The Early Childhood Intervention Doctoral Consortium (ECiDC) prepares scholars to become leaders in early intervention, and early childhood special education, and related services (Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Speech and Language) for infants and young children with high, intensive, interdisciplinary, and individualized learning needs and their families.


What is Early Childhood Intervention?

We use Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) to refer to early intervention, early childhood special education, and related services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families who quality for services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004).

ECiDC Spotlights

  • Congratulations Dr. Emily Jackson
    Congratulations to Dr. Emily Jackson, ECiDC Cohort 1 scholar, who successfully defended her dissertation titled Cultural Variation in Parental Ethnotheories on Early Childhood Language Development and Disorders: Exploring Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Parents’ Perspectives. We are so proud of you, Dr. Jackson!
    Posted on August 19, 2024
  • Congratulations, Dr. Paige Bennett Eyler!
    Congratulations to Dr. Paige Bennett Eyler, ECiDC Cohort 1 scholar, who successfully defended her dissertation titled Impact of a Priori Decision-Making and Response Guided Decision-Making on Obtained Effect Sizes. We are so proud of you, Dr. Bennett Eyler!
    Posted on April 8, 2024
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2 weeks ago

We are deeply saddened by the passing of H. Rutherford “Rud” Turnbull III, a true pioneer in disability rights, law, and policy, and a guest faculty for many years at the UConn UCEDD. Rud’s extraordinary impact has shaped generations of advocates, professionals, and families, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the field.

Rud was instrumental in shaping key legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He had a remarkable ability to translate complex legal principles into policies that advanced the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. Motivated by his son Jay, who had intellectual disabilities and autism, Rud’s work was deeply personal. Alongside his wife Ann, he championed family-centered care and the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Over the years, Rud (and Ann) graciously presented to UConn UCEDD trainees from our LEND, ECiDC, Aspiring Leaders, and many more. Rud shared his expertise on IDEA, families, ethics, leadership and civil rights. Their words of wisdom inspired countless emerging leaders, leaving a lasting impact on our trainees, faculty, and staff.

Rud Turnbull’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the laws he helped shape, and the countless professionals he mentored. We are forever grateful for his passion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to advancing disability rights. Rud has been a guiding light for so many, and his legacy of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering advocacy will continue to inspire us all. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

www.specialeducationtoday.com/p/h-rutherford-turnbull-iii1937-2025
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of H. Rutherford “Rud” Turnbull III, a true pioneer in disability rights, law, and policy, and a guest faculty for many years at the UConn UCEDD. Rud’s extraordinary impact has shaped generations of advocates, professionals, and families, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide the field.

Rud was instrumental in shaping key legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He had a remarkable ability to translate complex legal principles into policies that advanced the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. Motivated by his son Jay, who had intellectual disabilities and autism, Rud’s work was deeply personal. Alongside his wife Ann, he championed family-centered care and the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Over the years, Rud (and Ann) graciously presented to UConn UCEDD trainees from our LEND, ECiDC, Aspiring Leaders, and many more.  Rud shared his expertise on IDEA, families, ethics, leadership and civil rights. Their words of wisdom inspired countless emerging leaders, leaving a lasting impact on our trainees, faculty, and staff.

Rud Turnbull’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the laws he helped shape, and the countless professionals he mentored. We are forever grateful for his passion, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to advancing disability rights. Rud has been a guiding light for so many, and his legacy of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering advocacy will continue to inspire us all. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

 https://www.specialeducationtoday.com/p/h-rutherford-turnbull-iii1937-2025Image attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment