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Welcome to the official website for the 2024 TASH Conference!

Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme is Celebrate Together: Let the Good Times Roll!

Click on the "Registration and More" tab for additional information about our Conference location, registration, reserving a guest room, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more!  The full Conference schedule is now available for viewing.  Registered attendees will receive an invitation to log in and create a personalized schedule.

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strong>Advocacy [clear filter]
Thursday, December 5
 

10:00am CST

30+ Years of Self-Advocacy: Sharing Successes, Strategies and Stories
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H
Join Project ACTION!, DC’s self-advocacy coalition, to explore successful advocacy strategies to ensure your voice is heard as you advocate to shape the services you receive, in your relationships, to get high-quality healthcare, in your workplace, and to create partnerships. Using their 30+ years of experience, Project ACTION! members will engage participants in discussions, role plays and leadership training activities using strategies they found useful so people can represent their own interests and the interests of others. Project ACTION! members will share their experiences working with advisors and serving on over 30 boards, committees and workgroups focused on systems change, human rights and policy development. In this interactive session, learn how to identify decision-making boards on which you want to be represented, lead your individual service planning meeting, advocate for the support you might need to effectively serve on boards, recruit members and allies, and more.
Moderators
RS
Presenters
avatar for Thelma Green

Thelma Green

Treasurer, Project ACTION!
Thelma Green is the Treasurer and Past Co-President of Project ACTION!, the District’s self-advocacy coalition of adults with developmental disabilities. Green is a strong self-advocate who has trained locally and across the country on a variety of topics including supported decision-making... Read More →
LS

Leonard Stevens

Project ACTION!
VM

Vanessa Monroe

Executive Member, Project ACTION!
Vanessa Monroe is a District of Columbia resident and Project ACTION! member.  Vanessa is also a talented artist who works of out Art Enables studios in Washington, DC.  She has sold many of her art pieces.  She is also a strong self-advocate and speaks up for issues that are of... Read More →
TY

Tiffany Yuille

Project ACTION!
RT

Ricardo Thornton

Executive Member, Project ACTION!
Donna Thornton is a strong self-advocate and presenter.  She worked for over 30 years at the National Institutes of Health and retired in 2018.  She is a passionate mentor to people new to self-advocacy.  She believes everyone should have the right and supports to pursue a career... Read More →
avatar for Thomas Mangrum

Thomas Mangrum

Co-President, Project ACTION!
Thomas Mangrum, Jr., is a strong communicator and self-advocate who is passionate about helping others to be the best they can be. He loves learning new information and sharing it with other self-advocates, his friends and neighbors. He is an excellent presenter having trained locally... Read More →
Thursday December 5, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Day 1 Intensive Workshops

2:00pm CST

Exploring Opportunities to Enhance Research Engagement, Use of Data, and Disability Advocacy
Thursday December 5, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B
While there is lots of research on the experiences and outcomes of people with disabilities, findings are not often shared in ways that are accessible and supportive of advocacy efforts. Advocacy methods that include quality data are often highly effective in steering the changes advocates hope to see; however, community engagement with disability data, including the collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data, is usually minimal. This can result in a disconnect between what researchers and policymakers feel is important to advocates and what advocates feel is important for their community. This session will feature an overview of existing efforts related to collecting and strengthening disability data and how these efforts are currently supporting advocacy. Then, we will have a rousing discussion with attendees about the most critical ways to enhance engagement with the disability community to support use of disability data in local, state, and national advocacy,
Moderators
LD
Thursday December 5, 2024 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Day 1 Intensive Workshops
 
Friday, December 6
 

10:00am CST

A Latinas' Mother's Journey: A Study of Advocacy and Change
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11
This presentation describes the experiences of a mother/advocate/researcher as she navigates the complex world of disability services for her daughter with extensive support needs. This longitudinal case study began five years ago with the analysis of videos and interviews of the mother-daughter dyad interacting with each other and sharing information about how this mother/advocate/researcher found her voice to advocate on behalf of her daughter who was once considered non-verbal. After five years, both mother and daughter have found their respective voices regarding advocacy and self-determination. This updated case study will share new findings on how this mother-daughter dyad has grown in their advocacy for equity at school and in the community.
Moderators
avatar for Alma Contreras-Vanegas

Alma Contreras-Vanegas

Associate Professor, Sam Houston State University
Alma L. Contreras-Vanegas Ph.D., is an associate professor at Sam Houston State University. There she teaches courses in bilingual education and second language acquisition. Her research interests include: Bilingual children in Special Education (gifted and talented and children... Read More →
Presenters
CC
avatar for William Blackwell

