IOD Newsletter May 2026

Executive Orders Address Rights and Protections in PA

On Wednesday, April 15, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed three executive orders to strengthen the rights and protections of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The Institute's Mary Kay Cunningham, assistant director of technical assistance and our UCEDD representative on the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, joined him along with self-advocates, disability allies, and organizations such as the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc of Pennsylvania, and others across the state.

Thank you for representing the IOD (Institute on Disabilities) at this important event, Mary Kay. The IOD is looking forward to seeing these important steps put into action!

Mary Kay Cunningham stands next to Governor Shapiro and two others

PA Governor Josh Shapiro (center left) poses with Mary Kay Cunningham (center right) and other event attendees

Updates from the IOD

IOD Staff Updates

Jenifer Taylor Eaton, assistant director of research and evaluation, defended her dissertation, earning a PhD in educational psychology; Aidan Campagnolio, graduate student and trainee at the IOD, was highlighted in an article that discussed his background, academic work, and commitment to disability advocacy; and Guy Caruso was awarded the Sesqui Award for Policy, which will be given to him at the 150th AAIDD annual meeting in May. Congrats, all!

IOD Hosts Youth Leadership Conference

On Monday, April 8th, the Institute on Disabilities was proud to co-sponsor and host the 12th annual Youth Leadership Conference, which welcomed students from the Philadelphia School District as they learned about post-secondary educational options, employment opportunities, and available resources for adults with disabilities. Thanks to our staff who helped coordinate and host this event, as well as our partners, the School District of Philadelphia and the Arc of Philadelphia.

Young adults in their seats at conference tables

IOD at Disability Pride Harrisburg

Earlier this month, the IOD tabled at Disability Pride in Harrisburg! Eva Weiss and Shirley Baker handed out giveaways and talked to attendees about our programs. Thank you for representing the IOD, Eva and Shirley!

C2P2 Podcast and Video

Our C2P2 program is up and running this year, with participants learning more about self-advocacy, disability history, and more! Check out this video we made with 2025 C2P2 graduates about the benefits of the program, as well as this podcast featuring a conversation between IOD staff Jon Fulton and current C2P2 participant Michelle Steiner! Look out for more content featuring IOD Staff and C2P2 participants.

A person with red, white, black, and silver-painted nails holds a white, red, and black pin with the text C2P2

IOD Presents at LEND

Guy Caruso, as Western Coordinator, is the IOD's community partner for the University of Pittsburgh's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders (LEND) program, and represented the IOD at LEND's April 22nd Community Partners event, as well as its Leadership Day on April 29th. Thanks, Guy!