and community inclusion.

In Maryland, the butterfly symbol, which can appear on a driver’s license or state ID to indicate a developmental disability, reflects growing efforts like Eric’s Law to promote safety, understanding and stronger protections for people with developmental disabilities.

Public policy matters, and so does access to the right financial tools and resources.

At National Disability Institute, we work every day to advance financial inclusion so people with disabilities can build assets, plan for the future and achieve their goals.

Learn more about our work and how policy and financial empowerment go hand in hand: https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/public-policy-and-research/

Image description: A square graphic with a teal border and a white background. At the top center is a soft blue butterfly. Below it, teal text reads, “March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.”

03/11/2026

🌐 LEND Resource Round-Up: AUCD

Did you know that as a LEND fellow or alum, you are part of a massive national network? This week we are highlighting the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD).

This is our collective hub for leadership, research, and policy. It’s where self-advocates, family members, and clinicians from all 52 states and territories connect to share what’s working.

Why we stay connected:
➡️Emerging Leaders Community: A space specifically for current and former fellows to find mentors and job opportunities.
➡️Policy Talk Blog: Breaking down federal disability policy so we can all stay informed.
➡️Webinars: Covering everything from health equity to inclusive education.

Join the community: www.aucd.org

AUCD’s Community Inclusion Team supports the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Network in partnership with the Administration for Community Living.

03/10/2026

What a wonderful time at the 48th Annual Legislative Reception!

03/07/2026

Our fellows had a wonderful afternoon with Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts!

03/07/2026

The Federation for Children with Special Needs is hosting its annual Visions of Community (VOC) Conference tomorrow! If you haven’t signed up already, we definitely recommend joining this year’s virtual conference featuring expert speakers including some of our own current fellows, alumni, and faculty:

➡️ Angela Lombardo, Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program Manager and LEND Training Director will be presenting “Supporting the Journey to Adulthood: A Practical Seminar for Families of Young Adults” with her son Isaiah Lombardo and Dr. Emily Davidson

➡️ Terry Alves-Hunter, Community, Racial Equity and Special Education Advocate, founder of Jayden's Joy and current fellow will be presenting “Intersection of Race, Disability & Privilege”

➡️ Cynthia Laine, founder of the Black Autism Coalition and LEND alumni will be presenting “Patisipasyon Elèv nan Pwosesis IEP la (Student Participation in the IEP Process)”

✨Don’t miss out on these great presentations!✨

Tomorrow is the Day!

VOC 2026 kicks off tomorrow — and you can still join us!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from experts, engage with agency leaders, and connect with families across Massachusetts.

Last chance to register!
🔗 http://www.fcsn.org/voc?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_gq86y5jc5c

03/04/2026

📢 Introducing our weekly LEND Resource Round-Up Series!
Every week, we’ll be sharing a resource featuring tools for advocacy, professional development, and community support.

We are kicking off our series with The Arc of Massachusetts (), a cornerstone for disability rights and community inclusion.
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families. The Arc advocates for community supports and provides services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.

Why this is a must-bookmark resource for all of us:
➡️Advocacy & Legislation: Access real-time updates on the FY27 budget and bills that impact health equity and community funding.
➡️Operation House Call: A brilliant program that brings the lived experience of families into the training of healthcare professionals.
➡️Life Planning Tools: Comprehensive webinars and guides on "Turning 22," housing, and guardianship, and 1:1 consultation through the SUPPORTbrokers program.
➡️Pathways to Friendship: A collaborative initiative on social inclusion with Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to address the isolation and loneliness of people with disabilities.

Whether you are testifying at the State House or navigating a new diagnosis, The Arc provides the roadmap.

🔗 Explore more: www.thearcofmass.org

The Arc drives real change in communities & lives of those with disabilities through advocacy, inclusive programs, and community engagement.

02/27/2026

Please join our LEND LinkedIn page for another way to stay connected!

1 billion members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

02/26/2026

Nice opportunity for anyone interested!

Join us for a 5-Week Journey into American Sign Language!

Whether you are a total beginner, looking to sharpen your skills, or just need a refresher, over 5 weeks, you’ll move beyond single signs and start building simple ASL sentences.

Note: This class is taught in ASL.

Learn more and register: https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/698b4a468d5e2d09335e3d60

02/22/2026

This Thursday, Feb 26th at 4pm EST, The Transition SIG of the Society for Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics is hosting Nicole Newnham, who co-directed the documentary "Crip Camp" with Jim LeBrecht, and is an Emmy-winning documentary producer and director, four-time Sundance Film Festival alumnus and five-time Emmy-nominee. Crip Camp premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the audience award, and was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Do watch this wonderful documentary on Netflix if you haven't already and join us for an interactive discussion with the director. All are welcome!

https://cripcamp.com/

https://zoom.us/j/92794847266?pwd=RtHPI6ccWR1oHDHGIyD9hQtnM8Cg0e.1.

No one at Camp Jened could’ve imagined that those summers in the woods together would be the beginnings of a revolution. In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination and institutionalization. Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp “for the handicapped...

02/20/2026

What a wonderful presentation and class activity shared by Ulviyya Aslanova, Dami Ashay, and Abigail Sayers on AI and Accessibility for our Contemporary Issues with I/DD session. They covered areas such as Assistive Technology, Health Care, and Special Education. Very impressive discussion and presentation!

01/20/2026

LEND faculty Gyasi Burks Abbott and Director, Jason Fogler had the pleasure of attending the sensory-friendly production of Wonder at the ART in Harvard Square this Sunday. Here we see Betsy Johnson's young adult, Korbin explain their NICE (Neurodiversity-Inclusive Certified Entertainment) services and accommodations for audience members. Pictured are Dr. Fogler, Betsy Johnson, Korbin, Gyasi Burks-Abbott, and Korbin's father Brian Johnson.

01/16/2026

Jacob, Nicola, Alyssa, and Batsheva did a wonderful job presenting on "A Tale of Two Areas: Rural and Urban Healthcare for People with I/DD" for our Contemporary Issues session this afternoon!