OCALI's mission is to inspire change and promote access to opportunities for people with disabilities. We know achieving that mission will not happen by forging ahead alone, on our own path, with no one beside us. Achieving that mission means linking arms with parents, policymakers, educators, self-advocates and community members, reaching across the lifespan, across agencies and across the globe. When we bring together the unique perspectives, skills, and spheres of influence of fellow collaborators, we can achieve that mission.
OCALICONLINE 2022 will showcase the best-of-the-best from some of our fellow collaborators and partners, organizations who are similarly inspiring change and promoting access in their own corners of the world, in their own ways, from their own perspectives. We sought them out for their exemplary work in the field of disabilities, and because we know they are each at the leading edge of science and practice. They bring fresh insights and content to our line-up of sessions, and we can't wait for you to meet them.
The American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES)
acres-sped.org
The American Council on Rural Special Education was founded to enhance services to students and individuals with disabilities living in rural areas. The members of ACRES strive to provide leadership and support that will enhance services for individuals with exceptional needs, their families, and the professionals who work with them, and for the rural communities in which they live and work.
They are the only national organization devoted entirely to special education issues that affect rural America.
Autism Alliance of Canada (AAC)
autismalliance.ca
AAC coordinates national conversations in Canada about autism – bringing community voices to the federal government to guide their development of a National Autism Strategy. AAC is committed to ensuring the creation and implementation of a comprehensive National Autism Strategy that addresses critical gaps in funding and policies, which are preventing autistic individuals and their families from exercising their equal rights as Canadians.
Doncaster Deaf Trust
deaf-trust.co.uk
Doncaster Deaf Trust can trace its history back to 1829 when Reverend William Carr Fenton set up a school to help young deaf people receive an education to equip them to become self-supporting adults. Throughout the Trust's history, there has been a consistent belief in the importance of deaf and hearing impaired children and young people receiving a specialist intervention to help them achieve their full potential. Their mission to provide outstanding specialist education and care services for people who are deaf or have other communication difficulties and learning disabilities.
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C)
transitionta.org
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) is a Technical Assistance Center co-funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). They provide information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders in delivering effective services and instruction for secondary students and out of school youth with disabilities.
Urban Collaborative
urbancollaborative.org
The Urban Collaborative is a national network of school districts committed to improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Their mission is to improve educational outcomes and life opportunities for children and youth with disabilities in urban schools through leadership development. The Collaborative seeks to bring timely and critical issues in the field, as well as solutions, to the forefront of district leadership.