CT LEND

CT LEND The UConn Health, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program

The University of Connecticut, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is an interdisciplinary leadership training program aimed at improving the health of infants, children and adolescents who have, or are at risk for developing, neurodevelopmental and other related disabilities, with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders.

The 2026 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games have wrapped up, and we’re still feeling inspired by the athletes, vo...
03/02/2026

The 2026 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games have wrapped up, and we’re still feeling inspired by the athletes, volunteers, and communities who made this event such a powerful celebration of ability, determination, and inclusion.

Events like these remind us why building inclusive communities matters. Not just on the field, but in everyday life. At the Connecticut UCEDD, we are proud to support efforts that promote health, belonging, and full participation for people with developmental disabilities across Connecticut through training, research, and community partnerships.

Congratulations to all the athletes who competed and inspired us during the Winter Games. Your impact reaches far beyond the finish line.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this year’s theme reminds us that our world is brighter, strong...
03/01/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and this year’s theme reminds us that our world is brighter, stronger, and more beautiful when everyone belongs.

In 1987, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was established to recognize the abilities, contributions, and potential of people with developmental disabilities. Today, we continue that legacy by moving beyond awareness to action—creating inclusive schools, workplaces, and communities where all people are valued and supported.



Today’s CT LEND class focused on System Supports: Inclusion. Students explored the differences between natural environme...
02/27/2026

Today’s CT LEND class focused on System Supports: Inclusion. Students explored the differences between natural environments, least restrictive environment (LRE), and true inclusion, while examining the benefits of inclusive education and community life for people with disabilities.

Through readings, videos, and group discussions, participants analyzed barriers to inclusion in schools, workplaces, and faith-based communities and identified community-based opportunities to support inclusion for children, youth, and adults with disabilities.

One of the day’s highlights was a Family Story presented by Abbie Senich and her mother, Chris Sullivan, offering a personal perspective on inclusion and reinforcing the need for systems that promote belonging and access.

Chris Sullivan also spoke about system issues in inclusion, connecting personal experience to the broader challenges within education, employment, and community systems.

This Black History Month, we celebrate Haben Girma. The first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and a global advo...
02/27/2026

This Black History Month, we celebrate Haben Girma. The first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School and a global advocate for accessibility and equal opportunity. Through her work, Girma highlights how technology and inclusive design can remove barriers and expand access for people with disabilities.

Haben Girma’s leadership demonstrates how innovation, justice, and inclusion can work together to open doors around the world.

The CT Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy met on Thursday, February 26 for a productive session focused on ...
02/26/2026

The CT Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy met on Thursday, February 26 for a productive session focused on leadership development and ethical decision-making. Participants explored personal values, strengths, learning styles, and how data can guide decisions, while also identifying leadership roles and professional organizations that support growth. Guest presenters included Darla Gundler working on projects with students, Cassandra Ryan, who spoke about Young Athletes and the Special Olympics, Jill Isenberg on action planning, and Peggy Kemp on equitable and ethical decision-making. The session was highly productive and engaging, providing participants with meaningful tools and insights to strengthen their leadership skills and support ethical, data-informed practice.

Mark your calendars! The Candidates' Forum on Disability Issues will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 1:00 - 7...
02/26/2026

Mark your calendars! The Candidates' Forum on Disability Issues will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 1:00 - 7:30 pm at the Bristol Event Center. Share this with anyone interested in disability issues! Will we see you there?

On Friday, our CT LEND trainees will hear a powerful and personal family story shared by Abbie Senich and Chris Sullivan...
02/25/2026

On Friday, our CT LEND trainees will hear a powerful and personal family story shared by Abbie Senich and Chris Sullivan. We are always excited for Abbie to come and share her story, as her lived experience powerfully reminds us why family voice matters in early childhood systems, inclusion, and advocacy.
Following the family story, Chris Sullivan will explore systems issues impacting inclusion, highlighting how policies, practices, and cross-sector collaboration shape real outcomes for children and families.

Please join us in the second-floor atrium of the Legislative Office Building at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, fo...
02/24/2026

Please join us in the second-floor atrium of the Legislative Office Building at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, for the annual legislative breakfast hosted by the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Later that day, the CT Adapt press conference will take place from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., also in the second-floor atrium of the Legislative Office Building. Community members are encouraged to attend and show their support if able.

Please note that this event was originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

CT Council on Developmental Disabilities

CT LEND was pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers today for Seminar 5 on postsecondary supports and ...
02/20/2026

CT LEND was pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers today for Seminar 5 on postsecondary supports and legislative advocacy. George Michna, PhD, Bureau Chief at the Department of Aging and Disability Services, spoke about life after school ends, while Walt Glomb, Director of the Connecticut Developmental Disability Council, shared insights on advocacy and systems change, and Molly Cole, Director of the Connecticut State Independent Living Council, discussed 2026 legislative issues and advocacy priorities.

Students explored life after high school through state leadership, family experience, and advocacy perspectives, highlighting key policy issues in Connecticut, the transition to adult services, and the importance of inclusion through discussion of the film Including Samuel, emphasizing the collaborative systems that support individuals with disabilities as they move into adulthood.

CT Council on Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Department of Developmental Services

Kids’ favorite show, Peppa Pig, is taking a meaningful step forward by introducing a disability storyline that reflects ...
02/19/2026

Kids’ favorite show, Peppa Pig, is taking a meaningful step forward by introducing a disability storyline that reflects real-life experiences. In new episodes, Peppa’s little brother George is revealed to be moderately deaf and begins using a hearing aid. Helping normalize hearing differences and promote inclusivity for young audiences everywhere.

We are pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers for our upcoming LEND class on February 20, 2026. We ar...
02/19/2026

We are pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers for our upcoming LEND class on February 20, 2026. We are honored to welcome George Michna, PhD, Walt Glomb, Molly Cole, and Nick Glomb. Students will explore transitions to adult services, family perspectives, legislative advocacy, and discussion of the film: Including Samuel.

For Black History Month, we recognize Johnnie Lacy. A trailblazer in the disability rights movement and a fierce advocat...
02/18/2026

For Black History Month, we recognize Johnnie Lacy. A trailblazer in the disability rights movement and a fierce advocate for representation and equity. As one of the first African American women with a disability to lead a Center for Independent Living, Lacy worked to ensure that Black disabled voices were included in leadership and advocacy spaces.

She challenged racism within the disability movement and ableism within civil rights spaces, pushing both to become more inclusive and just.

Johnnie Lacy’s work reminds us that true progress requires listening to those most often left out of the conversation.

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270 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT
06030

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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+18606791500

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