William Blackwell

Sam Houston State University
William H. Blackwell is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. His research focuses on a broad spectrum of strategies for improving educational outcomes for children and adolescents with disabilities.
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Empowering Diverse Families and Enhancing Advocacy During the IEP Process
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H
Our research centers on historically marginalized families and their experiences during the IEP process, emphasizing the need for opportunities for advocacy and participation. School-based teams need to approach collaboration with families from an asset-based approach (Sauer & Rossetti, 2020) and educators can learn from practices associated with cultural humility to inform their relationships with diverse families (Trainor, 2010). We conducted semi-structured interviews with families and caregivers to gather first-hand accounts of their experience with decision-making and advocacy during IEP development. In particular, we asked participants how they were able to provide input on placements and services for their child. We will present our findings from a qualitative analysis and share the online resources that we developed to empower families by increasing their understanding of special education terminology, their rights under IDEA, and their confidence in advocating for their child.
Presenters
avatar for Katie McCabe

Katie McCabe

Assistant Professor, Buffalo State University
Katie McCabe is an Assistant Professor in the Exceptional Education Department at Buffalo State University, with a Ph.D. in Special Education and a minor in Qualitative Research Methods from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A former special education teacher in rural Upstate New... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Peer to Peer Bridging The Gap Through Self Advocacy Curriculum
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 10
Activating Change and Envision Illinois brings Peer to Peer Bridging the Gap through Self-Advocacy Curriculum is a curriculum it is a 26-week class for self-advocates to know how to help people who discloses domestic violence and/or sexual assault to them! The curriculum has four tracks: The Basic, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and the Criminal Justice System. This overview will explain those tracks, how to get involved in this curriculum, see the online portion, look at suggested learning activities. One of the goals of this curriculum is that the self-advocate knows that the victim make their own decisions about how to heal and to seek justice. The people who take this class are given the tools and knowledge to help victims. Another goal is that once the self-advocate goes through this curriculum, they can teach the same thing to other self-advocates.
Moderators
avatar for Mary Hettel
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 10 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Talking to Doctors: Their Beliefs and Your Rights
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 12
Doctors present themselves as experts on the human body, and we live in a culture that venerates medical professionals for their specialized training. However, that training has limits, particularly as concerns those whose bodies differ from the norm at baseline. There, preconceived biases about capacity, intelligence, and quality of life can and frequently do dominate medical decision-making. Moreover, while the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) theoretically guarantees disabled Americans equal rights in a variety of settings, people may be unfamiliar with their rights in hospital and clinical environments. In this talk, a brief overview of medical education as it relates to disability and its limitations will be provided, followed by information on patient rights and recommendations on how to access and preserve those rights in interacting with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Presenters
AL

Algernon Lutwak

Northern Light Health
Friday December 6, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 12 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

The Unique Attributes of Parents Who Advocate For Inclusive Education
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin G
This study aims to investigate the unique qualities that create opportunities for parents of students with multiple support needs to advocate for inclusive education settings. All humans need to connect and feel that they belong, and their unique human capital is used to attain a desired outcome. When a parent is part of an IEP team, these needs are not any different; belonging is needed to feel part of that team truly and for collaboration to occur. As this study investigates the phenomenon of parental qualities, the theoretical frameworks of the 10 Dimensions of Belonging by Carter (2021 & 2020) and Yosso's Community Cultural Capital (2005) will be used. What are the distinctive attributes of parents of children with multiple support needs that equip them to be advocates for inclusive education settings?
a) How do parents acquire these distinctive attributes?
b) How does possessing these qualities impact advocacy in the IEP process?
Moderators
MM
Presenters
avatar for Robin Dodds

Robin Dodds

Associate Professor of Early Childhood Special Education, California State University LA
My primary research interests focus on supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related Developmental Disabilities in two ways; through Parent to Parent social support and through parent-mediated interventions for social communication. Additionally... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin G Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

2:15pm CST

Celebrate Together: Empowering Transitions with Student-Led IEPs!
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin B
In this presentation, we advocate for student-led Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for transition-age adults with intellectual disabilities (ages 18-21). Transitioning from school to adulthood is critical, and empowering these individuals to participate in their IEPs is essential. Research highlights the importance of self-determination, self-advocacy, and engagement for better outcomes in education, employment, and independent living. Our approach includes providing direct instruction for self-advocacy skills, fostering collaboration between students, families, educators, and community agencies, and enhancing communication to improve participation. The presentation includes a student from a post-secondary transition program who adopted a person-centered IEP approach.
Moderators
GC
Presenters
HZ
TB
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

2:15pm CST

Closing the Gap: Developing Systems That Work for Everyonel
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 1
State developmental disability systems provide critical supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But, many people with autism and medically fragile children may not qualify for services. Hear how North Dakota is partnering with self-advocates and families to redefine their approach to supports through the lens of the All.
Presenters
avatar for Erin Leveton

