CT LEND

We had a pack class on Friday! Presenters: Nicole W. Gallagher, MS CCC-SLP, UConn; Lauren Bruno, PhD; Ben Edwards; and Ryan Henley from KU Center for Disabilities, and, rounding out the day, Connie Kasari, PhD, Autism Intervention Research Network on Behavioral Health.

Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day by honoring the women who lead, advocate, and inspire inclusion every day.

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.

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.

The CT Early Childhood Intervention Leadership Academy met on Thursday, February 26 for a productive session focused on leadership development and ethical decision-making.

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?

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.

Today at CT LEND Seminar 5, George Michna, PhD (Dept. of Aging & Disability Services), Walt Glomb (Connecticut Developmental Disability Council), and Molly Cole (Connecticut State Independent Living Council) shared insights on life after school and 2026 advocacy priorities.

Kids’ favorite show, Peppa Pig, is taking a meaningful step forward by introducing a disability storyline that reflects real-life experiences. Helping normalize hearing differences and promote inclusivity for young audiences everywhere.

CT LEND is pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers for Seminar 5: System Supports – Postsecondary Support & Legislative Advocacy on February 20, 2026. We are honored to welcome George Michna, PhD, Walt Glomb, Molly Cole, and Nick Glomb.

For Black History Month, we recognize Johnnie Lacy. A trailblazer in the disability rights movement and a fierce advocate for representation and equity.

This Valentine’s Day weekend, more than 100,000 people with disabilities will be celebrated at special proms around the world as part of Night to Shine, an annual event organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation.

We are excited to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers to our upcoming LEND class on February 13, including Bryan Klimkiewicz, Renee Kleinman, Tom Cosker, John Eisenberg, and Courtney Houle.

On Friday, February 6, the CT UCEDD office wore red to take part in National Wear Red Day. This day, held each year on the first Friday in February, helps bring attention to heart disease in women, which is the leading cause of death for women of all ages.

Today, LEND was pleased to host another engaging class featuring insightful presenters. We were honored to welcome Jennifer Vendetti from UConn Health Parenting, who presented on Transitions After Birth: The Role of Home Visiting in Family Support.

Our LEND class on Feb. 6 will feature Jennifer Vendetti from UConn Health Parenting, Nicole Cossette CT Part C Coordinator, and Maureen Greer of the Infant Toddlers Coordinators Association. We are excited to welcome them.

On January 30th, LEND welcomed Tawara Goode, MA, of Georgetown University. She spoke about Cultural and Linguistic Competence and the Role of Leadership.

We are excited to welcome Tawara Goode, Assistant Professor and Director at Georgetown University, to our CT LEND class on Friday, January 30. She will be speaking about cultural and linguistic competence and the role of leadership in advancing inclusive and effective services.

Check out this disability-inclusive guide highlighting films at this year’s Sundance film festival. Including open captioned screenings, audio descriptions, and stories that represent disabled creators. disabilitybelongs.org/2026/01/sundan…

On January 23, 2026, the LEND program hosted an event featuring Mary Beth Bruder, with participation from Oak Hill staff members Jacqueline Lorange, Michael Champlin, and Rose Haefs.