This year, the SIP Team is spreading the vibe by centering the voices and experiences of the disability community, ensuring decisions are being made with—and not for—individuals with disabilities. “Nothing about us, without us!”
We invite you to join us in designing a dynamic playlist where every beat resonates and every vibe matters. Let’s compose a collection of tracks for designing meaningful, educational experiences centered around innovation and true belonging for all students!
Just like a powerful track, this movement won’t skip a beat - and together, neither will we!
Optional session to get you pumped with DJ B Diamond, network at our social lounge, and check out all the accessibility features.
Join the SIP team for an inclusive welcome featuring a special message from Dr. Rachel Heenan, Director, CA. Department of Education, Special Education Division
Father-son filmmaking team Dan and Samuel Habib makes a powerful case for ending the systemic segregation of people with disabilities. The Habibs share how an inclusive education and social life has prepared Samuel, 25, for transition to higher education and employment, as well as the positive impact that inclusion has on students and adults without disabilities. The presentation will include clips from their films and time for Q&A.
The Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) is a collaborative initiative by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), WestEd, and educational partners across Washington state. Established in 2023, the IPTN builds upon the successes of the Inclusionary Practices Project (IPP), which notably increased inclusion rates from 56.6% to 63.4% over four years. The IPTN aims to provide high-quality guidance, technical assistance, and professional development to school districts, focusing on disrupting segregated systems and reducing exclusionary practices. A particular emphasis is placed on improving outcomes for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Black students with disabilities, who have historically faced higher rates of segregation and disciplinary actions. By fostering inclusive educational environments, the IPTN strives to ensure equitable access to rigorous, standards-based instruction for all students, thereby enhancing their postsecondary opportunities.
Participants will engage in this experience by receiving a primer on the work of the IPTN and then being thrust into a hypothetical case study where they have to complete an activity we do as part of the network. This will allow participants to experience a sample of the network versus simply hearing about it.
Learner Outcome:
Participants will hear from and engage with expert panelists with lived experience: California advocates and leaders with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The session will begin with an overview of common challenges and experiences of students with disabilities, and why the important systems change we do matters. Then, expert panelists will share reflections, experiences, and lessons learned from their own lives -- from when they were students, and in their advocacy and leadership roles today. This session will include Q&A and audience engagement.
Learner Outcomes:
Discover how the new High Quality IEP Toolkit empowers special educators to create truly inclusive and impactful IEPs. This session highlights essential resources designed to support special education providers in crafting IEPs that prioritize educational benefit and equity. By focusing on the foundations of a high quality IEP, the toolkit allows teams to shift their attention to what matters most: the student’s unique needs, voice, and progress. Join the High Quality IEP Team to explore strategies and tools that foster collaboration, promote meaningful inclusion, and ensure every IEP drives student success.
Learner Outcomes:
Despite growing support for inclusive education, persistent myths continue to create barriers for students with disabilities. This interactive session will tackle five common misconceptions that often hinder inclusive practices:
1. Academic Skills– Myth: Students must meet certain academic benchmarks to participate in inclusive settings.
2. Specially Designed Instruction– Myth: SDI can only be provided by special educators.
3. Medical Needs– Myth: Students with significant medical needs cannot be accommodated in general education settings.
4. Behavior – Myth: Challenging behaviors make inclusion impractical or unsafe.
5. Staffing – Myth: Inclusion is only possible with additional staff or extensive resources.
Through real-world examples, research-based insights, and engaging discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to overcome these misconceptions and implement meaningful inclusive practices. Whether you are an educator, administrator, family member, or advocate, this session will equip you with practical strategies to support all learners in thriving, inclusive environments.
Learner Outcomes:
Join the DR Access team for an interactive session to analyze your local Indicator 7 child outcomes data for your SELPA or district.
The session will begin with a brief, focused presentation on Indicator 7 and the DR Access Outcomes system, providing essential context for data interpretation. Participants will then be able to review and analyze their own SELPA/district data alongside peers, engaging in collaborative discussion to uncover key insights.