Erin Leveton

Director, Alvarez & Marsal Public Sector Services, LLC
Friday December 6, 2024 2:15pm - 3:10pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 1 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

2:30pm CST

How Self-Advocacy Helped Me Break Cultural Stigmas About Disability
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin E
I will tell my story with lived experience with a seizure disorder, epilepsy and mental health illnesses. In my Mexican culture Disability is a taboo and I was denied my diagnosis because of it. Listeners will learn how I got diagnosed later in life and how difficult it has been to defeat my inner ableist. This greatly affected my quality of life and the way I viewed myself. I will talk about how Self Advocacy helped me accept myself and how important it is to break stigmas.
Presenters
RH
JC
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin E Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  TASH Talks

2:30pm CST

The Sound of Inclusion: Using Podcasts to Shift Perceptions About Inclusive
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin E
As a medium of storytelling and information dissemination, podcasts hold immense power in shaping public discourse and perceptions. When it comes to inclusive education, they offer a unique platform to highlight diverse voices and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of inclusivity in learning environments. Through engaging narratives and expert interviews, podcasts can dismantle preconceived notions and play a pivotal role in advocating for educational reforms that accommodate all learners. They serve as a beacon of awareness and a catalyst for change, inspiring communities to embrace and support inclusive practices. In this TASH talk, I will underscore the transformative potential of podcasts in promoting positive attitudes toward inclusive education, thereby contributing to a more equitable society.
Moderators
TV
Friday December 6, 2024 2:30pm - 4:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin E Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  TASH Talks

3:25pm CST

Celebrating Families: The Power of Parent Engagement to Support Employment
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 1
Join this session to learn about an innovative partnership between the LEAD Center and Parent 2 Parent USA (P2P USA), harnessing the input from parent advisors to craft resources to promote employment and career outcomes for their family members with disabilities. Families also identified resources through which they can access essential supports and services. Hear from family leaders and employment subject matter experts from LEAD Center about the pivotal role families play in envisioning and supporting the people with disabilities in their lives across their lifespan as they journey towards competitive integrated employment.
Moderators
YW

Yvonne Wright

LEAD Center National Disability Institute
Presenters
RS
avatar for Marsha Quinn

Marsha Quinn

Co Executive Director, Parent to Parent USA
Marsha Quinn is the Co-Executive Director for Parent to Parent USA and brings nearly 30 years experience in non-profit marketing and management to its 40 member organizations across the nation.  She works to ensure access to peer to peer emotional support for ALL families of individuals... Read More →
AB

Aurelie Brown

Parent to Parent USA
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 1 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:25pm CST

Community Living in California- Is Equity Still Achievable?
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C
We began to provide personalized community living supports in the early 1990's, when people were able to rent, lease, and/or obtain housing vouchers to access a home of their own with the supports they needed. Over the past ten years, opportunities for housing vouchers have become relatively non-existent in CA, rent prices no longer allow people who rely on SSI/SSDI benefits alone to afford rent. The only people able to move into a home of their own now must have a "silver spoon"; (funding from family, sustainable employment, or other secure financing). This creates a huge divide between the "haves' and the "have nots". Adults continue to live with their aging parents. Alternative community living options options have become more restrictive, reverting back to congregate, segregated options, which goes against our philosophy of full inclusion at TASH. We will facilitate a discussion on the FUTURE of Community Living and how we can get the good times rolling again!
Presenters
avatar for Scott Shepard

Scott Shepard

Director, Avenues Supported Living Services
Scott Shepard is the Executive Director of Avenues Supported Living Services, a non-profit agency which provides community living and personalized day supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in North Los Angeles County. With Avenues SLS, we had the opportunity... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:25pm CST

Prepare With Us: Self Advocates Educating Teacher Candidates
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11
This presentation will describe study results from a recent research project. The purpose of this study was to examine how teacher candidates were impacted by learning from individuals with disabilities through a Self-Advocate Guest Presenter Series. After attending the semester-long Presenter Series, 17 teacher candidates shared their perspectives through semi-structured interviews. During this presentation, we will share the main themes that resulted from our analysis as well as future implications for research and practice.
Presenters
avatar for Amy Andersen

Amy Andersen

Associate Professor, Winona State University
avatar for Julia Snider

Julia Snider

Assistant Professor, Grand Valley State University
Julia is an assistant professor at Grand Valley State University. Julia’s passion is in promoting the meaningful inclusion of students with extensive support needs within the general education classroom through planning and preparing instruction. Her current research examines the... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:35pm CST

