CEC2026: Innovative Access; Innovation Redefined
CEC’s 2026 Convention and Expo offers countless professional development and learning opportunities, hitting on the most pressing and important topics in the field. CEC 2026 will feature two topic area themes identified by our 2026 Program Chairs and our 2026 President: Innovative Access; Innovation Redefined and Beyond the Labels: Rewriting the Story of Special Education. These strands are intended to help you identify sessions relevant to some of the most important topics in special education.
“Innovative Access; Innovation Redefined” is our CEC President’s theme, inviting us to reimagine what true accessibility means in today’s rapidly changing world. In special education, access isn’t just about compliance — it’s about creativity, equity, and empowerment. This year’s theme challenges educators, families, advocates, and innovators to explore bold, fresh approaches to making learning, communication, environments, and opportunities fully accessible to every learner.
Featured Sessions
Register for our featured sessions to experience a deep dive into our themes and discover more about innovation and rewriting the story of special education. You can find these and more in our session browser.
| WEDNESDAY | 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Innovative Ways to Provide Rural Communities Access to Mental Health Services Through Technology and the MTSS Model |
| THURSDAY | 9:15-10:15 AM | A Collective Effort: Navigating Research to Implementation of Innovative Transition Strategies |
| FRIDAY | 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Innovative Ways to Engage, Empower, and Excite |
Keynote
Opportunity in the Shift: Honoring IDEA’s Legacy and the Future You’re Leading and Learning in the Age of AI
Wednesday, March 11, 5 PM
As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we are called not only to honor its legacy but to reimagine what comes next. In this timely and strategic keynote, Dr. Jody Britten invites educators, administrators, and faculty to see disruption as a doorway—an opportunity to rethink what inclusion, innovation, and impact must look like in today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s workforce, especially with the rapid advancement of AI. With change comes opportunity, and the future will be shaped by those who act. Through powerful insights and practical strategies, Jody challenges the way we define readiness, reframe our roles, and redesign learning environments that prepare every student to thrive. Whether you teach, lead, or prepare the next generation of educators, you will leave with concrete actions and renewed momentum to lead from where you are and shape the future all learners deserve (plus she will probably make you laugh at some point).
Dr. Jody Britten has been a paraprofessional, special education teacher, professor, consultant, and policy advisor. Utilizing her over twenty years of experience in the field, she currently assists schools and communities in creating inclusive environments and systems that accommodate every learner.
Kim Strobel is currently a motivational speaker and happiness coach, with previous experience as a teacher and curriculum director. She uses positive psychology research to teach practical and science-backed strategies to help you prioritize happiness in order to achieve your goals.
Invest in yourself professionally and personally by registering to attend CEC’s 2026 Convention today!