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.
The SOTA proposal submission deadline was April 10 and accepted presenters will be notified by August 1.
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:
PRE-CONFERENCE TICKET OPTIONS
This year, SOTA is offering three pre-conference sessions on Monday, October 20 from 1pm-4pm. Descriptions and costs for registration are below. During registration for the general conference, you can select your choice to add it to your order. If you need more time to decide, you can return at a later date and purchase this ticket as a separate order.
Just discovering inclusive higher ed? We have new deep-dives for families and beginner staff, as well as a dedicated VR workshop for programs:
IPSE 101 for Families
Sponsored by: Inclusive Postsecondary Education Association
Audience: Families
Focus: Introduction to college programs for students with intellectual disability for families and students who are planning to attend college. The session will include how to search for a program with the right fit, how to apply for financial aid and other funding, and how to prepare in K-12. The session will conclude with advice on how to get the most out of the college fair and a review of the SOTA agenda to help attendees plan which sessions to attend.
Cost: Free, must register for location details.
IPSE 101 for New Program Staff
Sponsored by: Inclusive Postsecondary Education Association
Audience: New program staff
Focus: Provide new staff with an introduction to the national landscape of inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) and IPSE terms, policies, practices, and resources. The session will conclude with a review of the SOTA Conference agenda to help attendees plan which sessions to attend.
Cost: $100
VR-IPSE Partnerships
Hosted by: Think College Inclusive Higher Education Network
Audience: Program staff and representatives from their state or local VR
Focus: Training on building partnerships and a working session for program staff and VR representatives to develop plans for further collaboration. Builds on new resources developed through the Think College Employment Partnerships Workgroup and the VR Workgroup.
Cost: $100
There are limited General Conference Scholarships available. Priority will be given to first time attendees who are self advocates, and their families. Click here to apply.
We use a Tag process for conference 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 hotel recommendations can be found here: Hotels in Syracuse, NY | University, Airport & Downtown
*To be closest to the conference venue, filter by Downtown locations.
Additional information about travelling to Syracuse (including nearby hotel options) will be posted by this summer.
We want to celebrate IPSE trailblazers working to expand access and opportunity for students with intellectual disability. Nominees can include self-advocates, early career scholars, IPSE program administrators, and anyone else who has led local and national efforts in the field.
Submission Deadline *EXTENDED*:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
The award nominations process is now live. Nominations can be submitted for the list of awards below until July 16. Please click the button below to complete the nomination form, which requires the following:
Recipients will be notified by early August, and those who accept will be acknowledged at the 2025 SOTA Conference in Syracuse, NY.
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.