CT LEND

02/20/2026

CT LEND was pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers today for Seminar 5 on postsecondary supports and legislative advocacy. George Michna, PhD, Bureau Chief at the Department of Aging and Disability Services, spoke about life after school ends, while Walt Glomb, Director of the Connecticut Developmental Disability Council, shared insights on advocacy and systems change, and Molly Cole, Director of the Connecticut State Independent Living Council, discussed 2026 legislative issues and advocacy priorities.

Students explored life after high school through state leadership, family experience, and advocacy perspectives, highlighting key policy issues in Connecticut, the transition to adult services, and the importance of inclusion through discussion of the film Including Samuel, emphasizing the collaborative systems that support individuals with disabilities as they move into adulthood.

CT Council on Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Department of Developmental Services

02/19/2026

Kids’ favorite show, Peppa Pig, is taking a meaningful step forward by introducing a disability storyline that reflects real-life experiences. In new episodes, Peppa’s little brother George is revealed to be moderately deaf and begins using a hearing aid. Helping normalize hearing differences and promote inclusivity for young audiences everywhere.

02/19/2026

We are pleased to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers for our upcoming LEND class on February 20, 2026. We are honored to welcome George Michna, PhD, Walt Glomb, Molly Cole, and Nick Glomb. Students will explore transitions to adult services, family perspectives, legislative advocacy, and discussion of the film: Including Samuel.

02/18/2026

For Black History Month, we recognize Johnnie Lacy. A trailblazer in the disability rights movement and a fierce advocate for representation and equity. As one of the first African American women with a disability to lead a Center for Independent Living, Lacy worked to ensure that Black disabled voices were included in leadership and advocacy spaces.

She challenged racism within the disability movement and ableism within civil rights spaces, pushing both to become more inclusive and just.

Johnnie Lacy’s work reminds us that true progress requires listening to those most often left out of the conversation.

02/17/2026

11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium: Youth Leading a Changing World
Wednesday, March 18, 2026

The Connecticut Secondary Transition Symposium brings students and their families together with educators and other professionals to improve secondary transition programming and services for students with disabilities.

The 11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium will build the capacity of educators and other professionals, in partnership with middle and high school students with disabilities and their families, to help ensure successful postsecondary outcomes. There will be a variety of presentations for families, youth, and professionals.

The symposium is one full-day, in-person session. The event is hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), and the State Education Resource Center (SERC). Other supporting stakeholders include; the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS), the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC), the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Connecticut RESC Alliance (Regional Educational Service Centers), and the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).

11th Annual Secondary Transition Symposium: Youth Leading a Changing World *This is a one (1) day event - Wed. March 18, 2026

02/14/2026

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — This spring, high schoolers will take part in prom. On Friday, prom-like festivities around the country were hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The gu…

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day weekend, more than 100,000 people with disabilities will be celebrated at special proms around the world as part of Night to Shine, an annual event organized by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Over 950 churches across all 50 states and more than 70 countries are hosting inclusive, free proms for individuals with disabilities ages 14 and up.

Each event features a red carpet entrance, dancing, karaoke, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides, and a catered dinner. Sensory-friendly spaces and respite areas for caregivers are also available. At the end of the night, every guest is crowned king or queen of the prom.

Night to Shine is about joy, dignity, and making sure people with disabilities are truly seen and celebrated.

02/13/2026

CT LEND trainees had a packed and powerful Seminar today! We were thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of guest speakers who shared state and national perspectives on special education policy, practice, and the lived experiences of families across early childhood and school-age systems. Thank you to Bryan and Renee from State Department of Education, Tom Cosker shared his family's story and his perspective from his role at Disability Rights Connecticut. From a national perspective, we learned from John Eisenberg, Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, and Courtney Houle shared her Birth to Three experience
So much learning, thoughtful discussion, and connection—all in one day. This is what leadership development looks like!

02/12/2026

We are excited to welcome an outstanding group of guest speakers to our upcoming LEND class on February 13. Bryan Klimkiewicz, Special Education Bureau Chief at the Connecticut State Department of Education, and Renee Kleinman, Early Childhood Consultant in the Special Education Bureau, will present on Special Education in Connecticut: Current Status and Priorities.

Tom Cosker will share a parent perspective, highlighting lived experience and advocacy. John Eisenberg, Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, will provide a national view of special education, and Courtney Houle will share a family story that brings these topics to life.

02/08/2026

On Friday, February 6, the CT UCEDD office wore red to take part in National Wear Red Day. This day, held each year on the first Friday in February, helps bring attention to heart disease in women, which is the leading cause of death for women of all ages.

By wearing red, we joined people across the country in showing our support for heart health and for those affected by cardiovascular disease. Heart Month continues throughout February, and we encourage everyone to keep wearing red and sharing photos to help raise awareness and support lifesaving efforts.

02/06/2026

Today, LEND was pleased to host another engaging class featuring insightful presenters. We were honored to welcome Jennifer Vendetti from UConn Health Parenting, who presented on Transitions After Birth: The Role of Home Visiting in Family Support.

Maureen Greer from the Infant Toddlers Coordinators Association shared a national perspective on Part C of IDEA, and Nicole Cossette, Connecticut’s Part C Coordinator, provided a state perspective on Part C of IDEA in Connecticut.

We are grateful to our speakers for taking the time to share their knowledge and expertise with our LEND trainees and community.

02/05/2026

Our LEND class on Feb. 6 will feature Jennifer Vendetti from UConn Health Parenting, Nicole Cossette CT Part C Coordinator, and Maureen Greer of the Infant Toddlers Coordinators Association. We are excited to welcome them.