About SOTA

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 Submissions will be accepted until April 15 and presenters will be notified of acceptance on or before July 15. We are no longer accepting proposals.

2024 Registration Rates 

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.

Conference Information

• 2024 Draft Agenda PDF  (or visit Whova link above)
• 2024 Travel and Hotels
• 2024 Student Leadership Conference
• 2024 Inclusive College Fair
• 2024 Leadership Awards
• 2024 Executive Planning Committee

Support #SOTA 2024: 2024 SOTA Sponsorship Package

Interested in becoming an Exhibitor at State of the Art? Contact conference manager Karly Grifasi at kgrifasi@syr.edu.

Travel and Hotels

The Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill is across the street from the Friday Center and will be our primary conference hotel. Reserve your room under the SOTA block.

If you would like to stay at a different hotel, please access additional Accommodations here.

The closest airport is about 15 miles away, Raleigh-Durham International Airport-RDU, followed by Greensboro-GSO (70 miles away).

12 Things to Do in Chapel Hill

State of the Art Leadership Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2024 SOTA Leadership Awards! Nominations can be submitted for the following list of awards until Friday, August 30, 2024.

Please click this link to complete the nomination form which includes:

• A letter of nomination
• Two letters of recommendation
• A link to the nominee’s bio, social media page or professional profile

Awards:

• (New this year): 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.
  The Debra Hart Policy & Practice Leadership Award is named in memory of a visionary leader in the field of disability, special education, and higher education for 30+ years, Debra Hart, whose commitment to seeking funding support for policy, practice, and research advancements contributed significantly to the progress made in inclusive higher education.
• 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.
  The George Jesien National Leadership Award is named in honor of George Jesien, PhD, a long-time national leader in the disabilities field. In 2013 he retired from the position of executive director of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities. AUCD continues to be a guiding force that advances policy and practice for individuals with developmental and other disabilities as well as their families.
• 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.
  The Laura Lee Leadership Award is named in memory of Laura Lee, daughter of Gen and Stephanie Smith Lee, who was a pioneer in inclusive education at the national level. She passed away unexpectedly in 2016.
• Megan Cartier Early Career Scholar Award
  An early career scholar (including graduate students) 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.
  The Megan Cartier Early Scholars Award is given in honor of Megan Cartier, who passed away in 2023. Megan was a doctoral student whose support was pivotal in organizing the first Student Leadership Conferences.
• State Level Leadership Award
  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.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, August 30, 2024. We will notify recipients by September 16, and those who accept will be acknowledged at the 2024 SOTA Conference held at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

2022 & 2023 Recipients
Previous recipients

Executive Planning Committee