The University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Annual In-Person Conference 2026
May 18, 2026
8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Georgetown University
2115 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Getting There
Room 186
The Conference is free, but parking is not. Metro-accessible Gallery Place/Chinatown
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Conference Sponsors
- Georgetown University, Center for Child and Human Development, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GUCEDD)
- Georgetown University, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GULEND)
- Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies, Certificate in Early Intervention
Co-Sponsors
Bridging Early Relational Health and Early Intervention:
From Science to Practice
Event Details
Infants, toddlers, and young children grow and thrive through their relationships with the people who care for them. When those relationships are strong, children are better able to learn, develop, and face challenges. This session brings together leading researchers and clinicians from Georgetown University to explore what this means for Early Intervention practice.
Presenters will share the latest science on Early Relational Health and show how Early Intervention providers can build stronger partnerships with families, support children’s social and emotional development, and use mental health consultation as a practical tool in their work.
Following the presentation, Early Intervention directors from across the region will respond and reflect on what these ideas look like in DC, Maryland, and Virginia today.
Lunch will be provided to those who register in advance.
Register Today!
Accessibility:
- Interpretation in Spanish & American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided.
- For other accommodations, please email Safiya Hassan at sh1758@georgetown.edu by May 4th.
2026 GUCEDD Conference Presenters
David Willis, MD | Toby Long, PhD | Neal Horen, PhD | Jenn Drake-Croft, MSSW Georgetown University Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities
2026 GUCEDD Conference Discussants
Chelsea Latney, Part C Coordinator, Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program
Kathy Toscano, Montgomery County Early Intervention Program
Adrianna Gallego, Part C Coordinator, Infant and Toddler Connection of Fairfax County, Virginia
Moderated by GUCEDD Associate Director and GULEND Director, Dr. Pamala Trivedi.
Join us immediately after the GUCEDD Conference to a GUCEDD-sponsored event with Project ACTION!
Project ACTION!
Past, Present, and Future: The Power of Advocacy
May 18, 2026
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Georgetown University
2115 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001 – Getting There
Room 186
This Project ACTION! event is free, but parking is not. Metro-accessible Gallery Place/Chinatown
Contact Us
Event Sponsors
- Georgetown University, Center for Child and Human Development, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GUCEDD)
- Georgetown University, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (GULEND)
This community event celebrates the history of self-advocacy and partnerships in Washington, DC, and looks honestly at where we are today and where we want to go.
We will hear stories from people who lived through the era of institutions like Forest Haven, and from those who fought alongside families and partners to close them. A self-advocate panel will lift up intergenerational leadership, from those who crawled up the Capitol steps to fight for their rights, to young people planning their futures today. We will also hear from Sandy Bernstein of Disability Rights DC about service cuts that are happening right now in the District and what they mean for people’s independence.
Together, we will ask: what do we want the next 100 years to look like? Attendees will be invited to add their own ideas to a community wall.
The afternoon will close with a DJ and dance party. All voices, all generations, and all communities are welcome.