October 2026 Leadership in IDD

 

Perspectives Commentary from the field

Gender and Sexual Self-Determination Oscar E. Hughes, PhD Rhode Island College Gender and sexuality are important facets of self-determination. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) should have choice and control over how they express their gender and sexuality. Rather than asserting our own beliefs, we can support people with IDD to understand their feelings and to determine how they want to live their lives.  Unfortunately, some youth and adults with IDD who are LGBTQ+ have faced barriers to gender and sexual self-determination. LGBTQ+ people with IDD have shared compelling stories about the importance of expressing their identities and forming valued relationships. The LGBTQ+ community has also advocated for greater acceptance and improved access to accurate, inclusive information about gender and sexuality. Connections with others in the LGBTQ+ community can further support self-acceptance and a sense of belonging. As caregivers or supporters, we can promote gender and sexual self-determination by listening to people with IDD, sharing information about gender and sexual diversity, and facilitating community connections.

Notables  Recent awards, accolades, appointments, and other honors

Jennifer Kurth, PhD, to Receive the Barbara R. Trader Leadership Award at the 2026 TASH Conference

Sue Swenson, MA, to Receive TASH's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 TASH Conference

Megan Best, PhD, to Receive the Teacher Educator Award at the 2026 TASH Conference

AAIDD is looking to feature notables and perspective pieces from our members in the field! Send us your commentary to be featured in a future Leadership in IDD Newsletter. Click here to submit your work to be featured.

Produced by AAIDD, this monthly digest features the recent (first made available within last 3 months) and emergent (will be available within the next 4-6 weeks) work of AAIDD members only. Journal articles, while important, are not featured in this publication.  View the archive of the Leadership in IDD newsletter here.

Not yet a member? Join AAIDD online!

A Power Chair That Fits Under a Table

 

October 2026 - View in browser

PRODUCTS A Mid-Drive Chair That Fits Under a Table If you use a power chair, have a smaller build and need tilt, recline, seat elevation and elevating leg rests, you've likely had to settle for a full-size chair to get them all. Permobil’s new M4 Nexa, designed with adolescents and smaller adults in mind, puts the full set on a compact mid-wheel-drive frame. FDA Clears Hands-Free Personal Exoskeleton for Any Level of SCI Wandercraft's Eve is a self-balancing personal exoskeleton for everyday life and allows individuals to stand up and walk hands-free. Unlike other exoskeletons that typically require forearm crutches and enough hand and arm function to use them, Eve is intended for adults with SCI at any neurological level. SPONSORED CONTENT Experience the convenience of NEW Cure Aqua® Cure Aqua® is a NEW ready-to-use hydrophilic intermittent catheter for men, women, and children. Developed with input from real catheter users, it is designed to help provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient catheterization experience, with no activation required. Experience Cure Aqua® today! Request samples. WATCH How Detroit’s Wheelchair Ballroom Dancers Helped Shape Ballroom If you're tired of watching nondisabled actors play wheelchair users, the new dance drama Ballroom took a different route. Madeline Delp, who uses a wheelchair, stars as Violet, an aspiring dancer paralyzed in a car accident, and a body double handles the scenes where Violet stands. Cheryl Angelleli, who consulted on the movie, shares how the filmmakers prioritized authentic representation. Ballroom is now streaming on major platforms. NEWLY INJURED SCI Navigator Program Helps People Chart a Path to a Better Life After Injury Whether you’re fresh out of rehab or you’ve been using a wheelchair for decades, finding your way through life after SCI can be overwhelming. The Kessler Foundation’s new SCI Navigator program aims to lighten the load by providing program participants with two professionals with SCI experience who help with everything from understanding paperwork and disability programs, to locating assistance for home modifications or finding transportation to medical appointments and more.

New Mobility publishes member content for United Spinal Association, whose mission is to empower wheelchair users to achieve their highest quality of life. Join here.

Copyright © 2026 United Spinal Association. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 102 Duane Road Fort Totten NY 11359

AUCD 2026: Register, Book Your Hotel, Explore the Agenda, and Prepare to Present

 

Join Us in Washington, DC!  November 8-11 | Washington, D.C. Register Today

AUCD invites network members, organizational partners, experts from across the disability field, individuals with disabilities, family members, students, and trainees to share ideas and learn from one another. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, the AUCD Conference offers opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and bring new insights back to your work.  For questions about registration invoices, please email events@aucd.org. Register Today! Registration closes on Oct. 28th

View Registration Information

Book Your Hotel

AUCD's conference will take place at the The Westin Washington, DC Downtown Hotel. AUCD has a room block for $280/night for single or double occupancy.  The Westin DC has 23 ADA rooms, 10 of which have roll-in showers. All of the hotels' roll-in shower rooms are in AUCD's room block. If you've requested an ADA room through your reservation at the Westin, please also complete this form to notify accommodations@aucd.org, to ensure your request is received. Room block closes on October 23rd

View Hotel Information

Presenter Corner

The AUCD Conference provides opportunities for attendees to expand their knowledge, strengthen and enhance their skills, and build meaningful connections with colleagues and peers from across the network and beyond. Prepare for your role as a Conference presenter with key information, resources, and guidance below. Review participation expectations, learn about session formats, submit your presentation materials, and find information about supporting full participation, shipping materials to the hotel and NEW Social Media Templates! Session Types Shipping to the Hotel Supporting Full Participation Uploading Materials to the Portal Download AUCD2026 PowerPoint Download Social Media Templates

Presenter Corner

AUCD is excited to see and learn from you November 8-11 in Washington, D.C. Sign up to receive the latest AUCD Conference updates. Use #AUCD2026 to share about the Conference on social media!

AUCD | 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1000 | Silver Spring, MD 20910

BrainStorm is this Wednesday: Who Am I Now?

 

BrainStorm is this Wednesday This month's topic of conversation is Behind the Mask: Who Am I Now? Brain injury can change how you see yourself, how others see you, and what feels familiar about your life. We’ll talk about identity after brain injury, what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what you’re still figuring out. Join other young adults this Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6:30–8 p.m. ET on Zoom. Register for BrainStorm Already registered? You’re all set. Check your Zoom confirmation email for the meeting link. BrainStorm is designed for young adults ages 18–29 living with brain injury. Learn more about BrainStorm.

Copyright © 2026 Brain Injury Association of South Carolina, All rights reserved.