University of Iowa Health Care Center for Disabilities and Development

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!

01/05/2026

Feeling the post-holiday slump? You’re not alone.

After the holidays, many people experience lower energy, changes in routine, or feelings of stress or sadness. Getting back into everyday life can take time, and that’s okay.

Here are a few strategies that may help:

• Re-establish routines – Gentle structure can help bring a sense of stability
• Set small, realistic goals – Focus on one step at a time
• Stay connected – Check in with friends, family, or coworkers
• Move your body – Even brief movement can boost mood and focus
• Be kind to yourself – Rest and adjustment are part of the process

If the slump feels overwhelming or lasts longer than a few weeks, reaching out for additional support can make a difference.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Center for Disabilities and Development!

As we welcome the new year, we want to thank our partners, colleagues, self-advocates, and community members for your continued collaboration and trust. Your work and commitment help strengthen systems, expand access, and support people with disabilities and their families across Iowa.

We look forward to another year of learning, connection, and meaningful progress together.

Wishing you a healthy, hopeful, and successful year ahead!

12/29/2025

Managing Grief During the Holidays

The holiday season can be difficult for individuals and families who are coping with grief. Traditions, memories, and changes in routine may bring up strong emotions. It’s important to recognize that grief may look different for everyone, and there is no “right” way to move through this time.

Ways to support yourself or loved ones during the season:

• Acknowledge your feelings. Sadness, anger, relief, confusion, or moments of joy can all exist together.
• Set realistic expectations. It’s okay to adjust traditions or keep things simple.
• Create space for memories. Lighting a candle, sharing a story, or displaying a photo can offer comfort.
• Reach out for support. Talking with friends, family, community resources, or professionals can help.
• Take breaks when needed. Quiet time or stepping away can help regulate emotions.
• Care for your basic needs. Rest, nutrition, and movement can support emotional well-being.
• Honor your pace. Grief is not linear, and it’s okay to move through the season in the way that feels right for you.

You are not alone. Grief is a deeply personal experience, and support is available for anyone who needs it.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from the Center for Disabilities and Development

Today we send our warmest wishes to the individuals, families, partners, and staff who make up the CDD community. Whether you celebrate this day or observe the season in your own way, we are grateful for the opportunity to support you throughout the year.

May your day bring moments of rest, connection, and comfort. Thank you for being part of the CDD community, and for the trust you place in our work.

12/22/2025

Managing Social Situations with Social Anxiety

Holiday gatherings, school events, and community activities can be challenging for individuals who experience social anxiety. With preparation and support, social situations can feel more manageable.

Strategies that can help:
• Set realistic goals. You don’t have to participate in everything. Choose events or moments that feel manageable.
• Plan ahead. Think through the environment, who will be there, and what activities might take place. Predictability can reduce stress.
• Use grounding techniques. Deep breathing, focusing on sensory details, or stepping away briefly can help calm anxious feelings.
• Bring a support person. Having someone familiar nearby can make social settings less overwhelming.
• Practice scripts or phrases. Preparing a few simple responses can help with conversations.
• Take breaks. Short pauses can help regulate energy and emotions.
• Celebrate small wins. Even brief participation is meaningful progress.

Social anxiety is real and valid. With tools, planning, and support, individuals can navigate social situations in ways that feel safe and empowering.

12/21/2025

Holiday Self-Care Checklist

The holiday season can bring joy, busy schedules, and added stress. Taking time for self-care helps support well-being, especially for individuals and families managing extra responsibilities or changes in routine.

Here are a few ways to care for yourself during this season:
• Set realistic expectations. It’s okay to simplify plans or say no when schedules feel full.
• Keep a steady routine when possible. Familiar rhythms can help reduce stress for both adults and children.
• Take short breaks. A few minutes of quiet time, stretching, or stepping outside can help reset your energy.
• Stay connected. Reach out to friends, family, or support networks if you need help or encouragement.
• Plan ahead. Preparing medication, sensory supports, transportation, or schedules in advance can make gatherings smoother.
• Protect rest. Prioritizing sleep helps with mood, attention, and overall health.
• Be gentle with yourself. Holidays can be emotionally complex, and it’s okay to experience them at your own pace.

