University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development

02/21/2026

Winter Transportation & Mobility Safety Tips

Winter weather can create extra challenges for people who use mobility devices, drive, or travel in the community. The Center for Disabilities and Development encourages everyone to take a few simple steps to stay safe and prepared:

• Plan ahead: Check weather and road conditions before leaving. Allow extra travel time.
• Dress for safety: Wear warm layers and reflective clothing so drivers can see you.
• Prepare mobility devices: Make sure wheelchair tires, walkers, and scooters are in good condition. Consider snow-friendly tires or attachments if available.
• Watch for ice: Use cleared paths when possible and move slowly to avoid slips and falls.
• Keep emergency supplies: Carry a phone, charger, medications, and emergency contact information.
• Vehicle readiness: Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry a winter emergency kit (blanket, flashlight, snacks).

Staying prepared helps everyone maintain independence and safety during the winter months. Stay warm and stay safe!

02/19/2026

📅 Join us this March for Autism Basics.

The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) is offering a free, 4-part Autism Basics Webinar Series for parents and caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis.

Attend the full series—or simply join the sessions that fit your family’s needs.

✔️ Free
✔️ Virtual
✔️ Sessions recorded

🔗 Learn more and sign up: https://bit.ly/AutismBasics2026

02/13/2026

Staff Spotlight: Ann Busta – Iowa Compass

What does Ann enjoy most about working at Iowa Compass? Learning about community services across Iowa and helping agencies get their resource listings added so people can find the supports they need.

Ann is part of a small but mighty team that keeps Iowa Compass resource listings up to date and accurate. Her dedication helps people with disabilities access resources throughout the state. And the best part? Connecting with Iowa Compass is free!

When challenges come up, Ann takes a walk with her loyal buddy, Kinnick - a 16-year-old Schipperke/Pug - and practices deep breathing. A little fresh air usually brings the clarity she needs 🙂

Thank you, Ann, for the critical work you do to keep Iowa Compass resources current and helpful for Iowans!

To connect to Iowa Compass you can:
Visit https://www.iowacompass.org/
Call: 1-800-779-2001

02/12/2026

The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) is offering a free Autism Basics Webinar Series for parents and caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis. Learn more below!

📣Registration is now open—📅 join us this March!

The Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program (RAP) is offering a free Autism Basics Webinar Series for parents and caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis.

📅 Wednesdays in March | 12–1 PM
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/AutismBasics2026

02/08/2026

What is Self-Advocacy and what does it mean to you?

Self-advocacy involves speaking up for your own needs, rights, and choices. It’s about knowing your goals, understanding your options, and asking for the support you need to live independently and fully.

Put in the comments below what self-advocacy means to you!

Here are some key points to consider about self-advocacy:

- Know Your Rights: Understand what services and supports are available to you.
- Communicate Clearly: Share your preferences and needs with family, caregivers, and service providers.
- Make Informed Choices: Participate in decisions that affect your life.
- Seek Support: Allies, mentors, and advocacy organizations can help you speak up.

Self-advocacy empowers individuals to take control of their lives and ensures their voices are heard.

Pictured here: Ed Esbeck, a self-advocate who works at CDD.

02/07/2026

Power Outage Planning for People with Disabilities

Power outages can be more than an inconvenience - they can affect medical devices, home accessibility, and daily routines. Planning ahead makes a big difference:

Tips to Stay Safe:
- Medical Devices: Know which devices need electricity and have backup power or batteries.
- Communication: Keep a charged phone, extra batteries, and a list of emergency contacts.
- Emergency Supplies: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and any medications.
- Assistive Equipment: Ensure backup options for mobility, vision, or hearing aids.
- Plan Ahead: Identify nearby shelters, friends, or family who can help if needed.

Preparation can keep you safe, connected, and comfortable when the lights go out.

02/07/2026

Supporting People with Low Vision

Low vision affects everyday tasks like reading, cooking, or navigating spaces, but there are tools and strategies that make life easier:

- Assistive Technology: Screen readers, magnifiers, text-to-speech apps, and audio books.
- Environmental Adjustments: High-contrast labels, better lighting, and large-print materials.
- Orientation & Mobility Training: Techniques to safely move around at home and in the community.
- Support Services: Vision rehabilitation programs, support groups, and resources from local aging or disability networks.

Small changes can make a big difference in independence and quality of life.

02/04/2026

February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about low vision and the importance of accessibility.

Did you know?

- People with low vision may have difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or navigating spaces.
- Low vision can affect people of all ages.
- Tools like magnifiers, screen readers, large print, and high-contrast materials can make daily tasks easier.

CDD supports accessibility and awareness so people with low vision can access information, services, and opportunities. Follow along to learn more about low vision and types of assistive technology designed to help people with low vision.

01/31/2026

Emergency planning should work for everyone.
Accessible emergency planning means thinking ahead about individual needs before an emergency happens.

Consider planning for:
- Mobility, sensory, or communication needs
- Medications, medical equipment, and backup power
- Support networks and emergency contacts
- Accessible transportation and shelter options

Preparing an emergency plan that reflects your specific needs helps reduce stress and increase safety when it matters most. Taking time to plan now can make emergencies easier to manage later.

01/21/2026

Seeking Families for AAC Research Survey

Families of children who use Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC), including iPads or other speech-generating devices, are invited to participate in a short, confidential survey.

About the Study
Factors Associated with Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use and Abandonment Among Children

This research explores what helps children continue using AAC at home and in the community, as well as factors that may lead to devices no longer being used. Insights from families will support improvements in clinical practice and service delivery for children prescribed AAC devices.

Survey Information
-Format: Confidential online survey
- Time Commitment: Approximately 5–10 minutes
- Who Can Participate: Families of children who have used AAC devices
- Compensation: None
- IRB Approved

Take the survey:

https://redcap.icts.uiowa.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=WEKYDY38CK398JKT

Questions?
Contact Megan Fear
megan-fear@uiowa.edu

01/16/2026

We are proud to share that Money Follows the Person is a Dementia Friendly Organization recognized by Dementia Friendly Iowa!

Through their work, Money Follows the Person is supporting people living with dementia to be respected, valued, and able to live with greater independence in their communities. Their commitment is making a meaningful impact for individuals and families across Iowa.

We’re excited to recognize Money Follows the Person as a Dementia Friendly Organization 💜🧡

Money Follows the Person is helping ensure individuals living with dementia are respected and supported to live with independence in their communities. This work makes a real difference for individuals and families across Iowa.

A special thank you to champion Karin Price for helping lead this dementia-friendly effort!

01/09/2026

Now Recruiting Iowa LEND Trainees!

CDD is helping spread the word about an exciting opportunity through Iowa LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) - a yearlong interdisciplinary training program focused on improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities across the lifespan.

We are especially hoping to reach:
- Self-advocates
- Parents and caregivers
- Graduate students in fields such as audiology, education, nursing, medicine, public health, psychology, social work, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and more

Interested in learning more?

Join the Iowa LEND Informational Session:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00 PM (Central)
Via Zoom
https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/93285057418
Meeting ID: 932 8505 7418

Participants will hear about the program, leadership development opportunities, and the application process.

Applications are due February 20, 2026.

Learn more and apply via the Iowa LEND website (Apply/Contact Us page), and check out the program video featuring the Project Director and LEND alumni.

Questions? Contact Lori Vander Velden, ILEND Administrative Services Coordinator: lori-vandervelden@uiowa.edu

Please share this opportunity with anyone who may be a good fit!