Nicholas Lamar Wright, Ph.D. & Stephanie Meredith, DrPH

Black and Hispanic families of children with Down syndrome are too often left out of research conversations that directly affect them. Drawing on community conversations with families, self-advocates, clinicians, and researchers, this article highlights what trust, inclusion, and meaningful partnership should look like in Down syndrome research and care.

From Strokes of Genius and Positive Exposure

Visual Voices: Art of the Spectrum celebrates autistic abilities through the works of four extraordinary artists. Each artist transforms the canvas into a dialogue of color and texture that shapes how they make sense of the world.

Dr. Steve Perlman

Despite high rates of victimization, particularly for those with limited communication skills, systemic barriers and failures to investigate often leave abuse against vulnerable individuals unprosecuted.

Helen Editorial: Dr. Rick Rader

Using Ben-Hur, the history of Hansen’s disease, and current events, this article explores how illness can become a vehicle for stigma and social exile. It argues that the enduring lesson of leprosy is not fear, but the need for empathy, tolerance, and inclusion.

Lawrence Carter-Long

Mainstream media too often rewards disability stories that feel safe, sentimental, and predictable. This article calls for authentic, disability-driven narratives that embrace complexity and move beyond the tropes audiences have been trained to expect.

Miriam Edelman, MPA, MSSW

Disability competency should not be optional in healthcare. This article makes the case for requiring continuing education on disabilities, showing how gaps in training can lead to bias, poor care, and harmful outcomes for patients with disabilities.

Elena Salgado

Explore how Hoangmai H. Pham’s Bridge from Saigon connects immigration, identity, motherhood, and disability advocacy. Her memoir reveals how personal hardship and the search for better care for her autistic son helped inspire a mission to improve healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Explore how the Association on Aging with Developmental Disabilities is bringing professionals together to improve support for older adults with developmental disabilities. The 35th Annual Aging with Developmental Disabilities Conference will offer practical learning, networking, and cross-sector collaboration focused on helping people age with dignity, independence, and the support they need.

The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) recently hosted its first alumni event of the year, bringing together global leaders, faculty experts, students, and partners to highlight innovation, collaboration, and leadership in advancing oral health worldwide.

FOX 2, St. Louis, MO

In 1972, Dr. Michael Wilkins, a physician at the Willowbrook State School in New York, exposed atrocious living conditions for over 5,000 disabled residents. After being fired for organizing parents against inhumane treatment, Wilkins enabled reporter Geraldo Rivera to document the facility, sparking lawsuits that led to federal civil rights protection for the disabled and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much.

Check here for upcoming events and webinars, and articles from our partner organizations.

A Round-up of Journals Published Around the World

Cognitive Decline Linked to Hearing Loss, New Autism Diagnosis, Air Pollution Tied to Physical Disability, and more.