Current Trainings
Empowering Conversations: Navigating Sexual Health for Kids and Young Adults with ID/DD
ASK Resource Center ASK An Expert
Monday, January 19, 2026 – 12:00 to 1:00 PM
In this session, participants will discover the importance of discussing sexual health and well-being for all individuals, focusing specifically on those with ID/DD. We will explore strategies for initiating and navigating these conversations in a supportive and understanding manner.
ASK an Expert: Everything You Need to Know About Host Homes
ASK Resource Center ASK An Expert
Monday, January 26, 2026 – 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Join ASK, Abby Barker from Mosaic, and Joan Baumert, a guardian of an individual who lives in a host home, to learn what host homes are and how they provide personalized, community-based support for people with disabilities. We’ll explain how host homes work, the types of support they offer, and share real examples of successful host home partnerships—including a family perspective.
This session is designed for families and caregivers who want to understand this unique and supportive living option better.
Transforming Brain Injury Care Incorporating Assistive Technology: Resources and Strategies for Survivors, Caregivers, and Professionals
Brain Injury Association of Iowa
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Presented by: Jessie Rudin, Rural Rehabilitation/AT Center Statewide Professional – Easterseals
*IBC approved for 1.0 hour / Generic
2026 Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill
Autism Society of Iowa
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Iowa State Capitol, 1007 E. Grand Ave.,
Des Moines, IA 50319
Join us for our 16th annual Autism Advocacy and Acceptance Day on the Hill!
Rally in the rotunda, hear personal stories, receive advocacy training, browse our resource partners, and meet your legislators.
Mindspring Hosts Webinars & Events
Free Training Opportunities
January 2026 dates
Webinar Series
Mindspring provides free mental health education opportunities to the public through webinars on a wide variety of mental health topics. Webinars are hosted every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00pm-1:00pm, and Wednesday from 10:00-11:00pm and 12:00pm-1:00pm CST.
All webinars are free and open to the public. Webinars are recorded and emailed to all registrants. Certificates of attendance are administered to anyone who participates in the live webinar and completes the survey at the end.
Upcoming Events
Unleashing Value and Talent: JAN and EARN Resources for Today's Workforce
Hosted by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Thursday, February 12, 2026 – 1:00 to 2:00 PM
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) works to ensure that Americans with disabilities have opportunities to build careers, contribute their talent, and achieve economic mobility.
A central part of this mission is providing employers and others with practical, high-quality services and resources that translate policy into practice and help organize supports that lead to success.
Positive Behavioral Supports
1-day, regional training program
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave.,
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Positive Behavioral Supports is a 1-day, regional training program open to all providers of home- and community-based services interested in helping individuals transition to homes in community settings through Iowa’s Money Follows the Person grant.
There is no charge to attend the training, and training materials will be provided by the Money Follows the Person grant.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing Among Latino Families of Children with Autism and IDD
Healthy Weight Research Network
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Latino children with autism and other developmental disabilities (ASD/IDD) face elevated risks of poor health outcomes, largely due to significant structural and cultural barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, Latina mothers of children with ASD/IDD also experience elevated risks of poor health. To promote healthier lifestyles and improve health outcomes, a culturally tailored health education program called PODER Familiar was implemented with Latino families in Texas and Illinois. Dr. Magaña will present results from the randomized controlled trial (RCT) in this webinar.
Disability and Language
Very Few "Right Answers" But Lots to Think About
Thursday, January 29, 2026 – 12:00 to 1:00 PM
The January Lens Webinar Series will feature Dr. Margaret Price, who will explore how language, identity, and accessibility intersect in everyday communication.
What’s the “right” way to talk about disability? Which terms are current, and which should be retired? How can we respectfully learn what labels or language a friend, colleague, or student prefers? And what about common idioms — is it awkward to say “See you later!” to a blind friend, or invite a wheelchair user to “take a walk”? These are some of the questions Dr. Price will address in her presentation.
Training Sources
Training Calendar
Please visit our interactive calendar to find trainings on disability-related topics, including autism, brain injury, mental health, self-advocacy and transition. We invite you to share trainings with us and others using the "Add Event" button on this calendar.
Please visit our Contact Us page on this website for more information or support.
Health Care Provider Training
Free suite of videos
Assuring Access to Quality Health Care for Persons with Disabilities is a free suite of videos aimed at educating current and future health care professionals on strategies to effectively communicate with and accommodate patients with a variety of disabilities.
Disability Exchange Podcast
The Disability Exchange (DX) podcast is produced and presented by the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Iowa’s UCEDD, at the Center for Disabilities and Development. Join UCEDD staff and podcast co-hosts, Mike Hoenig, Laury Scheidler and Judy Warth, for this engaging series.
All episodes of the DX podcast are available on the Anchor by Spotify platform
Or search for “Disability Exchange” wherever you get your podcasts. And find links to a variety of other platforms on the DX Anchor by Spotify page. DX is not yet available on Apple podcasts.
Joanna Sabha produces the DX podcast for the UCEDD. Get in touch with her if you have questions or would like to learn more about it at Joanna-sabha@uiowa.edu or 319-356-1347.
Download transcripts of new podcast episodes, below, or catch up with episodes from previous seasons.
Access to Training
Our Training Sources page provides links to a variety of training resources that are available on an ongoing basis. Most of these resources are online, available any day, any time. Check websites for fees associated with the trainings.
The Conner Training Connection makes every effort to assure these listings are up-to-date. Visit our Training Sources page.
