2025 Conference Wrap-Up: Advocacy, Connection, and Community

As we look back on 2025, one thing stands out. This year was about showing up for the special education community and learning from the people who do this work every day.

Over the course of the year, our team attended more than 20 special education conferences across the country, connecting with educators, administrators, advocates, and partners who are deeply committed to supporting students with disabilities.

We participated in national conferences like the National Alliance of Medicaid in Education (NAME) Conference and the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), along with regional and state conferences in Texas, Indiana, Iowa, Georgia, Connecticut, Michigan, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Montana, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. At every stop, the conversations were thoughtful, honest, and focused on how to better serve students and schools.

Advocacy That Truly Matters

One of the most meaningful moments of the year was the Special Education Legislative Summit. We stood on Capitol Hill alongside school districts to advocate for the issues that directly affect students and the people who support them.

Together, we pushed for increased IDEA funding, real solutions to address ongoing staff shortages, and greater awareness and investment in the mental health crisis impacting our most vulnerable students. Being part of these conversations reinforced how powerful it is when districts, providers, and advocates work together with a shared purpose.

The Connections That Make It Special

Conferences are about more than sessions and meetings. They are about the people and the moments in between.

Some of our favorite highlights included karaoke with the CASE crew in Washington, DC, line dancing in Georgia, and a memorable client dinner in Philadelphia during the NAME conference. These moments of connection remind us that relationships are at the heart of this work.

At our booth, we also focused on giving back. For every person who signed up for our newsletter, we made a donation to the Special Olympics on their behalf. Thanks to the generosity of conference attendees and the Special Olympics’ 2x matching period, we were able to donate more than $1,000, doubling the impact and supporting athletes and programs across the country.

A Sincere Thank You

We want to extend a genuine thank you to the administrators, directors, and providers who have committed their careers to supporting students with disabilities. Your work is demanding, deeply meaningful, and often goes unseen. You should be proud of the impact you make every single day.

As the year comes to a close, we hope you are able to step back, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved holiday break. You have earned it.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit us, share ideas, and spend time together at conferences this year. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year to continue the conversations, raise even more money for the Special Olympics, and maybe grab some new swag along the way.

Want to get ahead for next year? Download the Top 7 Trends in Special Education Report –> The 2026 Outlook: 7 Trends Reshaping Special Education