We support disability research, provide workforce training, and create an equitable future for all.
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is a national association that supports Network members in their research, training, education, and service so that together, AUCD and Network members can promote the quality of life, health, and well-being of people with disabilities.
![Young black girl with braids wearing a sweater and jean using a manual wheelchair smiling at the camera.](https://www.aucd.org/uploads/Main/Young black girl with braids wearing a sweater, jeans using a manual wheelchair and smiling at the camera. Transparent.png)
About Us
AUCD is a diverse Network of practitioners, researchers, educators, Emerging Leaders, people with disabilities, community advocates, and professionals.
![A young adult sits next to and communicates with student in blue shirt using AAC device.](https://www.aucd.org/uploads/Annual_Report/young adult sits next to and communicates with student in blue shirt using AAC device72.png)
AUCD is a strong presence in every U.S. state and territory and grows leaders with the skills and dedication to make a difference throughout the world.
![Two Latin women dressed in casual dress attire standing in front of an office building in Puerto Rico.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/Annual_Report/TwolatinwomandressedincasualdressatirestandinginfrontofanofficebuidlinginPuertoRico72_1.png)
AUCD promotes equity, where all people—regardless of disability, race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, and age—have access to a satisfying quality of life.
![A group of young adults stand arm-in-arm with trees in the background.](https://www.aucd.org/uploads/Main/A group of young adults arm in arm with trees in the background72.png)
![Young white boy in a wheelchair siting at a table with game and smiling.](https://www.aucd.org/uploads/Annual_Report/Young boy in a wheelchair siting a table with game and smiling72.png)
The AUCD Network provided technical assistance to nearly 2 million people and organizations. More than 750,000 received continuing education and 155,000 families received clinical services such as an assessment or therapy.
![A white older white woman adult wearing a blouse she is sitting in chair near window smiling.](https://www.aucd.org/uploads/Annual_Report/adult in white shirt sits in chair near window and smiles72.png)
The AUCD Network produced more than 12,700 expert products including newsletters, books and book chapters, conference presentations, academic and online courses, fact sheets, and press communications.
![A young black man with a shaved head and beard wearing a button-down shirt and pants talks to a group of people.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/Annual_Report/UKPhotoNicholasWrightatCCSP72.jpg)
The AUCD Network trained 5,046 trainees in more than 48 disciplines such as audiology, physical therapy, social work, dentistry, child development, early intervention, amongst others.
All figures based on 2023 data.
![2024 Emerging Leader Map](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/newsphotos/emerging_leaders_aucd_map.png)
News
2024 Emerging Leader Map
Each year the AUCD Emerging Leaders Map highlights the contributions of emerging leaders, who are current and former trainees at LENDs, DBPs, UCEDDs, ...
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NIRS 2025 Kickoff Webinar
This webinar will provide a review of updates to NIRS for the new program reporting year, updates supporting federal reporting requirements, and ...
View All Events![Emerging Leaders Community Leadership Opportunities - Open Now!](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/newsphotos/ELC_web.jpg)
News
Emerging Leaders Community Leadership Opportunities - Open Now!
Are you a Trainee looking to develop your leadership skills? AUCD offers Trainees many opportunities to learn and apply communication strategies, ...
View All News![Web Accessibility in Mind Conference](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/eventphotos/WebAim.png)
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Web Accessibility in Mind Conference
The Web Accessibility in Mind Conference will be held online via Zoom August 27–28, 2024 from 12pm–5:10pm US Eastern Time (with a one-hour ...
View All Events![Best Practices in Telehealth Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/newsphotos/UMassShriver.png)
News
Best Practices in Telehealth Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Research team led by 2018 UMass Shriver LEND Fellow Dr. Melissa L. Desroches collaborates with Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association, American ...
View All News![AUCD 2024 Conference](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.aucd.org/uploads/eventphotos/AUCD2024ConferenceLogo.png)
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AUCD 2024 Conference
The AUCD Conference brings together more than 1,100 researchers, policymakers, practitioners, professionals, advocates, community leaders, and ...
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