Author: Atkinson, Cassidy

AAPD 2024 Fall Internship Program

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Atkinson, Cassidy

The American Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD) is pleased to share that the 2024 Fall Internship Program application is now open. AAPD is a national cross-disability civil rights organization that aims to increase the political and economic power of 60+ million people with disabilities. We know that young people with disabilities often face barriers accessing meaningful employment opportunities. Since 2002, AAPD established the Summer Internship Program to provide students and recent graduates with disabilities meaningful employment opportunities, a supportive cohort, and leadership development.

The Fall Internship Program places college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in a 14-week, fully remote, and paid internships with Congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

For 2024, the AAPD Fall Internship Program will be a 14-week program, with interns remotely from across the country. In addition to their internship, interns also receive individual mentorship, participate in bi-weekly classes in the Disability Advocacy Certificate Program, and have opportunities to connect with the broader disability community through networking and community events.

We are linking a Communications Toolkit that includes email templates, social media messaging, and a graphic that may be helpful to you in spreading the word. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Johnson, Program Manager at internships@aapd.com.

Workforce Recruitment Program

Posted on August 15, 2023August 15, 2023 by Atkinson, Cassidy

Neuro-Inclusive Candidate Network

Posted on August 10, 2023November 20, 2023 by Atkinson, Cassidy

Click HERE to join the Neuro-Inclusive Candidate Network!

What does "neurodiversity" mean, actually?

Neurodiversity commonly refers to (but is not limited to) autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, OCD, dyscalculia, and Tourette's. Neurodivergent (ND) minds perceive, communicate, and behave differently than so-called "neurotypical" brains.

How is my neurodiversity related to my employment

Neurodivergent people bring unique ways of thinking to the world. Companies actively seek those different perspectives in employees, and are focused on creating more neurodiverse workplaces that are supportive of your differences!

What is the Neuro-Inclusive Candidate Network (NCN)?

The NCN connects ND students and recent alumni with employers who understand and value their differences. The NCN is an initiative of the University Council for Neurodiversity Employment - a coalition of over 60 schools led by UConn.

How does the NCN work?

Click this link to join
Complete your Candidate Profile
Receive neurodiversity-related employment opportunities and information
Get access to the NCN career resources website

How do I know if the NCN is right for me?

The NCN is right for you if you are a current or recent college-level student ( who identifies as neurodiverse and would like to join a community of peers who get connected to neurodiversity-related employment opportunities.

Disability Pride Month

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Atkinson, Cassidy

July is Disability Pride Month, a commemoration of the signing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, and since then, to celebrate the identities, culture and contributions of people with disabilities in the United States and worldwide. This year, the Center for Students with Disabilities would like to invite the UConn community to join us in marking this important time by reading The Secret Life of a Black Aspie, an exciting new memoir from writer Anand Prahlad, that explores the author’s autism and Black cultural identity.

CSD would also like to invite our colleagues to attend an open house on Wednesday, July 26, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in our office, Room 204 of the Wilbur Cross building. We’ll provide ice cream and hope to be able to offer some assistive technology demonstrations, answer questions about assessments and scheduling, and just have a chance to talk with you. Please rsvp to csd@uconn.edu if you plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, contact: Tim Smagacz at timothy.smagacz@uconn.edu.

ASL Learning Community

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Atkinson, Cassidy

The ASL Learning Community was highlighted on Fox 61! Check it out here!

2022 – 2023 Prospective Student Sessions

Posted on September 29, 2022September 29, 2022 by Atkinson, Cassidy

Virtual Admitted and Prospective Student Information Sessions for Fall 2022 and Spring 2023

CSD will host virtual admitted and prospective student information sessions in the fall and spring semesters. Sessions will introduce high school students to the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at UConn and discuss the differences between high school and college accommodation request and coordination processes. Additionally, information about CSD’s enhanced services program, Beyond Access, will be shared. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. We look forward to meeting you!

Virtual prospective student information sessions dates/times:

Fall 2022: Prospective Student Sessions
**all sessions will be held from 2:00pm-4:00pm**

Monday October 10, 2022
Tuesday October 25, 2022
Friday November 11, 2022
Wednesday November 30, 2022

Spring 2023: Prospective/Admitted Student Sessions
**all sessions will be held from 2:00pm-4:00pm

Monday February 20, 2023
Tuesday March 7, 2023
Thursday March 23, 2023
Friday April 7, 2023
Wednesday April 12, 2023
Tuesday April 18, 2023

If you are interested in attending one of the above dates email csd@uconn.edu to reserve a space and receive a link to the session.

Neurodiversity Hiring Pilot Program (Mentra)

Posted on September 21, 2022 by Atkinson, Cassidy

UConn and CSD recognize the importance of supporting neurodivergent students’ unique needs in their pursuit of internships and post-graduation employment.

We are excited to share a Neurodiversity Employment Pilot Program using a tool called Mentra which you can now use to match with job and internship opportunities at companies that seek and value your neurodiversity!

How does Mentra help you?

Mentra’s platform helps you develop a holistic profile of yourself that supplements your resume and better captures your strengths and accommodations needs
Mentra automatically matches you with employers educated in neurodiversity inclusion for positions that align with your profile, and sends them your information
You can also independently express interest in any roles posted on the platform
Mentra provides guidance and mentorship to candidates to ensure job readiness

Please register in TWO places:

The link to register with UConn’s Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation is here. By registering, you will receive information about this pilot and other neurodiversity employment opportunities.
The link for participating in the pilot program is here.