For AUCD and our network partners, 2021 has been all about pivoting. We defined a “new normal” as we adapted to the pandemic. Though our world is evolving, our focus has remained the same, engaging in conversations around inclusive research for people with disabilities across the network. It’s vital that we have an opportunity to share and celebrate our collective work to advance policies, practices, training, and research with and on behalf of people with disabilities.   

AUCD has had another strong year that showed the resilience of our network partners and the work we believe in. Our virtual Conference centered on connecting research and lived experience as we continue to amplify accessible COVID resources for people with disabilities and the people who support them. It’s imperative that we continue to raise the bar to ensure that people with disabilities are included in all aspects of life.    

We continue to focus on advancing the four strategic priorities we have identified as a network:  growing diverse and skilled leaders; advancing policies and practices that improve lives; conducting and applying research and sharing knowledge; and modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continue to stress the need for equity across the AUCD network, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, and that or systems and processes support their inclusion. 

AUCD’s sixth annual AUCD for All Gala was virtual once again in April 2021. The event celebrated 50 years of AUCD leadership as well as amplified the voices of current and future leaders. Featured speakers included Timothy Shriver of Special Olympics, past AUCD Executive Director George Jesien, William Kiernan, among others.  

The 2021 Annual Conference, centered on the theme Learning Together: Connecting Research and Lived Experience, and welcomed a record number of attendees who joined virtually from every state and territory. As Conference Chair Tawara Goode noted, “I urge you to think about what equity means in the conduct of research, and what we have to do to ensure that persons with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities – their families, and the communities in which they live have an equitable stake from the very beginning and throughout all components of the research process.” Plenary sessions remain available for viewing on the AUCD website.   

AUCD will continue in a bipartisan effort to provide resources on vaccine outreach and to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to the vaccine. We can’t do that without the support and knowledge of the UCEDDs, LENDs, and IDDRC network. We want to continue to create a framework of improved policies, systems, and standards of practices where people with disabilities are not only supported and given access but are a vital part of creating solutions for inclusive research that affects them. We have a great foundation to build new strategies and tools that supports and includes people with disabilities in research.  

Sincerely, 

John Tschida,  
AUCD Executive Director