Throughout the session, DR Access team members will be available for hands-on support, answering questions and guiding you through the interpretation process. By the end of the session, each participant will identify one or two actionable strategies to enhance data quality and/or improve child outcomes performance.
Learner Outcomes:
Viewing of "The 17th Percent", a documentary featuring Collette Divitto, owner of Collettey’s Cookies
This interactive session will highlight how Davis Joint Unified School District uses empathy interviews and surveys to center student voice in UDL implementation. Participants will explore the UDL Data Toolkit and its matrix-based approach to data collection, focusing on triangulating data from multiple sources—students, educators, leaders, and systems—to comprehensively understand UDL’s impact. By navigating the UDL Data Matrix, participants will identify relevant data sources and develop next steps to explore the Toolkit further and engage with the UDL Implementation Learning Network.
Learner Outcomes:
Discover the transformative power of joy and play in education through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This session delves into the latest research highlighting how joy fosters deeper learning and enhances retention. Participants will explore the mutual benefits of joyful, playful learning environments for both students and teachers, promoting engagement and well-being. Walk away with practical, adaptable strategies to infuse joy and play into classrooms at any grade level, creating vibrant learning experiences that last a lifetime.
Learner Outcomes:
If you are an Education Specialist (Resource, Co-teaching, and Special Day Class environments) that supports TK, K, or 1st grade students, we have a great learning opportunity for you called Understanding the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) for primary Education Specialists. We will explore the new Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (which include all students up to age 5 ½) and how they can be used to shape our interventions, supports, and how to incorporate and consider them in goal writing. We look forward to learning alongside you!
Learner Outcome:
Join us for a powerful narrative of systemic change, where district leaders, school sites, SELPA, parents, and students unite to redefine inclusive education. Discover how our collaborative approach through Strategic Inclusion Planning (SIP) through Inclusion Academies has directly impacted student experiences. Hear firsthand accounts from a parent and student that illuminate the profound difference our collective efforts have made. This session goes beyond theory—it's a real-world blueprint for creating an educational environment where every student is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their label or background. By hearing our story, attendees will gain a comprehensive roadmap for transformative inclusive education.
Learner Outcomes:
Join this session to explore tangible ways to include the voices and experiences of students, families, teachers, school community members and more as you strive to improve outcomes. Following an overview of approaches to accessing user perspective, users will practice, in real time, and outline steps to take these approaches back to their context.
Learner Outcome:
Close out the day with a special message from Dr. Edwin Gomez, Superintendent, Riverside County Office of Education
Optional session to get you pumped with DJ B Diamond, network at our social lounge, and check out all the accessibility features.
The presenter(s) will (re)introduce Rightful Presence as a paradigm shift to support true belonging for all students and educators in schools and classrooms with a particular focus on students who have significant cognitive learning disabilities. Participants will be introduced to an Implementation Guide for Rightful Presence including six levers to consider actionable steps for deepening an understanding of Rightful Presence and fostering its growth. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in conversation with others to further examples of application and strategy.
Learner Outcomes:
The landscape of higher education is finally opening up for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. How might we ensure this movement leads toward real inclusion instead of its thin veneer? This session will focus on the core commitments we must make in our efforts to create campuses and communities in which young adults with and without disabilities can learn, live, grow, and flourish together.
Learner Outcomes:
Creating inclusive learning environments for preschoolers with IEP's can present challenges, but it’s crucial for fostering growth and development in all children. While districts are required to offer inclusive options for preschool-aged children, not every district has a system in place that facilitates these opportunities. This session will offer practical, creative strategies that have helped other districts build more inclusive opportunities for young learners.
Learner Outcomes:
The California State University of San Marcos (CSUSM) Aspiring Scholars Program is a four-year, non-degree Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) initiative designed to support students with intellectual disabilities. The program includes four key components: enrollment in academic courses, participation in independent living skills seminars, vocational internships, and active involvement in campus life. Join this session to gain a deeper understanding of inclusive college experiences and discover how students with intellectual disabilities can develop the skills necessary for competitive integrated employment. Attendees will hear from the program staff, who will share their journey of launching and implementing the IPSE program. Additionally, a family member, a student, and a peer mentor will offer personal insights and experiences with the Aspiring Scholars Program.
