Updated Meet & Greet Hours with AUCD Executive Director

 

Dear AUCD Network Members, Thank you to everyone who has joined me for our virtual office hours over the past few weeks. It has been so nice to meet members of the network, hear about your work, and begin getting to know the people and communities that make AUCD such a special organization. We have two sessions remaining, and I hope you will be able to join us for one of them. Whether you have a specific question, want to share what is happening at your center, or simply want to say hello, I look forward to continuing these conversations. Please note that the final session has been rescheduled from October 13 to October 20. Session 3: Tuesday, October 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m. ET https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82764773113 Session 4: Tuesday, October 20, 4–5 p.m. ET https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84955861088 It has been wonderful meeting so many of you already, and I look forward to meeting anyone else who is able to join these final two sessions. I hope these conversations will be the beginning of continued opportunities to connect directly with me and with one another across the network. Thank you again for the warm welcome and for all that you do every day to advance our shared work. Additionally, I once again strongly encourage everyone across the network to attend the upcoming 2026 AUCD Annual Conference. Themed "Impact Through Innovation and Partnership," this year's gathering is fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate. I will be holding designated open time during the conference to meet with network members directly, hear your input, and share more about our strategic direction. Details regarding the exact schedule for these informal conversations will be provided soon. Register for the Event: AUCD Conference Registration Page Learn More About AUCD: AUCD Main Website Sincerely,  Kimberly Knackstedt, Ph.D.  Executive Director  Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)

BrainStorm invites young adult participation.

 

What does it mean to figure out who you are after brain injury? How do relationships change? What happens when life looks different from what you expected? BrainStorm is a monthly online group for young adults ages 18–29 to talk about the questions and experiences that come with navigating young adulthood after brain injury. Each meeting starts with a topic, but the conversation is shaped by the people in the room. Explore BrainStorm Why Is Sleep So Difficult After Brain Injury? Oct. 6 • 10 a.m. Join Dr. Lindsay Mohney for a special presentation as part of Thrive Together, BIASC’s weekly program every Tuesday at 10 a.m. Sleep challenges are common after brain injury and can affect energy, concentration, memory, mood, and daily life. Dr. Mohney will discuss how brain injury affects sleep, why quality sleep matters during recovery,  and practical strategies to improve rest. Explore Thrive Together Midlands/Upstate 2026 Caregiver Summit The Respite Coalition Upstate & Midlands Caregiver Summits provide encouragement, practical resources, and meaningful connections with others who understand. Choose the location that's right for you & register today! Upstate Nov. 6 • 3 — 7 p.m. Kroc Center Greenville   Midlands Nov. 21 • 9 a.m. — 2 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn - Northeast Join the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) for a half-day virtual symposium exploring the physical, cognitive, emotional, and relationship challenges that can follow a stroke. This virtual event is designed for stroke survivors, caregivers, family members, and professionals who want to better understand the many dimensions of life after stroke. Survivors & Caregivers: FREE Professionals: $75 individual / $150 group Continuing Education: 4 ACBIS CEs available with professional registration Register Now! Ready to become a Trailblazer? Learn More   Able SC and the South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council are offering a FREE online Community Leadership Academy Trailblazers course for new and emerging leaders! This interactive, four-week course is designed for people with disabilities, family members, direct support professionals, and community leaders who want to strengthen their skills in leadership, communication, disability rights, and create positive change in their communities. Mondays, Oct. 12 – Nov. 2 6—7:30 p.m. Brain Injury Research Survey Help the Illinois Institute of Technology improve its quality-of-life research with a 20-minute questionnaire. Your response can help improve support services for brain injury survivors. Participants have the chance to win a $25 gift card. Participate in the survey.

BIASC Quick Links BI Survivor Resources Support Groups – Virtual and In-Person Thrive Together Tuesdays SC State Museum Accessibility Mornings 2026 Online BI Survivor Series Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events.

Community Sponsors enable BIASC to provide vital services and programs to individuals navigating life after brain injury. Find out how your organization can get involved. Heart of the Carolinas  •  Rosen Hagood Attorneys Larry Lucas State Farm Agency  •  Coastal Carolina National Bank   National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Columbia

RQ 2026: See you in Baltimore!

 

The countdown is on! In just a few days, we'll be welcoming attendees from across the country to Reimagining Quality 2026 in Baltimore.   We're looking forward to an engaging and memorable conference. Before you arrive, here are a few helpful reminders: Still need to register? If you missed online registration, don't worry! On-site registration will be available at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. Plan your conference experience. Review the Schedule at a Glance to map out the keynote presentations, breakout sessions, exhibits, and networking opportunities you don't want to miss. Attending a pre-conference session? Be sure to arrive early on Sunday to check in before your session begins. A special thank you to our sponsors for their generous support for Reimagining Quality 2026. Their partnership helps make this conference possible!

Safe travels, and we'll see you in Baltimore!

What's new at Family Connection in September

 

Helping families start the school year strong Family Connection of South Carolina has been busy helping families understand IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations and reevaluations and school services, as well as helping parents and guardians prepare for meetings with school and healthcare professionals. Sometimes that means walking families through complicated processes. Other times, it means helping a parent determine the next question to ask—or simply reassuring them that they do not have to figure it out alone. Here are a few examples of success we've had in the last few weeks! Continue Reading

	Youth in Action LOOK! Participant Grace participated in the Little Lobbyists internship program this summer and shared her experiences in this blog. We're so proud of this high school student for spending her summer advocating for others!

Happy 31st Anniversary! Family Connection Team Member  Lisa is celebrating her 31st anniversary with our organization! She is Family Connection's statewide parent-to-parent program manager. Congratulations, Lisa!

Join Taylor for Buddy Walk! Taylor is absolutely one of the happiest people you will ever meet! She’s extremely motivated to be all she can be and she never uses Down Syndrome to stop her from doing anything. There’s a YES with Taylor for every NO she was given! She loves fashion, her family and friends, but most of all she loves Jesus with her whole heart.  Taylor is the perfect example of why there’s nothing DOWN about this girl, except a diagnosis!   Register today and join us Sunday, November 1, 2026 Families, friends, neighbors, schools, businesses, and community partners come together to celebrate every Buddy, while raising awareness and supporting Family Connection's mission of connecting families across South Carolina. Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society. Whether this is your first Buddy Walk or your family's favorite fall tradition, you'll find a welcoming community ready to celebrate alongside you.  Team registration and fundraising are open and you can sign up today!

Upcoming Education Trainings Registration information here   Welcome to SC - the Healthcare Edition Thursday, Oct. 8 | 12:00 - 12:30 pm --- It's All About Progress monitoring progress through IDEA Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 12:00 - 12:30 pm

Save the Date - Hopes & Dreams 2027 Thursday, April 8, 2027 Family Connections' Hopes & Dreams Conference brings together parents, students, professionals, exhibitors, and sponsors for a day of learning and collaboration!

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