The CACTI Blog: Emerging Leaders in Action - Insights from a Trainee’s First AUCD Conference

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) conference in Washington, D.C. from November 4-8, 2023. The AUCD network hosts this annual conference for people across the nation to come together and share their experiences. This event brings together professionals, trainees, and advocates to connect and celebrate the amazing work being done in the disability field. To highlight the leadership of people with disabilities and individuals throughout the network, the theme of the 2023 AUCD conference was Emerging Leaders: Shaping the Future. 

I was delighted when I was invited to attend the conference and present a poster for a project I contributed to. The project is titled, “Collaboration is Key: Creating Friendships through Cooking and Intergenerational Belonging”. It involved inclusive cooking classes for people with disabilities and people of different age groups. Presenting our work at the poster symposium was one of my highlights of the conference. I met such wonderful people who were genuinely interested in our work and shared their own experiences with me. I had insightful conversations with other scholars and self-advocates who shared their passion for teaching independent living skills. This was my first time feeling so warm and connected with others in such a professional setting; I felt like my work mattered and that I was making contributions to the disability field. Aside from presenting at the conference, I also had a great experience attending sessions and networking with other individuals. It was meaningful to connect with other trainees from around the nation and to learn about their diverse passions and interests. I also connected with professionals who shared their backgrounds and experiences, which helped me reflect on the possibilities of my future work. Overall, it was a pleasure to be in such a friendly, accepting atmosphere that made me feel like I truly belonged. 

What especially stood out to me from the conference was the discussions on leadership. Aligning with the conference’s theme that year, many sessions focused on emerging leadership and being a leader in the AUCD network. I attended a meeting about making connections within the AUCD network, with the speakers being leaders of UCEDDs (University Centers on Developmental Disabilities) in different states. During the session, the topic of imposter syndrome came up. Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your abilities, even when you are skilled and successful. It intrigued me to learn that these leaders sometimes did not feel qualified for their roles. Thinking of the leadership team at the Sonoran Center, I highly look up to them and could not imagine them feeling this way. Our director, Jacy Farkas, even won the Young Professional Award in recognition of her great accomplishments. However, she shared that imposter syndrome is a real feeling that leaders experience. With leaders across the network having this shared feeling, I reflected more on the leadership roles of people with disabilities. 

In the past, people with disabilities may not have been considered leaders due to stigma and discrimination. Throughout history, however, we have seen evidence of disabled people taking on leadership roles and succeeding. There are many factors contributing to this, including more accommodations and person-centered support. Society is also moving away from the medical model that views disability as a disease to be cured. Instead, disabilities are increasingly viewed through a social model that highlights disability as an integral aspect of an individual’s identity. This is showcased through conferences such as this one, which highlights the successes and leadership of people with disabilities. This event amplified the voices of leaders with disabilities and encouraged emerging leaders like me to acknowledge the impact we can make as trainees.

Attending the AUCD Conference helped me gain more confidence in my sense of leadership as a trainee, and I am grateful for the leadership skills I have gained from being with the Sonoran Center. I would like to express gratitude to my team and mentors for the opportunity to attend this conference. To our past, current, and future trainees, I would share that you are emerging leaders who can shape the future.

Learn more about what Nadine is up to since graduation and their new role with the UCEDD network

The CACTI Blog features the voices of our interdisciplinary trainees and Community Advisory Council members as they highlight diverse images of people with disabilities and provide community information and advocacy on disability issues. Check Out The CACTI Blog