Learner Outcomes:
Learn how to influence the hearts and minds of community and educational leaders to embrace the inclusion of all students by working together to create core beliefs and experiences that make inclusion a reality. In 2020, the East Valley SELPA, with more than 11,000 Students with Disabilities, began the task of increasing inclusive opportunities throughout its 226 schools. Four years into the journey, some sites had made great strides while others faced unforeseen barriers. The SELPA identified critical partners who need to be engaged in the conversation. These partners included superintendents, elected board officials, association leaders, and community members. In partnering with SIP, the SELPA designed and implemented three events that brought all partners together to identify cultural beliefs, address barriers, and develop experiences to change mindsets. Consequently, the core beliefs: All In, Tools of EmPOWERment, and Reimagining Resources motivate the actions of educators throughout the SELPA.
Learner Outcomes:
General education classrooms can offer an abundance of relationship and learning opportunities for students of all ages. What does it look like to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access these important social and academic experiences? This session will focus on peer support arrangements as an effective and practical approach for supporting meaningful inclusion in academic and elective classrooms. Join us to learn about how schools can adopt these evidence-based approaches and the difference it makes.
Learner Outcomes:
This session will provide LEAs with key strategies to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities, enhancing Indicator 14 performance. Participants will explore data-driven decision-making, transition-focused IEPs, and interagency collaboration to strengthen student pathways to employment, education, and independent living.
Attendees will learn how to expand work-based learning, embed Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and empower students and families in transition planning. Best practices in self-determination, professional learning, and inclusive postsecondary opportunities will be shared.
The session will also cover effective data collection and follow-up strategies to ensure accurate reporting and continuous improvement. Participants will leave with actionable steps to implement these ten must-do activities, creating more effective and inclusive transition supports for students with disabilities.
Learner Outcomes:
Did you ever imagine a student with an intellectual disability living and learning and working on campus at a four-year university? It's possible! UC Davis Redwood SEED Scholars and Redwood SEED Scholar Mentors will share their experiences, their perspectives, their challenges and their joyful successes. The Redwood SEED Scholar Program Co-Director will share data, outcomes and stories of the unimaginable future becoming a reality!
Learner Outcomes:
The successful implementation of assistive technology (AT) is essential for ensuring all students have equitable access to education. This presentation will delve into specific tools and strategies designed to enhance accessibility for students. Attendees will learn about prevalent barriers within the learning environment and discover assistive technologies that can support the reduction of these barriers. We will examine common obstacles related to reading and literacy, writing and composition, mathematics, and executive functioning, while sharing effective tools and strategies aimed at addressing these barriers.
Learner Outcomes:
The implementation of the Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma has provided so many students with an opportunity to obtain a high school diploma. We have created resources and guidance for our district outlining the requirements, the procedural steps within our system to ensure clear communication, and considerations for IEP teams to ensure pathways are clearly thought out. We have also created curriculum banks, provided AI resources to teachers, and leveraged our Inclusion Specialists at the high schools to support this work. This presentation will review our process, and procedures as well as share our resources!
Learner Outcome:
A reflective message from Dr. Ed Manansala, Superintendent, El Dorado County Office of Education.
Our conference will be 100% free of charge to attend.
Last year’s conference was a great success virtually and accessible to all, so we wanted to provide another virtual experience to our participants. Hope to see you there!
All educators, staff, families and students are welcome.
American Sign Language (ASL), closed captioning, and Spanish interpretation will be available. If you have any questions or require additional accommodations, please email our team at connect@sipimpact.org at least seven business days prior to the event. Accommodation selections are also available in registration.
To maximize engagement and team collaboration during the virtual conference, consider the following suggestions:
SOCIALS