My Summer at AUCD

This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Policy Team at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). This experience has deepened my appreciation for disability policy and reinforced my commitment to disability policy and advocacy.   

Exploring the Mission and Impact of AUCD  

Before starting as an intern, I was already familiar with AUCD’s mission through my experiences in college working with the Vanderbilt Next Steps program and the associated Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, one of the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) in the AUCD Network. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of a UCEDD and its programs within its local and state communities. With this foundation, I entered the summer eager to engage with the national AUCD Network and help the team put AUCD’s policy priorities into action.   

From the first week, the outstanding AUCD Policy Team set the tone for the purpose-driven work we do. Despite their small size, their dedication in the face of ongoing threats to programs and initiatives for people with disabilities was inspiring. Witnessing the ongoing policy challenges instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity, not just for my personal growth, but for all the individuals that make up the AUCD Network.   

Learning About Accessible Communication  

One of the most valuable experiences of my summer was developing plain language writing skills. Even with my background in disability advocacy, I underestimated the skills required to make complex policy truly accessible to all audiences. My early attempts at writing plain language documents opened my eyes to the finesse needed to translate policy language and news into clear, understandable content. Through practice writing plain language content for Disability Policy News and other AUCD outputs, I developed the confidence to break down complex topics, such as federal policy, advocacy initiatives, and legislative changes.   

These skills were fundamental in my work on Disability Policy for All with Liz, a video series on AUCD’s Instagram page featuring Liz Weintraub, AUCD’s Senior Advocacy Specialist. Even before starting my internship, I had heard about Liz’s incredible advocacy work, and collaborating with her was such a tremendous learning experience. Learning about her approach to communicating important policy topics to our AUCD community was eye-opening and developed my communication skills. During such an active period in disability policy, I was grateful to be a part of the team sharing such important news to our community of disability advocates in a timely and accessible format.  

Engaging with Congressional Advocacy  

Participating in congressional advocacy meetings was another highlight of my internship. To advocate for UCEDDs and their sustained funding, the AUCD Policy Team conducted meetings with congressional offices. I had the privilege of accompanying the team to a Hill meeting before taking the lead in facilitating a meeting with a congressional office by the end of the summer.   

After witnessing firsthand the impact of UCEDDs, I felt honored to share the valuable impact of the UCEDD Network with policymakers. Just like my experience writing plain language, congressional advocacy challenged me to articulate the importance of disability services in ways that drive meaningful action.   

Contributing to Advocacy Campaigns  

Contributing to recent AUCD campaigns, such as the “Speak Up for UCEDDs” campaign, provided me with insight into creating effective advocacy materials. Given the current threats facing the AUCD Network, my work on messaging guides and communication tools felt particularly meaningful. Through this work, I learned the crucial importance of highlighting the bipartisan support behind disability resources and services. At the end of the day, supporting people with disabilities has been and should continue to be a shared priority irrespective of political boundaries. Creating practical advocacy tools, such as the Congressional Recess Guide, was rewarding, knowing that these resources would help Centers and Programs advocate for their incredible work.   

Takeaways and Looking Forward  

The kindness and support I received from the AUCD community throughout my internship were incredible. Countless individuals within our Network welcomed me and made this experience so special. Their encouragement as I entered the disability policy field was both meaningful and motivating.   

As I prepare to begin medical school this fall, I am grateful for how this internship has expanded my understanding of how policy shapes the lives of people with disabilities. This summer solidified my commitment to making disability advocacy a central part of my future work as a physician. The lessons I learned about accessible communication, community engagement, and policy analysis will undoubtedly shape my approach to patient care. Despite the challenges facing the disability community, I leave this internship hopeful and more committed than ever to advancing the principles of AUCD and disability advocacy in my career.