NARRATOR: At home
At work.
At school.
This is how I want to live my life.
WOMAN: This is what I want for my child.
ANOTHER WOMAN: This is how I want
other people to see me.
NARRATOR: Like everyone, people with disabilities
want the right to go to school,
get a good job,
make their own choices,
and contribute to the community.
But throughout our history
expectations have been low,
obstacles have been thrown in the way,
and opportunities taken away.
To make sure that doesn't happen, we need lots of tools
good laws
well-trained teachers, clinicians
solid research, innovative services.
That's why Congress created a network of centers
that focus on disability issues.
The centers do their work under many different names
and together they form the
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Or AUCD.
AUCD Members build bridges between the community
and universities,
making sure great ideas and new information
are shared between people with disabilities,
their families and friends,
lawmakers, doctors, teachers, and more.
Around the country and around the world.
It all started in 1962.
President John F. Kennedy
assembled a panel of experts to
make recommendations on what the
federal government could do for people with
intellectual disabilities.
People like his sister, Rosemary.
The president urged
Congress to pass a law to create 19 university-based
centers focused on intellectual disability.
By harnessing the resources and ingenuity of the
entire country and giving voice
to people with disabilities, their needs
could be addressed.
Today, the AUCD networks spans 125 centers and
programs nationwide,
with at least one in every state and territory.
AUCD members are people with disabilities
and family members.
who lead the disability community.
We are teachers and faculty members
who educate futures professionals to serve
people with disabilities.
we are students,
therapists,
and doctors
who provide exceptional clinical and
community-based services
when families need it most.
AUCD Members
are researchers who find the next scientific
breakthrough that will change lives.
We are advocates,
advancing policies and supporting communities to
meet s individual needs.
AUCD members make up a network that
is growing leaders and driving change.
By working as a network
AUCD members learn from each other,
share knowledge and expertise,
and help and empower people with disabilities
across the country.
Want to learn more?
Find the AUCD member in your state or territory
and receive the latest disability news and policy updates
from AUCD at www.aucd.org
Follow us on social media
@AUCDNetwork on Facebook and
@AUCDNews on Twitter