Pre-Conference Sessions
Don't miss out on these exclusive pre-conference sessions!
Monday, June 22, 2026
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Prescribing Psychologists
Fee: $20 | CE Credit Available*
Speaker: Derek Phillips, PsyD, MS
Executive Director, MS Clinical Psychopharmacology Prograt, Fairleigh Dickinson University
This session is sponsored by the Psychology Interest Network
From Margins to Meaning: The Evolution of Supporting People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Hospice and Palliative Care
Fee: $20 | CE Credit Available*
Speaker: Arlen Gaines, PhD, MSW
Director of Social Work, Palliative Care
When Seconds Matter: Using AI and Information Exchange to Improve Emergency Care for People with Developmental Disabilities
Fee: $20 | CE Credit Available*
Speakers:
Donnie Woodyard, Jr., MA, Executive Director, United States EMS Compact
Doug Kerwin, Vice President of Engineering, Adworthy
*CEs information:
Learners who complete the session requirements will receive a certificate for 1 Continuing Education (CE) credit. CE credits are available for the following disciplines: APA, ACE, CAMFT, IACET, and SLP. CE credits are provided through Catalight and require a separate registration and an additional $30 fee. If you would like to receive CE credit, please select the CE option on the conference registration form so we can follow up with the necessary information. A registration and payment link for the Catalight Academy platform will be emailed to those who select this option no later than June 8.
Writing for Publications Journals
Complimentary
Speakers:
Frank Symons, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Minnesota; Editor of AJIDD
Amy S. Hewitt, PhD, FAAIDD, University of Minnesota; Editor of IDD
Colleen Thoma, PhD, FAAIDD, Virginia Commonwealth University; Co-Editor of Inclusion
LaRon Scott, EdD, FAAIDD, University of Virginia; Co-Editor of Inclusion
The session addresses what professionals in the field need to know about how to be published in a scholarly journal: the elements of a research report needed for journal publication; the types of research and other articles published by the three AAIDD journals; how to determine which journal is the best fit for your work; and the policies and processes involved in publication in scholarly journals in both print and electronic formats.
SECP Research Colloquium
Complimentary
This session is organized by the AAIDD Student and Early Career Professional (SECP) and Research Interest Networks.
The purpose of the research colloquium is to provide students and early career professionals with an opportunity to present their research and network with leading IDD researchers and policymakers.
Monday, June 22, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 pm
(open to all conference attendees for an additional fee)
Religion & Spirituality Interest Network Forum
Fee: $ 35
Presiding:
Sarah McKenny, D.Min, Stone Belt Arc Inc.
Keith Dow, PhD, Karis Disability Services
Monday, June 22, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 pm
(open to all conference attendees complimentary
The Story Behind the Story:
Pivotal Moments in Special Education: Stories From our Foundational Leaders
Complimentary
Speakers:
Susan Copeland, PhD, University of Minnesota
Educational Program