20-Years of Advocacy: Federally Regulating Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin A
This presentation provides findings from a qualitative document analysis study that examined 20 years of national advocacy documents focused on protecting children from the misuse of restraint and seclusion in U.S. schools. A systematic search resulted in the identification of 35 national advocacy documents. We used a qualitative inductive coding approach to identify themes across education, law, and policy issues, as well as, accounts of child abuse resulting from the misuse of restraint and seclusion in U.S. schools. Our findings bring attention to human rights and IDEA violations in U.S. schools and current challenges at the national level to protect children from the misuse of restraint and seclusion through federal legislation. Attendees will learn to (a) recognize the misuse of restraint and seclusion; (b) impacts on the safety of students, (c) resulting educational, law, and policy issues, (d) proposed federal legislation, and (e) ways to advocate for the protection of students.
Presenters
SB

Sarah Ballard

Illinois State University
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:35pm CST

How Does Self-Determination Help Me?
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B
This presentation will examine the HCBS Waiver Final Rule and the services and supports that people with disabilities can use to create a fully inclusive life. Concepts of Self-Determination will be discussed with an emphasis on how the theory translates into real life planning for full integration into the community.
Presenters
AG

Areta Guthrey

Disability Information Network
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:35pm CST

Legislative Advocacy Among Disability Self-Advocates and Advocates
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 8
Legislative advocacy is a crucial channel for disability advocates to influence civil rights and disability-related legislation and policy, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We conduct a survey study to examine the legislative advocacy experiences of people with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities, and factors impacting their legislative advocacy. We analyze demographic characteristics, the causes they advocate for, organization membership and leadership, frequency of civic engagement, and level of agreements on how social and cultural factors impact their legislative advocacy. Findings of this study will enhance the understanding of the factors that influence legislative advocacy and identify strategies to enhance individual and collective advocacy efforts in the future.
Presenters
WZ

Wen Zeng

University of Missouri, St. Louis
CW

Christopher Worth

1 University Blvd
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:35pm CST

Strategies for Opening the Glass Door To Employment Through Employer Engagement
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2
Too often, qualified workers with disabilities struggle to find work because the organizations that support them focus primarily on them.  We must focus equally on preparing employers to successfully source, onboard, and retain employees with disabilities. Join the Administration on Disabilities (AoD) Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC)  and Jonathan "Jon" Taylor, Executive Director of the Arkansas Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, to discuss employer engagement and outreach to advance competitive integrated employment (CIE) for people with disabilities. Jon Taylor was previously a retail field manager with a decade of successful experience in CIE. In this session, Jon will recount his experiences and offer practical tips for how DD Councils, job developers, self-advocates, and other stakeholders can engage with employers to advance CIE and economic outcomes for people with disabilities. The session will review the philosophy of Employment First, emphasize the importance of partnerships, and share DETAC resources.
Moderators
avatar for Megan Ketchell

Megan Ketchell

Project Manager, Disability Employment TA Center, The Lewin Group, Part of Optum Serve
Presenters
avatar for Diana Caldwell

Diana Caldwell

Managing Director, The Lewin Group
JT

Jonathan Taylor

Arkansas Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

5:45pm CST

Celebrating Authentic Experiences That Enhance Appreciation of Diversity
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Storyville Hall
This session presents information on a pilot program for undergraduates enrolled in a teacher education program. Teaching candidates have the opportunity to participate with faculty mentors and peers in a very engaging format. This project is designed to supplement learning and broaden one’s perspective of teaching students who have disabilities and to enhance one’s understanding and appreciation for different cultures, attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives. It is a culmination of what teacher candidates learned in terms of accessibility and inclusion as well as reflecting upon the themes of cultural humility and knowledge. A major part of cultural humility is understanding and analyzing your own reactions in a thoughtful and intentional way, which includes being tolerant, respectful, curious, and empathetic towards other cultures. Thus, teacher candidates self-reflect upon a series of related experiences by examining all aspects of events and experiences from different perspectives.
Presenters
avatar for Randy Seevers

Randy Seevers

Associate Professor, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Randy Seevers received his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Special Education from The Ohio State University. His experience includes working with a wide range of learners across the life span. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Storyville Hall Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Poster Presentations

5:45pm CST

Navigating Advocacy: Youth with Disabilities Share Their Experiences and Perspectives
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Storyville Hall
Self-advocacy is an essential component of transition planning for youth with disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) mandates students with disabilities are included in transition planning to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the Workforce and Innovation Act (WIOA, 2014) requires specific pre-employment transition services, one of which includes self-advocacy training. Despite federal requirements, youth with disabilities often report not being active members of their transition planning and self-advocacy is often tied to school and work-based settings. Our research team investigated self-advocacy experiences of transition-aged youth with disabilities through one-on-one interviews led by researches with and without disabilities. Key findings highlight youths’ advocacy experiences across settings, how they are empowered to advocate, and their suggested improvements to special education for other students with disabilities.
Moderators
avatar for Megan Best

Megan Best

PhD Student in Special Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champagin
Presenters
avatar for RaeAnne Lindsay

RaeAnne Lindsay

Coordinator for Section 504 project, Vanderbilt University, Peabody College
I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I received a Masters Degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am a Disability Advocate and the reining Ms. Wheelchair USA 2024-2025. I currently work at Vanderbilt University in... Read More →
avatar for Zach Rossetti

Zach Rossetti

Associate Professor, Boston University
Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Teaching and Learning Department at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. His research examines the social belonging and participation of people with intellectual and developmental... Read More →
avatar for Oscar Hughes

Oscar Hughes

Postdoctoral researcher, University of Massachusetts Boston
My research supports self-advocacy and self-determination, examines the experiences of LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and promotes access to sexuality education.
Friday December 6, 2024 5:45pm - 7:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Storyville Hall Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Poster Presentations
 
Saturday, December 7
 

8:45am CST

Advancing Technology Access and Use For Augmentative/Alternative Communication
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C
It is widely understood that communication in the 21st century involves the use of technology for a wide range of communication tasks and interactions. The use of email, texting, and other forms of digital communication is essential for participation in society. This is true for everyone in society whether you communicate by speaking or by other forms of communication such as augmentative/alternative communication (AAC). Effective communication in these different environments requires a variety of technologies that in the case of people who use augmentative/alternative communication (AAC users) need to be individualized to their specific access needs. Gaining access to the right technology and support to use it is often not an easy process and requires ongoing advocacy to ensure success. This presentation will focus on the stories of several AAC users who have used technology successfully for communication.
Moderators
avatar for Pascal Cheng

Pascal Cheng

Education and Communication Specialist, PC Communication Supports
I currently work for the Howard Center in Burlington, Vermont as an educational and communication specialist, providing training and consultation in the areas of augmentative/alternative communication, assistive technology and literacy for children and adults with developmental disabilities... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Christopher Lenart

Christopher Lenart

Disability Awareness
I am Chris Lenart and am a blogger and a public speaker. I am currently in Partners in Policymaking in Illinois (2019-2020). I was a programmer analyst at HSBC (1994-2009). In 2008, I received my Master's degree in Software Engineering from DePaul University.
avatar for Ryan Duncanwood

Ryan Duncanwood

SABE, The Arc. TASH. SCDD
fun, loving, caring, California Democratic party, in coming tash board member
avatar for Amy Hanreddy

Amy Hanreddy

Associate Professor, Special Education, California State University, Northridge
Amy Hanreddy is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education at California State University, Northridge. She teaches about inclusive and collaborative practices, with an emphasis on strategies that provide students with disabilities access to meaningful instruction... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

8:45am CST

All It Could Be? Parent Perceptions of Advocacy and Collaboration
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11
Family involvement in their children’s education results in positive student outcomes and is structured by the parent participation and consent mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, there are well-documented inequities in participation and collaboration between culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) families (e.g., multilingual immigrant families) and school personnel, as well as an overarching sense by families that interactions with school personnel are adversarial rather than collaborative. As a result, implementation of IDEA has resulted in an expectation of advocacy rather than participation. This advocacy expectation perpetuates cultural inequities and overburdens families during the special education process. This study examined family perceptions of special education procedures, interactions with school personnel and legislators, and their own advocacy through 17 focus groups with 72 parents/caregivers of children with disabilities.
Presenters
avatar for Zach Rossetti

Zach Rossetti

Associate Professor, Boston University
Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Teaching and Learning Department at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. His research examines the social belonging and participation of people with intellectual and developmental... Read More →
MB

Meghan Burke

Vanderbilt University
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

8:45am CST

Leveraging Feedback From Autistic Adults to Develop A Healthcare App
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2
Autistic individuals are more likely to have co-occurring health conditions and experience a cascade of health disparities compared to those who are not autistic. While ample research continues to be conducted to decrease disparities, it often is done without the input from autistic individuals. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 15 autistic adults to explore how a healthcare services app could be adapted for autistic adults. Overall, participants agreed that a healthcare services app specific to autistic adults could be beneficial. In addition, participants provided feedback on the types of healthcare services, filter options, and software features in the app. Implications for research and practice will be discussed.
Moderators
avatar for Megan Best

Megan Best

PhD Student in Special Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champagin
Presenters
MB

Meghan Burke

Vanderbilt University
RL
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

8:45am CST

Studying Customized Employment to Expand Competitive Integrated Employment
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 12
This panel discussion delves into the multifaceted landscape of Customized Employment (CE), and efforts to catalog its use as a workable tool for provider transformation and expansion of Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The members of the panel were all participants in a Case Study through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) investigating how Customized Employment is successfully implemented in the community, and each brings a unique perspective, shedding light on the collaborative efforts required to facilitate meaningful employment outcomes. Through shared experiences, practical strategies, and interactive dialogue, attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering a more inclusive and supportive employment environment for individuals with disabilities and learn about efforts through ODEP's CIE initiatives to better understand the successful utilization of Customized Employment implementation across the country.
Moderators
avatar for Jeffrey Carpenter
Presenters
avatar for Merry-Reid Sheffer

Merry-Reid Sheffer

Lead Employment Specialist, Edge Employment
Edge Employment is the 4-person employment team within Mattingly Edge based in Louisville, KY! Our Specialists hold or are working toward certifications in Discovery, Job Development, and Systematic Instruction to provide Customized Employment through Marc Gold and Associates. Social... Read More →
GM
DP
avatar for Rich Davis

Rich Davis

Policy Advisor, Office of Disability Employment Policy
Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 12 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Empowering School Leaders: Championing Inclusion and Belonging For Students
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin A
 The number of students in special education has steadily risen, reaching 7.3 million in 2021-22 under IDEA. This growth emphasizes the need for skilled school administrators to address diverse learning needs. Special education leadership entails managing systems, ensuring compliance, promoting inclusivity, and improving outcomes. Effective leadership correlates with better academic and social results for students with disabilities. The presenters will discuss how through collaborative partnerships, advocacy, and the cultivation of inclusive school cultures, school leaders can enact systemic change, dismantle barriers and create environments where every student, irrespective of ability, feels a profound sense of belonging with a focus on practices tailored for students with severe disabilities and their families.  
Moderators
YM

Yvonne Moreno

College Assistant Professor, New Mexico State University
Yvonne Moreno, PhD is a College Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University. She believes that all individuals regardless of their exceptionalities must have a right to the self-actualization of their goals and aspirations. This belief has guided her education, career, and... Read More →
Presenters
KK

Kristin Kew

New Mexico State University
avatar for Sergio Madrid-Aranda

Sergio Madrid-Aranda

Assistant Professor, Augsburg University
Sergio Madrid-Aranda is an Assistant Professor at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. He earned his PhD in Special Bilingual Education, focusing on autism spectrum disorders, from New Mexico State University. He collaborates with Murcia University in Spain as a research associate... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin A Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Overcoming Challenges and Resistance: Advancing Inclusion in Schools
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11
This presentation explores the critical importance of overcoming challenges and resistance to systemic change in schools to advance inclusion. It delves into common barriers hindering progress towards inclusive education, such as lack of awareness, fear of change, and resource constraints. Through a combination of strategies, including education, collaboration, resource management, leadership, and advocacy, this presentation provides insights into how educators and administrators can effectively navigate these challenges. By examining case studies, engaging in interactive discussions, and outlining action plans, participants will leave with practical tools and knowledge to drive positive change and foster inclusive school environments.
Presenters
avatar for Kelli Petrone

Kelli Petrone

Program Director, All In For Inclusive Education
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 11 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

10:00am CST

Trauma and Resilience For Advocates, Parents and Teachers
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H
The legal and mental health definitions of trauma are very broad. Conservatively, a third of us grow up with three or more powerful disruptive risk adverse childhood experiences during our development. We think about trauma as an individual problem. COVID reminded us that trauma can be worldwide in scope. Such collective trauma impacts each of us uniquely to varying degrees and with disproportionate impacts. This workshop’s focus is on those who are charged with fixing the problems trauma causes in the K-12 setting while exploring federal and state trauma-related legislation. We acknowledge that everyone who has experienced trauma does not automatically become a victim. Some have – with or without help – overcome the adversity of trauma. Some try to mask the impact of trauma; others acquire resilience in the face of trauma. While still, others suffer silently or violently from their experiences. Presenters will share their experiences and ask participants to share theirs also.
Presenters
avatar for Barbara Ransom

Barbara Ransom

A civil rights attorney who represents individuals, families and organizations seeking relief from discrimination on the basis of disability.
Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin H Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Correlates of Individual, Peer and Systemic Advocacy Among Parents of Children with Disabilities
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin F
Parents advocate in a variety of ways for their children with disabilities to access services and supports in inclusive settings. Given the importance of parent advocacy at every level, it is essential to understand the factors that influence parent legislative advocacy. This study aimed to identify the correlates of individual, peer, and systemic advocacy among parents of children with disabilities. Altogether, 78 parents of children with disabilities participated in this six-site study. Data were analyzed using baseline data prior to participants completing a civic engagement program. We conducted linear regressions to identify correlates of parent advocacy levels. We found that disability connectedness significantly correlates with individual, peer, and systemic advocacy. Additionally, moral conviction was a significant correlate of individual advocacy. The results highlight the importance of fostering disability connectedness and enhancing moral conviction to boost advocacy efforts
Moderators
CL

Chak Li

Vanderbilt University, Peabody College
Presenters
MB

Meghan Burke

Vanderbilt University
avatar for Zach Rossetti

Zach Rossetti

Associate Professor, Boston University
Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Teaching and Learning Department at Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. His research examines the social belonging and participation of people with intellectual and developmental... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin F Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Empowering Independence Through Guardianship Public Policy Reform
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C
Guardianships, intended as protective measures, are often overused and overly restrictive, depriving individuals of autonomy and decision-making skills. This overreliance fails to recognize the potential of individuals with disabilities and overlooks less restrictive alternatives, such as supported decision-making. Guardianships can also allow entities like medical and service providers to avoid making reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. The Maine Protection and Advocacy Agency has spearheaded guardianship policy reform for over two decades, culminating in setting a national precedent by being the first to adopt the progressive 2017 Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act. This presentation will explore Maine’s innovative strategies, offering insights and lessons. Attendees will understand the successes and challenges in advocating for less restrictive alternatives. Join us to contribute to the guardianship reform dialogue.
Presenters
LW

Lauren Wille

Legal Director, Disability Rights Maine
SC

Staci Converse

Disability Rights Maine
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Grassroots Supported Civic Engagement
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin B
Despite the 1999 Olmstead v. L. C. decision upholding the right to community integration and community living, the state of Illinois continues to operate seven state operated institutions for some Illinois residents with IDD. Going Home Coalition (GHC), formed in 2010, is an advocacy coalition comprised of a diverse statewide network of mostly self-advocates along with families, community providers, and allies whose mission is to advocate for systems change to transition away from institutional living and increase community supports. GHC’s broadest accomplishment to effect systems change is through their civic engagement and collective action of bringing conversations into the public discourse. The purpose of this study is to understand how and to what extent members of the Coalition engage in civic engagement activities. In addition, we sought to understand the barriers and facilitators members with disability have in civic engagement.
Moderators
avatar for Kim Fisher

Kim Fisher

Assistant Professor, Illinois State University
Kim Fisher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at Illinois State University. She studies how social networks and social capital promote community participation and social inclusion for adolescents and young adults with IDD and the role access to information... Read More →
Presenters
SB

Sarah Ballard

Illinois State University
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

11:15am CST

Letting Their Voice Be Heard: Student Government and Campus Involvement For Students with IDD
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 10
Self-advocacy and participation in student clubs and organizations for students with IDD in inclusive postsecondary education is vital to their experience, just as it is for college students without IDD. However, with the historically recent inclusion of students with IDD in postsecondary education, our knowledge of campus involvement, particularly in student government, is limited. The purpose of this session is to give voice to a student with and a student without IDD to share their experiences working together to create meaningful change and documented gains in access for students with IDD on a large Southern public four-year campus. This session hopes to empower participants with key skills and information to support students with IDD to get involved, engaged, and included on their campuses.
Moderators
JR
Presenters
AG
AD
Saturday December 7, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 10 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:00pm CST

Rolling with Inclusion: IPSE Perspectives From Students with IDD
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 8
Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (or IDD) have most recently been welcomed into the halls of institutions of higher education (or IHEs) thanks in part to the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. As the research agenda begins to blossom, the most critical voices to include are those of the students entering the halls of IHEs – students with IDD. Two students enrolled in an IPSE at a major IHE in the southeastern United States will lead a discussion on their experience, what they have learned on their college campus, and how they apply their experiences in inclusive spaces daily. The conversation will cover academics, employment, independent living, community access, and recreation/leisure activities. Participants should be prepared for a fun, lively, and engaging conversation with students!
Moderators
JR
Presenters
AD
GC
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 8 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:00pm CST

Self-Advocacy and Healthy Relationships
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C
So many things touch our lives as self-advocates. Members of Project ACTION!, DC’s self-advocacy coalition, have learned that we can accomplish so much more when we work with partners. We are stronger together. In this session, you will get to hear from several members who have participated in a collaboration to ensure people with disabilities can get the access they need to be in healthy, safe relationships. Hear about the trainings they created and shared with other self-advocates to decide how they would be in relationships they choose, not their coordinator or manager. In this interactive session, presenters will talk about their experiences, what they have learned about getting the "love" they want, with audience discussio
Moderators
TY

