University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies

06/01/2026

Maine Working Together
Online Training:
Job Development and Business Engagement

06/01/2026

Maine Working Together
Summer Learning Opportunities
Unpaid Work: What’s Allowed, What’s Not, and Why It Matters

05/15/2026

“The 'R-word' was not originally a slur, but through a process called the 'euphemism treadmill' it’s become offensive.”

05/13/2026

Registration is now open for June
Work & Benefits Navigator Training

The June session is for anyone who:
Supports people with disabilities;
Wants to learn more about Social Security disability benefits and how working impacts benefits; and
Wants to know how to challenge myths and misinformation about work and benefits.
Is not an Employment Support Provider (i.e. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Employment Specialist, Clubhouse staff).

June 17 and June 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM via Zoom

Must attend both dates and actively participate to receive credit. Space is limited. Registration is required. Confirmation will be sent two weeks before session. Cost is $25; no cost for DHHS employees. Contact hours available.

Can't attend this session? Stay tuned for announcements about future Work & Benefits Navigator Training dates, including one for Employment Support providers. Upcoming trainings can also be found anytime at the bottom of our website www.benefitsandworkinme.org.

https://www.mhesevents.org/WBNT26

05/12/2026

NH-ME LEND trainees and Maine faculty meet with Maine’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC

On March 24th, as part of their policy project for NH-ME LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities), LEND trainees and two LEND faculty from Maine met with Maine’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The trainees presented their policy brief on threats to educational access for children with disabilities and discussed current issues facing the disability community. Writing and presenting the brief to the Maine delegation is the culmination of a 300-hour two-semester training experience for professionals, students, people with disabilities, and family members. LEND is funded by a grant from the US HHS Maternal and Child Health Bureau and authorized by the federal Autism CARES Act. NH-ME LEND is a collaboration among the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability, Dartmouth-Geisel School of Medicine, and the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS).

While at DPS (Disability Policy Seminar), NH-ME LEND trainees also had the opportunity to attend an AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disability) Capitol Hill Briefing on employment. Jon McGovern, Self-Advocate trainee contributed to the discussion of disability employment including subminimum wages and ABLE accounts.

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

05/12/2026

The Maine Office of Child and Family Services is looking forward to connecting with early childhood professionals, families, employers and community partners both in person and virtually through an OCFS Listening Tour. These sessions are specifically designed for those closest and most impacted by to the early childhood sector to share their experiences, challenges, and priorities. OCFS encourages participation to ensure the voices of early childhood professionals are reflected in planning, decision making, and efforts to strengthen supports for the workforce and the children and families they serve.

05/12/2026

Regina Bowie, NH-ME LEND Trainee, participated as panelist for the policy committee of the Association of University Centers on Disability. The panel was held on zoom for a nationwide audience from every US state and territory. The panelists answered questions about their experiences at the Disability Policy Seminar and Capitol Hill Visits in March 2026. This year nearly 900 advocates came together in Washington DC to advance disability policy.

05/04/2026

Older Americans Month celebrates the contributions of older adults and reaffirms our commitment to supporting healthy aging in every community. Visit acl.gov/oam for graphics, tools, and other materials to help you celebrate!