Supporting your own well-being helps you show up with more calm and energy for the moments that matter.

12/20/2025

The Faces Behind Iowa Compass: Meet Amber Claussen

Iowa Compass is powered by a team committed to helping individuals and families connect with the support they need. Today we’re highlighting Amber Claussen, a Community Resource Specialist who brings compassion, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills to her work.

What Amber enjoys about working at Iowa Compass:
Amber loves talking with callers and hearing that the information she shares helps them take the next step. She knows that sometimes the most meaningful support comes from listening, offering space, and giving someone hope. She also enjoys outreach, meeting new people, and building relationships with agencies and service providers across the state.

What her work involves:
As a Community Resource Specialist, Amber responds to incoming contacts and helps connect people with resources that match their needs. She also contributes to community education and outreach efforts.

Challenges and how she approaches them:
Not every caller’s needs have a perfect match. When resources are limited or unavailable, Amber thinks creatively, looks for alternative paths, and searches for new programs that might help. This flexible and persistent approach ensures callers feel supported even when answers are complex.

A little about Amber:
Amber’s family is full of Hawkeye spirit - she has one freshman in the Hawkeye Marching Band this year and another who has already committed for next fall. She and her family love cheering them on and appreciate having their kids close to home.

We’re grateful for Amber’s dedication to helping Iowans find the resources they need.

12/15/2025

Take a Breath This Holiday Season

The holidays are filled with joy, connection, and celebration — but they can also bring extra stress, sensory overload, and fatigue. You’re not alone if this season feels a little overwhelming.

At the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), we encourage everyone to take time for themselves and find moments of calm amid the chaos.

Here are a few gentle reminders:
It’s okay to say no. Protect your energy and set boundaries when you need to.
Build in quiet time. Step away from crowds, noise, or screens to recharge.
Find comfort in routine. Familiar schedules and calming activities can reduce anxiety.
Reach out. Stay connected to people who lift you up — even a short call or message helps.
Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to do it all. Small acts of self-care matter.

This season, give yourself the same compassion you share with others.
For local mental health or disability supports, visit Iowa Compass or call 1-800-779-2001.

12/14/2025

The Faces Behind Iowa Compass: Meet Anna Roth

Iowa Compass is powered by dedicated team members who help individuals and families find the resources they need. Today we’re spotlighting Anna Roth, who brings compassion, knowledge, and steady support to every interaction.

What Anna enjoys about working at Iowa Compass:
Anna values the opportunity to connect with people from many different backgrounds. She finds it rewarding to help someone discover a resource they didn’t know existed and appreciates that even a single conversation can open the door to important services. She also enjoys that no two days are alike, which keeps her work engaging and meaningful.

What her work involves:
Anna responds to phone calls, emails, texts, and chats from people searching for community resources. She listens carefully, identifies needs, and provides information and referrals to support individuals in finding services. She also researches and adds new resources to the Iowa Compass database.

Challenges and how she approaches them:
Many people reach out during difficult moments, which can be emotionally challenging. Anna focuses on the difference she is making—knowing that guiding someone to the right service can help them move toward stability and support.

A little about Anna:
Anna has been married for 27 years and has two adult daughters. She enjoys warm weather, spending time outdoors, camping, and boating.

We’re grateful for Anna’s commitment to helping Iowans find the resources they need.

12/13/2025

The CDD holiday party was a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the many people and programs that make our work possible. We enjoyed spending time with colleagues and their families, reflecting on the year, and recognizing the important contributions across CDD. The snowy view of Kinnick Stadium made the evening feel especially festive and was a perfect backdrop for the celebration!