Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Human Development will host the 26th annual Evidence for Success Disability Conference June 23-24 at Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler.
One of Arizona’s premier disability events, the conference brings together more than 400 professionals, educators, students, advocates and families from throughout the state. This year’s event features more than 60 educational sessions, 45-plus exhibitors and conversations covering key topics in disability services, assistive technology and American Indian vocational rehabilitation. Several NAU staff members, including leaders from IHD, the Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) and the College of Education, also will present at the conference.
As a university-affiliated program, this year’s conference offers expanded opportunities for student engagement. Highlights include student poster presentations on Monday, June 23, from 1:30-5 p.m., providing emerging professionals with a platform to showcase their work. University and college students are eligible for a 50% discount on registration and are encouraged to attend both the educational sessions and networking events.
Additionally, the conference will open its Exhibit Hall to the public—free of charge—on Monday afternoon. Students and community members can explore hands-on assistive technology, connect with disability-related organizations and attend poster presentations during this open period. Students are also encouraged to attend faculty-led “guided experiences” in occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology.
Keynote speaker Lawrence Weru, a biomedical informatics researcher at Harvard Medical School, will deliver a talk about artificial intelligence titled “Navigating the Opportunities & Challenges for Disability-Inclusive AI.” Closing speaker Rachel Simon is the New York Times bestselling author of “Riding the Bus with My Sister” and is a leading literary author writing about characters with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Attendees and the general public are invited to a free community networking reception Monday evening with refreshments, door prizes and a special performance by Detour Company Theatre, an organization devoted to providing stage and performance experiences for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
To register, browse student-specific options or learn more, visit ihdconference.org or bit.ly/student-programing.
Jill Kimball | NAU Communications
(928) 523-2282 | jill.kimball@nau.edu