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/higher 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.
Proposal Submission form coming soon and will be accepted until April 15 and presenters will be notified of acceptance on or before July 15.
SOTA General Attendee: $500 (early bird rate of $475 until September 1)
SOTA Presenter, Reviewer, Planning Committee Member: $425
SOTA Graduate Student Rate: $125
SLC (Student Leadership): $100
All rates include conference welcome reception (including transportation to the event), karaoke party, and breakfast and lunch for both days.
There are limited General Conference Scholarships available. Priority will be given to first time attendees who are self advocates, and their families. To request a scholarship application, email coordinator@sotaconference.com
NEW: Scholars of Color Travel & Registration Scholarship
The State of the Art Conference team is committed to providing support to scholars in the field(s) of Inclusive Postsecondary Education and Intellectual Disability who have been historically impacted by systemic racism. We open this opportunity to apply for the Scholars of Color Travel & Registration Scholarship to racially/ethnically diverse SOTA attendees. To request a scholarship application, email coordinator@sotaconference.com.
Please submit your abstract using Plain Language. Learn more about Plain Language here.
View helpful tips at: SOTA Submitting A Great Proposal.
We use a Tag process for topics. Learn what our Tags mean here: Tag Information
Tags include:
Support #SOTA 2025: 2025 SOTA Conference Sponsorship Guide
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or Exhibitor at State of the Art? Contact conference manager Kristin Sheehan at ksheehan@sheehancomms.com.
The conference will be held at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Rooms are available at a conference rate of $181/night (plus tax). To access the room block and book your room, please click here.
Additional information about travelling to Syracuse (including nearby hotel options) will be posted by this summer.
Congratulations to our 2024 Leadership Award Recipients:
Debra Hart Policy & Practice Leadership Award
An individual who facilitates innovation and progress in inclusive higher education in an impactful way on a local, regional, or national level.
Martha Mock, University of Rochester
Learn more about Martha here.
The George Jesien National Leadership Award
An individual who reflects significant national leadership through advocacy, technical assistance or research to further the field of inclusive higher education.
Denise Rozell, AUCD
Learn more about Denise here.
The Laura Lee Leadership Award
A trailblazing self-advocate who currently attends or has graduated from a PSE program for persons with intellectual disability and whose advocacy significantly benefits individuals with disabilities – in their college, community, regionally or nationally.
Martha Haythorn
Learn more about Martha here.
Megan Cartier Early Career Scholar Award
An early career scholar who demonstrates a commitment to innovation in the field of inclusive higher education through research and service, while centering the voices and lived experiences of those with intellectual disability.
Rebecca Smith Hill, University of South Carolina
Learn more about Rebecca here.
State Level Leadership Award – Two Winners for 2024
An individual who reflects significant leadership through state-level alliance building, leading efforts to enhance available funding for college students with intellectual disability or program development, and informing state legislation or policy to further the field of inclusive higher education.
Julie Lackey, Lead Learn Live
Learn more about Julie here.
Mary Hauff, Institute on Community Integration
Learn more about Mary here.