Below are the proposal submission requirements. We strongly suggest you first write your proposal in an offline format prior to submitting it through the online system.
The proposal form does not auto save. Be prepared to complete and submit the entire form in one setting. Your login will time out after 60 minutes of inactivity.
All proposal submitters will need to either (a) create a new account, or (b) review and verify their information in an existing account. Please use a current mailing address and active email address that is frequently checked. Email is OCALI's primary communication tool.
All proposal submitters are also required to include a short personal bio and upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Bios are shared with attendees through the conference guidebook and website. Resumes/CVs are used to apply for continuing education units (CEUs).
OCALI Pass Account
Create or log in to your existing OCALI Pass account. Email is OCALI’s primary communications tool, so please enter a current and frequently checked email address.
Returning submitters will be prompted to review and update his/her profile, bio, and CV/resume before submitting a 2022 proposal. If you have an existing account but are having trouble logging in, please contact events@ocali.org for assistance before creating a new account.
New submitters will need to create an OCALI Pass account and enter the requested information.
Once updated, click Submit a Proposal to continue to the proposal form.
Bio
A presenter bio must be submitted in third-person language and in paragraph form. It should include professional highlights and milestones such as education, background, publications, and prior presentations. The bio will be published online and is subject to edits at the discretion of the review committee.
Character limits: Maximum of 600 characters (includes spaces), which is approximately 100 words.
Sample Bio:
Amy Bixler Coffin, M.S., is program director of the Autism Center at OCALI. A special educator for 24 years, Coffin has served as an intervention specialist, low-incidence supervisor, director of special education, and autism program director. She currently coordinates and provides regional and statewide professional development for districts, families, and organizations. Coffin has presented at state, national, and international conferences, contributed to several articles and book chapters, and has authored a book on supporting individuals with ASD in the community.
Each candidate must individually submit his/her own bio. Please do not combine the bios of candidate co-presenters.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
A CV or resume of professional work – including but not limited to job titles/descriptions, credentials or licensure, education/degrees, publications, presentations, professional organizations/affiliations, etc. – must be submitted as a PDF document. CVs/resumes are used by OCALI to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs). An abbreviated version is acceptable.
Each candidate must individually submit his/her own CV/resume. Please do not combine the CV/resumes of multiple candidate co-presenters.
These selections are primarily to help OCALI in planning and does not guarantee that these will be the final results. Communications for session type, session length, preference for recording, and specific recording date and time will be send out in the future.
Session Type
Select one session type.
The OCALICON review committee seeks a balance of content and session types and will select a limited number of each session type for the final program. The session type of an accepted proposal may be changed at the discretion of the review committee.
Number of Presenters
Please indicate the total number of presenters for your session. The number of co-presenters varies by session type. Co-presenters are limited to those who will contribute during the presentation for OCALICONLINE.
Co-presenters will need to add themselves to your proposal AFTER it has been submitted but BEFORE the proposal deadline of March 31, 2022.
Preferred Session Length
Consider the amount of content and the session type as you select your first and second choice for session length.
If you have only one preferred session length, you may select the same response twice.
The OCALICON planning team seeks to create a schedule of sessions that balances learning, engagement, breaks, and the other needs of adult learners. Communication for session lengths will be confirmed and sent out in future communications.
Preferred Presentation Style
All sessions will be limited to being presented in their entirety as either pre-recorded (with behind the scenes engagement through the Q & A and chat features) or presented live on Zoom in real time. Sessions will not be permitted to split into partial pre-recorded and then turn on live for question/answer.
Whether live or pre-recorded, lectures and panels are typically held in Zoom webinar (the audeince is NOT seen or heard). Demonstations, facilitated discussions, research symposium, and networking sessions are typically held in Zoom meetings (the audeince is both seen and heard).
Please indicate if you prefer to pre-record your session in advance or prefer to present it live on the Zoom platform in real time. This does not change the platform (Zoom webinar or meeting) that will be used, only how you as the presenter will engage.
Then help us understand why you made your selection by telling us how your selection will benefit the content, the attendees, and/or you as the presenters.
If you select to pre-record, please indicate your preferred month for recording.
The OCALICON planning team seeks to create a schedule that balances live and pre-recorded sessions. Communication about presentation style, preparation materials for live and pre-recorded sessions, and recording dates and times will be sent out in future communications.
An overview of proposal components is provided below.
Session Title
The title is the “first impression” of your presentation and should reflect overall session content. While creative session titles are welcome, candidates are strongly encouraged to make sure the session title accurately reflects the session content. Please spell out all the words in the title and do not use acronyms or abbreviations.
Character limits: Maximum of 90 characters (includes spaces), which is approximately 10 words.
Abstract
The abstract is the summary of session content. It should include the most important information, strategies, or practices that will be covered. The abstract will be published online and is subject to edits at the discretion of the review committee. Candidates are strongly encouraged to make sure the session abstract accurately reflects the session topic and content to be presented or facilitated.
Character limits: Maximum of 600 characters (includes spaces), which is approximately 100 words.
Objectives
Include 3-5 session objectives that indicate a gained practical knowledge and complete the following statement:
“At the end of the session, participants will be able to...”
Consider using this list of action verbs when drafting your objectives.
Character limits: Maximum of 200 characters per objective (including spaces), which is approximately 30 words.
Level
Select one session level.
Primary and Secondary Topic Areas
Select one primary topic area which best characterizes the overall session content. Select up to four additional secondary topic areas.
Population Target
Select all population targets that apply.
Targeted Audiences
Select up to 10 targeted audiences to which your content is most focused, relevant, or beneficial.
Targeted Ages
Select all targeted ages that apply.
Session Description
Complete each of the below areas in as much detail as possible.
This information allows reviewers to better understand and evaluate the proposal. Vague or insufficient responses will receive a lower score.
Character limits for EACH numbered response below: Minimum of 100 characters (includes spaces), which is approximately 15 words; maximum of 2,000 characters (includes spaces), which is approximately 250 words
1. In one sentence, summarize the main point you want attendees to take from this session.
2. What specific examples will you highlight in this session?
3. Describe the significance and timeliness to the field. Why is this information important at this time?
4. What have you learned as a result of implementing the ideas and concepts included in this proposal? Include results or data collected, if applicable.
5. Describe the intended outcome or benefit your session would provide. How might the methods, ideas, and strategies be transferable and applicable to attendees’ work or setting?
Submission Deadline
11:59 pm EDT | March 31, 2022
Late proposals will not be accepted.