University of Michigan Motor & Visual Development Lab

Interesting blog that references one of our papers (Miller et al., 2024)…we love it when people bring attention to the role of motor problems in autism! 🤓🙌🏼 Thanks Nigh.functioning.Autism for the shout out! For those those interested in learning more about this topic, we’ve got a few more papers you may want to check out on Dr. Miller’s Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tpPzzFcAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Email [email protected] if anything is behind a paywall, we’re always happy to send you a PDF! 🫶🏼

What I Call the Real Autism Spectrum

Ann Arbor Summer Fest KidZone Career Night was a success! We loved connecting with community members to talk about science and what our lab does! ✨

Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are vital spaces for accessible technology, information, internet access, learning, and community connection.

Join the LEAD-Inclusive Network (LEAD-IN) Team from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition for a virtual training on how libraries can better support people with disabilities.

Inclusive Libraries: Supporting the Disability Community in Your Library

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Virtual on Zoom

Register here: https://inclusivelibraries.eventbrite.com

ASL interpretation and CART captioning provided

This training is designed for library staff, community members, advocates, and anyone interested in creating more welcoming and accessible library spaces.

The LEAD-IN Program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

[Image description: Square graphic promoting MDRC’s virtual training, “Inclusive Libraries: Supporting the Disability Community in Your Library,” on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. The graphic includes LEAD Inclusive Network, MDRC, and MIDDC logos, plus a photo of two smiling children in a library, one standing and one using a wheelchair. Text says the training will cover disability inclusion, common barriers, practical accessibility strategies, and MDRC resources. ASL and CART captioning will be provided. Register at https://inclusivelibraries.eventbrite.com]

People who are blind or have low vision, when visiting a restroom, may need to touch more surfaces than sighted individuals to locate the same facilities.

Tom Babinszki, an accessibility consultant at Even Grounds, has the solution through his project: tactile 3D-printed restroom maps. These maps are mini replicas of a restroom that you can feel—showing miniature versions of the sink, toilet, paper holder, hand dryer, urinals, and doors. Placed next to the ADA restroom sign, they let you preview the layout before entering, so you can navigate independently with minimal contact with surfaces.

Learn more: bit.ly/tactile-maps.

Connect. Learn. Lead. If you missed Black Motherhood & Disability: Care Access & Joy, the recording is now available on YouTube.

This powerful conversation centers Black mothers navigating disability, as parents with disabilities and as parents of children with disabilities, while exploring caregiving, maternal health, access to services, and the joy that fuels strength and leadership.

Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/XjGhGFXgpIY



This training was provided by the LEAD Program at MDRC and funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

[Image description: A square promotional graphic with a cream background and purple accents announces: “New Video Now Online!” The main title reads, “LEAD Program: Black Motherhood & Disability: Care, Access & Joy.” On the right, there is an illustration of a pregnant Black woman sitting in a wheelchair. A purple circle says, “Watch Now on YouTube!” with a YouTube play icon. A quote on the left from a participant reads, “This is something we should require all people who work with people with disabilities to listen to.” Along the bottom, a purple call-to-action bar says, “Watch Now & Share!” followed by “Let’s build a more inclusive, accessible future, together.”]

Hi everyone! We are the Motor and Visual Development Lab at the University of Michigan! We are recruiting 18-20 year old autistic adults to participate in our paid research study! Please see the attached flyer to fill out a brief intake form if you’re interested!

Here is a link to participate: https://redcap.link/MVDLabPMAP

Black Disabled Motherhood: Care, Access, and Joy Join us as we explore racism, ableism & maternal health for Black moms with disabilities & moms of disabled kids, celebrating joy!

Join us for National Adaptive Sports Day on April 28th at Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston! More information to come!
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