Thursday, August 20, 2026

3 deadlines you don't want to miss — NADD 2026

 

43rd Annual NADD Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, October 7-9, 2026

Volunteer Opportunity: Save $150 on Registration!

People raising their hands as a presenter speaks.

As we get closer to the 2026 NADD Annual Conference, there are a few important updates as several deadlines are coming up fast.


Call for Session Monitors — Applications Close August 24th

Interested in attending the Annual Conference and looking for an opportunity to discount your registration fee? Consider serving as a session monitor for the 2026 conference! Applications are open until August 24th.


Serving as a volunteer session monitor can reduce your registration fee by an additional $150. All you need to do is complete an online training before the conference and assist with three sessions during the conference. (You may not sign up to assist with any sessions you're speaking at or otherwise supporting.)


Already registered? All volunteers receive the $150 reduction as a credit back to their original form of payment after completing their onsite support. This is a great way to begin your involvement with NADD!

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

Room Block Update: Book Now — Rooms Are Almost Gone

A limited number of rooms at the Omni William Penn are available to NADD conference participants at a discounted rate starting at $235 plus tax. The conference hotel block is nearing or may be sold out across some nights of the conference. You may continue to check for availability within the conference block until September 14th, at which time the special rate will end. You may also continue to check for availability at the Omni’s standard hotel rates. Alternatively, there are multiple other hotels within a less than 2 block radius of the conference hotel.


Only 1 Month Left of Regular Registration Rate

Regular registration pricing ends September 16th. Register now to lock in the current rate before it increases.


We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh!


LOCK IN YOUR REGISTRATION
BOOK YOUR ROOM

Important Continuing Education Information

NADD and our partner CE Learning Systems is currently seeking approval for up to 14 CE Credit Hours from 9 accrediting organizations. Registrants must attend "live" (in real-time) for the duration of the session to earn CE credits. After the event, registrants who attended approved sessions AND completed the required evaluation will receive access to their continuing education certificate via a personalized "attendee dashboard" link, hosted on the CE-Go website. Learn more HERE.

About Us

NADD Logo

NADD is now considered the leader in education, consultation, and training related to intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. NADD influences policies at the national, state, and local levels leading to more community-based, whole-person treatment for the mental health needs of those with IDD. NADD continues to host annual conferences, publish the most up-to-date research, and hold professionals to the highest quality of supports. 



With the support of our members, partners and volunteers, NADD is able to provide a network for continued advancement of research and quality supports for people experiencing intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. To become a member of this network and community, join us via the link below.

Join NADD

www.thenadd.org

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

AAIDD FYI: End Summer Strong with AAIDD

 

aaidd FYI Resources Opportunities Activities

August AAIDD Highlights

Benefits AAIDD members are enjoying this month

Make the most of the final weeks of summer with an AAIDD membership!

Unlock exclusive access to professional webinars, leading IDD journals, networking opportunities and more. Discover all the membership benefits waiting for you this month.

Join AAIDD Today!

AAIDD at Reimagining Quality 2026
Reimagining the future of quality supports for people with IDD

Register for the 2026 RQ Conference!

AAIDD is proud to be a joint host of Reimagining Quality, taking place October 4-6, 2026, in Baltimore, MD. Join professionals, leaders, practitioners, and self-advocates from across the IDD field for three days of shared knowledge, practical strategies, and bold ideas to advance quality, person-centered supports and services.

Register today!

AAIDD Interest Networks 

AAIDD Members gain access to topic-focused networks where professionals connect, collaborate, and share resources

Expand Your Professional Network with AAIDD Interest Networks

Looking to connect with professionals who share your interests? AAIDD Interest Networks bring together members from across the field to exchange ideas, discuss emerging issues, share resources, and build meaningful professional connections. Whether you're interested in education, families, social work, technology, public policy, research, or another specialty area, there's a community waiting for you.

Interest Networks are an exclusive benefit of AAIDD membership - join today to become part of the conversation!

