Annual Conference

Accessibility In the Modern World

Over 1 billion people in the world have a disability. During our lifetimes all of us will experience a situation where we benefit directly from accessibility features built into products, services, and structures. Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer, will speak to the evolution of accessibility at Microsoft, what they've learned on the journey, and how they are making accessibility a core part of their culture. She will share examples of how AI allows people to fully participate in work, in life, and at home.

Building Resilience for Educators & Their Students

We educate in the midst of rising rates of poverty, childhood trauma, natural disasters, and a myriad of other challenges. 

In order to accomplish the increasingly complex behavioral and social-emotional needs of our students, we must also address the social-emotional needs of ourselves and our fellow educators. Repeated exposure to chronic stress and secondary trauma can negatively impact our personal well-being and professional efficacy. By developing practices that support both educator and student resilience we can transform our schools!

Building Powerful and Caring Communities in the Work Place

Stacey Bess is a teacher and author of Nobody Don't Love Nobody. Her book gained national attention and was made into a 2011 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie called, "Beyond the Blackboard."

As a speaker, Stacey Bess shares the lessons she learned that changed her life as she taught hundreds of homeless children in Salt Lake City. Through the stories of the young people she has served, Stacey Bess offers powerful lessons that can change the life of a child, build and empower a family, and improve a community.