University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development

Congratulations to Lynn Perry and Daniel Messinger on being honored at the 2026 Provost Awards for their collaborative research advancing early childhood education. Alongside Chaoming Song, they were recognized for interdisciplinary work exploring inclusion, engagement, and interaction in early childhood classrooms. By combining perspectives from psychology and physics, their research is helping deepen our understanding of learning environments and informing educational practices for children with autism, hearing loss, and other developmental challenges. 🎉

Read more about the Provost Awards here: https://news.miami.edu/stories/2026/honoring-faculty-accomplishments.html

ArtAbilities returned to the Mailman Center last week, showcasing incredible artwork created by students with disabilities throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

From bold colors to unique artistic expression, each piece highlighted the creativity, talent, and perspective of its artist. We were honored to celebrate alongside students, teachers, families, and faculty during an evening of art, music, and community.

Thank you to all who participated and helped make the event such a special success.

The AUCD Conference is calling for proposals! Share your work, connect with leaders, and help shape the future of disability services, research, and advocacy.

🗓 Deadline: June 20, 2026
👉 Learn more and submit today!
🔗 https://www.aucd.org/conference/proposals-2026



ID: A promotional graphic for the AUCD 2026 Annual Conference. At the top, it features the AUCD logo and the text: “Impact through Innovation and Partnership.” Below that: “November 8–12 • Washington, DC.” The main headline reads: “Call for Proposals,” with a submission deadline of “June 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.” Supporting text invites people to share work, research, and experiences in the disability field by submitting proposals for a concurrent session, poster, or both. It notes that sessions are designed to allow flexible learning and presenting styles. At the bottom, a link says: “Learn more here: www.aucd.org/conference.” The design includes abstract colorful lines and a silhouette of Washington, DC landmarks along the bottom.

Jada Garnett, a graduating senior in the University of Miami’s CAPS program, recently reflected on her transformative practicum experience at the Mailman Center in a student spotlight from the School of Education and Human Development.

In the feature, she shares how mentorship from Mailman Center and LEND staff helped shape her path toward a future in child psychology.

Read more about Jada’s journey and impact:

Student Spotlight: Jada Garnett on Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Community Impact Jada Garnett doesn’t mince words when describing her major: The Community and Applied Psychological Studies (CAPS) program at the University of Miami “has had a profound impact on her life.” 

At the Mailman Center for Child Development, our Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST, Inc.) program is expanding access to assistive technology for individuals and families across South Florida.

Through this free, hands-on resource, community members can explore and borrow tools that support communication, learning, mobility and independence.

Check out this article to learn more about how FAAST is helping bring assistive technology within reach—and how research, innovation and community outreach are driving real impact.

FAAST Brings Assistive Technology Within Reach at Miller School Open House - InventUM The FAAST program helps Floridians explore assistive technology. An open house highlighted free tools and research‑driven impact.

Applications are now open for the next SALT (Self-Advocacy & Leadership Training) class!

This 3-day, in-person program (June 1, 2 & 4, 10 AM–4 PM) helps adults with disabilities build leadership skills and advocate for themselves and their communities. Open to ages 18+. The deadline for applications is May 26th.

Click here to apply: https://redcap.miami.edu/surveys/?s=8MPDDK7ED49YKXX4

For more information, visit the Mailman Center website or contact program staff Jairo Arana (305-243-6801) and Shelly Baer (305-689-7058).

Today is National Assistive Technology Awareness Day, recognizing the essential role assistive technology plays in the lives of people with disabilities and older adults. These tools support independence, communication, learning, and employment, and are not luxuries but necessities that expand access to education and community life. Today, our FAAST program hosted an open house featuring a Smart Home demo showcasing assistive and accessible technologies such as AAC and environmental controls, an Obi feeding device, smart home devices, and eye/head tracking systems, along with vendors providing hands-on support and demonstrations.

Assistive technology changes what's possible, and access to it changes lives.

April is Autism Acceptance Month.

At the Mailman Center, we celebrate neurodiversity and the unique strengths, perspectives, and voices of individuals with autism. Acceptance means creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. Not just this month, but every day!

Small changes. Big impact!

A University of Miami Miller School of Medicine study, conducted at the Children’s Hearing Program and involving Mailman Center researchers Dr. Jennifer Coto, Dr. Ivette Cejas, and Dr. Chrisanda Sanchez, found that a low-cost, standardized clinic workflow can significantly improve care for children with hearing loss.

The results: nearly doubled genetic testing referrals and more than tripled completed genetics appointments, helping close the gap between national guidelines and real-world care.

These efforts are helping more families get timely answers and access the support they need.

Click here to read more:

Simple Workflow Changes Double Genetic Testing Referrals for Children With Hearing Loss - InventUM Standardized clinic workflows nearly doubled genetic testing referrals and tripled completed genetics visits for children with hearing loss.