On February 26, 2026, the Institute for Human Development hosted its third annual Amplifying Voices of Disability Virtual Day of Learning, bringing together participants from across the country for a day centered on the perspectives and lived experiences of disability activists and self-advocates.
The fully virtual event drew 81 participants from 16 states, with 35% of attendees joining from rural communities. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, highlighting the value of hearing directly from self-advocates and experts whose personal experiences informed the day’s discussions. As one participant shared, “All the presentations provided some valuable information that we can use in our advocacy work,” underscoring the event’s practical impact.
Designed as a professional learning experience for individuals working in education, healthcare, mental health, technology, and community services, Amplifying Voices of Disability focused on timely issues affecting the disability community. The 2026 program featured four sessions exploring important and emerging topics in the field.
Sessions included a personal story about the journey to successful adulthood, illustrating how technology, family support, and collaboration with educators can contribute to long-term success. Another session examined disability-inclusive technologies, exploring both the promise and challenges of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging tools for people with disabilities. A discussion on neurodiversity introduced participants to the neurodiversity paradigm and how embracing it can positively shape support systems and professional practice. The final session addressed disability and mental health, offering insights into representation and practical strategies for fostering more thoughtful and inclusive interactions.
The event featured a diverse group of speakers whose work and advocacy span multiple areas of the disability field. Presenters included Elizabeth Freund, a speech-language pathologist dedicated to reshaping understanding of neurodivergent identities; José Rosario, a therapist, researcher, wheelchair user, and advocate for mental health in minoritized communities; Joshua Dieker, who shared his personal journey navigating life with invisible disabilities; Lawrence Weru, a researcher and digital storyteller who identifies as a person who stutters; and Lisa Dieker, a nationally recognized leader in special education, teacher preparation, and technology integration. Participants especially appreciated the range of voices and perspectives, with one noting, “I love the storytelling and ideas that each individual had—such different (or even similar) perspectives on disability and identity.”
By centering lived experience and creating space for authentic dialogue, the event continued its mission of centering the stories of people with disabilities while providing participants with practical insights they can apply in their professional and community work. As one attendee summarized enthusiastically, “I love all of the presenters and this event!”