University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies

07/27/2026

Today marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of disability.

For 36 years, the ADA has helped expand opportunities and strengthen protections for millions of people with disabilities. Visit acl.gov/ada to explore the history of the ADA, learn about its continuing impact, and find real stories from people whose experiences reflect its promise.

07/17/2026

CCIDS joins Disability Rights Maine and so many others in the disability community in mourning the unexpected loss of Staci Converse, an attorney and fierce advocate in the disability community. This is a huge loss. Our hearts go out to Staci's family.

SOUTH PORTLAND - Staci Kay Converse, an unyielding pillar of developmental disability rights in Maine, died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 8, 2026. ...

07/08/2026

NH-ME LEND has a few spots left for the 2026-2027 program. Apply today!

Are you ready to level up your skills and understanding of the systems of care of children with autism and developmental disabilities in New Hampshire and Maine? Are you looking for a place to learn alongside an interdisciplinary group of people with backgrounds in education, being a family member of a child or sibling with disabilities, genetics, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, self advocacy, social work, special education, or speech therapy to name a few?!

LEND trainees develop leadership skills related to interdisciplinary, family-centered, responsive systems of care for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families. A requirement of the program includes a commitment of at least 300 hours over a 9-month period typically from late August 2026 through early May 2027.

NH-ME LEND is federally funded by the Health Resources Services Administration. Enrollment and participation in our 2026-2027 program is pending that our LEND program receives notice of the NH-ME LEND federal grant award/ pending federal funding.

Apply now! Applications will remain open until the NH-ME LEND cohort is full.
https://iod.unh.edu/nh-me-lend

06/01/2026

Maine Working Together
Online Training:
Job Development and Business Engagement

06/01/2026

Maine Working Together
Summer Learning Opportunities
Unpaid Work: What’s Allowed, What’s Not, and Why It Matters

05/15/2026

“The 'R-word' was not originally a slur, but through a process called the 'euphemism treadmill' it’s become offensive.”