State of the Art Conference

The State of the Art Conference (SOTA) provides opportunities for colleges, universities, researchers, program staff, parents and self-advocates to learn about the current state of research and practice in the field of inclusive postsecondary education, and to network with each other. Conference speakers include faculty and staff from postsecondary education initiatives, parents, self-advocates, and other experts—sharing effective practices and leading group discussions.

The parallel Student Leadership Conference brings current and prospective college students into the conversation with opportunities to learn useful tools for the transition to college life, expand their skills as student advocates and leaders, and meet peers from across the country.

2026 Conference Information Coming Soon!

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2026 Registration coming this Spring!

(2025 Registration Rates)

SOTA General Attendee: $600 (early bird rate of $550 until September 1)
SOTA Reviewer: $550 (early bird rate of $500 until September 1)
SOTA Family Member: $400
SOTA Graduate Student Rate: $125
SLC (Student Leadership): $100

SELECTING THE RIGHT TICKET OPTION:

SOTA Attendee Ticket: Typically for presenters, reviewers, IPSE professionals, or self-advocates. (*PLEASE NOTE: Reviewers can use the discount code emailed to them at checkout.)
SOTA Family Member Ticket: Typically for family members of current/future/past IPSE students, or self-advocates
Graduate Student Ticket: For current graduate students only.
Student Leadership Conference Ticket: Typically current/future/past IPSE students or self-advocates
College Fair Exhibitor Ticket: For Inclusive Higher Education programs from accredited colleges or universities that would like to table at the Inclusive College Fair. Those who plan to attend conference sessions should also select the SOTA Attendee ticket option.

Executive Planning Committee

The members of our Executive Planning Committee oversee conference planning, agenda structure, keynote selection and leadership award application review.

Dr. L. Danielle “Danie” Roberts-Dahm, Program Director Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston
Dr. Katie Ducett, Assistant Professor, SUNY Cortland
Dr. Anna (Anya) Evmenova, Division of Special Education and disAbility Research, George Mason University
Elizabeth Foraker, Director, UC Davis Redwood SEED (Supported Education to Elevate Diversity) Scholars Program
Karly Grifasi, Associate Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Morgan Jacobs, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education
Linn Jorgenson, Director of Disability Services at George Mason University
Kenneth Kelty, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (CIDD) at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Noah Miller, George Mason University
Dr. Beth Myers, Executive Director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at Syracuse University
Dr. Clare Papay, Senior Research Associate/Project Manager at Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston
Dr. Misty Parsley, Executive Director of the Office of Accessibility and Learning Supports, Lipscomb University and President, IPSE Association
Denise Rozell, Director of Policy Innovation at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities
Kristin Sheehan, Conference Coordinator, Sheehan Communications
Stephanie Smith Lee, Past Chair of the Think College Accreditation Workgroup, Policy & Advocacy Co-Director, National Down Syndrome Congress
Rebekah Wallis, Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education
K. Ryan Wennerlind, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Sponsors and Exhibitors

We are dedicated to fostering authentic inclusion for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in higher education and the broader community. This commitment extends to actively seeking exhibitors who align with this mission. SOTA seeks sponsors and exhibitors who prioritize the experiences and voices of the disabled community.

Support #SOTA 2026: Sponsorship packages coming soon!

Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Exhibitor at State of the Art? Contact conference manager Kristin Sheehan at ksheehan@sheehancomms.com.