Cynthia (Cindy) Shima Kauffman is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and a fervent advocate for inclusive, personcentered support systems. Cindy’s journey began as a family member deeply impacted by the lack of services available for her sisters with disabilities. This early experience ignited her passion for promoting services that champion each person’s autonomy, empower families, and nurture future leaders in the field. As the Senior Advisor for ANCOR Foundation’s Leadership Academy, Cindy leverages her expertise in curriculum design and educational instruction to develop innovative programs that prioritize individual needs and aspirations. From her roles in academia, including serving as Associate Director for Maryland’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), to her leadership positions in accreditation and business development at the Council on Quality and Leadership (COL), Cindy has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and insights that enrich her contributions to the disability community.
