KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities

08/24/2026

Learning to set high-quality goals is important for success in the classroom and beyond!

✏️ As we start the school year, learn about the evidence-based resources KUCD researchers are developing to support students with and without disabilities: https://doi.org/10.1080/23266988.2025.2574826

"Goal Setting and Attainment in General Education Classes: Examining the Role of Self-Determined Learning"

Read it today! https://doi.org/10.1080/23266988.2025.2574826

08/18/2026

The KUCD team joined community partners for the 17th annual Kansas Disability Caucus: Empowerment in Action!

This event brings together self-advocates from across the state of Kansas to learn, share, and provide solutions to issues faced by the disability community.

🏆 KUCD partner Phillip McGruder of Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas received the 2026 Roger Frischenmeyer Peer Mentor Award for his mentorship and advocacy. Congratulations, Phillip!

08/17/2026

Did you know that according to The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, over 7 million people with I/DD used Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Fiscal Year 2023?

You can learn more in the latest Data Bite at bit.ly/db_0726.

08/12/2026

As part of the Campus Compact Impact Awards webinar series, we'll be presenting with Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas about how we built our partnership!

👉 Tuesday, September 1, 12PM-1PM Central Time

We'll talk about how we started working together and the importance of including people with disabilities as equal partners in the research process.

👉 Learn more and register at bit.ly/campus-compact-kucd

08/06/2026

🎉 Researchers from KU Center on Disabilities were recognized by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) for significant contributions in research, education, policy, international collaboration, and more!

Learn more about our work and connect with us at kucd.ku.edu

National association recognizes KU researchers for contributions that advance the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities Awardees and KUCD staff attending the 2026 AAIDD conference included, from left to right, Shea Tanis, Lauren Bruno, Karrie Shogren, Evan Dean, Jessica Schuttler, Luc...

08/06/2026

Dr. Lauren Bruno presented at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network conference this week - this event brings together hundreds of educators from across the state of Pennsylvania.

✅ Dr. Bruno presented about KUCD's Self-Determined Career Design Model, which supports people with disabilities as they set and go after their career goals.

08/03/2026

The Life Span Institute is made up of more than 400 scientists, students, and staff. Get to know us! This week, we’re highlighting our 6‑question Q&A with Maria Hugh, affiliated investigator at the KUCD - Kansas University Center on Disabilities. Her work aims to improve access to education and learning. Read the article and get to know Dr. Hugh: https://loom.ly/uHyoCKI

07/31/2026

Technology isn’t just about devices. It can mean communication, employment, independence—and belonging.
In the newest episode of 35 Years of Community Living, Jocelyn Bowen and Mikelle Learned join Kaley Day to talk about their experiences using technology to connect with others, work, advocate, run a business and live more independently.
They also explore an important question: Are we investing enough in the technology—and the training and ongoing support—that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to thrive in their communities?
🎧 Listen to the new episode of 35 Years of Community Living.
👉 https://stateofthestates.ku.edu/35-years-community-living-podcast

07/30/2026

Accessible technology can support people with disabilities to travel, work, and socialize on their own terms.

📲 Our team visited with Dan Davies, founder of AbleLink, to learn more about how their services enhance cognitive accessibility for transportation and other daily needs.

Learn more about their work at www.ablelinktech.com

07/28/2026

We were honored to support the fourth annual Disability Pride celebration this past weekend - thank you for having us, Lawrence Disability Pride!

Speakers shared their reflections on the legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the work still ahead of us to ensure that all people are supported to learn, work, feel included, and thrive.

Dole Institute of Politics, The Arc of Douglas County, Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, Independence, Inc., Visiting Nurses Association, LMH Health, Lawrence Public Library