Tiffany Yuille

Project ACTION!
Presenters
avatar for Thomas Mangrum

Thomas Mangrum

Co-President, Project ACTION!
Thomas Mangrum, Jr., is a strong communicator and self-advocate who is passionate about helping others to be the best they can be. He loves learning new information and sharing it with other self-advocates, his friends and neighbors. He is an excellent presenter having trained locally... Read More →
KJ

Kara Jones

Executive Member, Project ACTION!
Kara Jones is a strong self-advocate and trained facilitator.  She has presented locally and nationally on a variety of disability topics.  She is a member of People on the Go and Project ACTION!  She is also a member of the Women's Knowledge Group, a group of #ProjectPeer.  #ProjectPeer... Read More →
LS

Leonard Stevens

Project ACTION!
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
3RD Floor - Ballroom: Celestin C Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

3:00pm CST

You Don't Look Autistic: Racism, Sexism, and Autistic Communities
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2
Autism as originally defined by Dr. Sukhareva, and later, Dr. Asperger, was understood as a condition that could be found in any segment of the population, discriminating by neither sex nor ethnicity. However, when Leo Kanner redefined and codified autism diagnosis in the United States, his definition explicitly leaned on then-contemporary sexism, and implicitly on racism and classism, to define “real” autistics. This talk will explore this history and discuss its impact on autistics in the generations since, ranging from ongoing differential access to formal diagnosis, to disproportionate pathologization and violence against BIPOC autistics in institutional settings, to how ideas about "female autism,” race, and wealth pervade debates about self-diagnosis. We will then open into a discussion about intersectionality, implicit and explicit bias, and promoting autistic advocacy that centers the concerns of historically marginalized groups.
Presenters
AL

Algernon Lutwak

Northern Light Health
CP
Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
2ND Floor - Foster 2 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:15pm CST

Securing The Future: Visions, Decisions, and Advocacy
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 9
An essential tool to bring about a full, meaningful, inclusive life is having a well-defined, articulated vision to focus, guide, and inspire action. Join us to explore the critical role of holding a positive vision for the future, understand how to use Supported Decision-Making, and how to increase self-advocacy and self-determination skills. We will discuss typical pathways toward adulthood, the necessary supports to stay on these paths; using vision, courage, and consciousness to help young adults achieve a full, meaningful, autonomous life. We will delve into the legal protections provided by IDEA in transition planning and how to maximize these to support successful outcomes. We will discuss tips and techniques to support people to increase decision-making skills to become competent, confident advocates directing their own lives. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of belonging, community participation, and valued roles as strategies to to bring forth a good life.
Presenters
avatar for Dana Lloyd

Dana Lloyd

DD Program Director, Georgia Advocacy Office
Dana Lloyd has been engaged in advocacy with people experiencing injustice on both a personal and professional level for over two decades. Dana currently serves as director of the Developmental Disabilities program at the Georgia Advocacy Office and coordinates the GA Supported Decision... Read More →
avatar for Leslie Lipson

Leslie Lipson

Educational Equity Strategist and Attorney, Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE)
Leslie Lipson is an attorney and a self-described inclusionista. She has been deeply involved in advocacy for and with people with disabilities for over 20 years and currently offers advocacy solutions using general educational and special education law, from a values-based foundation... Read More →
avatar for Katie Chandler

Katie Chandler

Consultant, Georgia Advocacy Office
Katie Chandler, a Project Consultant with Sangha Unity Network, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field as a direct support professional, advocate, supervisor, and consultant. In each role, Katie worked to ensure... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 9 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions

4:15pm CST

Unleashing Neurodivergence in Education Work and Society
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B
Neurodiversity is a concept that acknowledges and celebrates the natural variations in human neurological functioning. Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical." Within this spectrum lies many conditions often misunderstood and stigmatized in society. This presentation advocates for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and approach neurodivergence, emphasizing the importance of embracing neurodiversity in education, work, and society at large. Attendees will leave this session with a comprehensive understanding of neurodiversity; ability to assess and challenge the traditional view of neurodivergence as a deficit; demonstrate tailored support and accommodations for neurodiverse students; explain the benefits of leveraging Neurodiversity in the workplace; and empowerment to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and advocate for policy changes that promote acceptance and inclusion.
Presenters
avatar for Dr. Jessica Hicksted

Dr. Jessica Hicksted

Software Developer/ Research Advocate / Volunteer Director, CACI / ND Outloud! / Invisible Disabilities Association
Dr. Jessica Hicksted, a speaker, researcher, and advocate, specializes in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Information Systems to advance neurodiversity and accessibility in the workplace. She developed the WIDE Insights (Workplace Invisible Disability Experience) to help... Read More →
Saturday December 7, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm CST
4TH Floor - Imperial 5B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113
  Breakout Sessions
 
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