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 2021 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.
To view the specific days and times they will be presenting, visit our Session Sorter for the most up-to-date information.
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.
Sessions
- The Role of the University in Preparing and Supporting Special Education Professionals
- Rural Special Education Quarterly: Discussion of Issues Facing Rural Special Educators
- Networking: Get to Know ACRES - The American Council on Rural Special Education
- Special Education in Rural and Urban Settings
Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance (CASDA)
casda.ca
CASDA coordinates national conversations in Canada about autism – bringing community voices to the federal government to guide their development of a National Autism Strategy. CASDA 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.
Sessions
- Expect More: An Autism Adventure
- Navigating Engagement and Advocacy on the International Stage
- Prioritizing Social Inclusion
- Networking: Get to Know CASDA - Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance
Autism Network Scotland
autismnetworkscotland.org.uk
Autism Network Scotland (ANS) was originally established in 2005 with funding from the Scottish Government. In 2011, ANS received further funding as part of the Scottish Government and COSLA’s National Autism Strategy to develop as a hub of professional autism support and information. They continues to evolve as a small but essential center of autism knowledge, skills and information in Scotland.
Sessions
- Diagnosed at 90! Autism and Aging Well
- Research Symposium: Self-Determination and Advocacy
- Transitions: Managing Change in a Period of Unprecedented Change
- Counseling for Autistic Adults: The Good, Bad, and Indifferent
- Research Symposium: Depression, Hoarding, and Psychotherapy Trends
- Networking: Get to Know Autism Network Scotland
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.
Sessions
- The Art of Building Partnerships: To Be Friends or Not To Be Friends, That Is The Question
- SMILE Therapy: Supporting the Communication and Independence of Our Learners at Doncaster Deaf Trust
- Supporting Deaf People into Employment
- Networking: Get to Know Doncaster Deaf Trust
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.
Sessions
- Supporting Transitions Across the Lifespan: A Framework
- Applying a Framework to the OCALICON Content: Participant Dialogue
- Applying a Framework to the OCALICON Content: Action Planning
- Family Engagement Across the Transition Years
- Successful Transition Program Structure Begins With Leadership: A State Leaders Panel
- Networking: Family Engagement in the Transition Years
- College and Career Readiness for Youth With Complex Support Needs: Moving Toward Inclusion
- Networking: Get to Know NTACT:C – the Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative
Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
researchautism.org
OAR's mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. They strive to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment concerns of self-advocates, parents, autism professionals, and caregivers. The mission of “applying” research to answer questions of daily concern to those living with autism defines their goals and program objectives and shapes our budget. The studies they fund and the information they provide have meaning in the day-to-day lives of persons with autism and their families. Rather than fund research relative to cause and cure, they funds pilot studies on topics of every day relevance such as education, parent and teacher training, communication, self-care, social skills, employment, behavior and adult and community issues.
Sessions
- Implementation of Telehealth to Replace In-Person ABA Therapy: What COVID-19 Taught Us
- Including Students With ASD in Tier 2 of Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
- Strategies and Tools to Empower Parents and Caregivers During Playtime
- Improving Outcomes in Adults With ASD by First Changing How and What We Teach
- Autism and Skilled Employment: Lessons from Employees, Supervisors, and Support Experts
- Teaching Mathematical and Social Problem Solving to Learners With ASD or ID
- Networking: Get to Know OAR - Organization for Autism Research
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.
Sessions
- One District's Roadmap to Engaging All Stakeholders in Building an Inclusive, Equitable, and Healthy Learning Environment
- Growing Forward, Together: Cincinnati Public School’s Cross-Departmental Approach to Access and Equity
- Lessons We Learned That Will Continue When We Return Onsite
- Creating and Sustaining Inclusive Family Engagement Practices Pre- and Post-Covid 19
- DPS's Inclusion Journey: Building the Capacity of School Leaders to Lead for Inclusion
- Networking: Get to Know Urban Collaborative
- Special Education in Rural and Urban Settings