AAIDD Webinars 

Ongoing professional education 

Why pay $10? Members receive registration at no cost for all AAIDD webinars

Yoga Informed Practice in IDD Settings

AAIDD Webinar

August 26, 2026 2:00 - 3:00 pm Eastern 

Register Here
Image of AAIDD Webinar

AAIDD Journals

Leading Peer-Reviewed Journals in the IDD Field

Access articles at no cost for AAIDD Members 

Volume 64, Issue 4 of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is Available Now! 

Read AAIDD Journals 
Image of Journal AJIDD

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join AAIDD and enjoy all these member benefits and more!

AAIDD's mission is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Become a member today!

Join AAIDD!

Monday, August 17, 2026

See What's in Store at RQ 2026

 

Blue Reimagining Quality Banner

From thought-provoking keynote speakers to engaging breakout sessions and valuable networking opportunities, Reimagining Quality 2026 offers something for everyone committed to advancing quality supports and services.

Here's a preview of what you can expect:

  • Interactive pre-conference sessions offering deeper dives into timely topics, including strengthening the direct support workforce, building cultures of curiosity and innovation, and exploring new tools like the Disability MAP-it project
  • Inspiring keynote presentations exploring the future of Medicaid, assistive technology, and where our field goes next.
  • More than 25 breakout sessions featuring national experts, self-advocates, researchers, and innovators.
  • Dedicated exhibit time to discover new products, services, and resources while connecting with organizations from across the country.
  • Networking opportunities with colleagues who are driving meaningful change throughout the IDD field.

Showcase Your Organization
Interested in connecting with leaders across the IDD field? Become an exhibitor and share your resources, products, and services with attendees. View the exhibitor prospectus here.

Whether you're looking for innovative strategies, practical tools, or opportunities to connect with peers, you'll find them at Reimagining Quality 2026.

We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore this October!

Book Your Room
Register!

Friday, August 14, 2026

Fall Starts with a Plan: See Dani Plan in action August 25 at 3:00 p.m. ET

 

Aqua dotted line and Autism Society logo
A young man looking out a window. Dani Plan and Autism Society logos


Hello Autism Society Community,


As summer winds down and the busy fall season begins, now is the perfect time to get organized and prepare for the months ahead. If you're caring for a loved one with a disability, having important information, documents, and emergency plans readily accessible can provide invaluable peace of mind.

 

Join us for a special Dani Plan Webinar on Wednesday, August 25 at 3:00 p.m. ET to discover how Dani Plan can help simplify caregiving and keep your family prepared for whatever comes next. During the webinar, we’ll share an exclusive coupon code for 30% off your first year when you sign up by the following day. Can’t join live? Register to receive the recording, and you’ll still be eligible for the exclusive discount.

 

Why Caregivers Love Dani Plan

 

Dani Plan is designed to help families stay organized by keeping essential information in one secure, easy-to-access location. During the webinar, you'll learn how Dani Plan helps you:

  • Store critical medical, educational, and personal information
  • Track appointments, services, and important contacts
  • Create a comprehensive care plan that can be shared when needed
  • Reduce stress by having everything organized and available at your fingertips
  • Ensure continuity of care if a parent, caregiver, or support person is unavailable

 

Introducing Dani Plan Safe ID

 

Dani Plan will also highlight the new Dani Plan Safe ID, an innovative tool that can make a significant difference during an emergency.

 

The Dani Plan Safe ID provides first responders, caregivers, school personnel, and others with immediate access to critical information about your loved one when every second counts. Whether it's a medical emergency, an unexpected separation, or another urgent situation, Safe ID helps ensure the right information reaches the right people quickly and securely.

 

Don't Miss This Opportunity

 

Fall often brings new routines, schedules, and responsibilities. Let Dani Plan help you start the season with greater confidence, organization, and peace of mind.


Register Here

We hope to see you there!
Your Autism Society of America Team

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Life with Brain Injury: Highlights, Hope, and Ways to Help

 

Focus Forward: A newsletter from the Brain Injury Association of SC
Image of attendees at a conferece booth

Thank You for an Incredible Conference!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Life with Brain Injury Annual Conference such a success! Nearly 250 participants came together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Among our registered attendees were 63 survivors, 78 professionals, 48 caregivers, 29 exhibitors and sponsors, and 4 students, reflecting the broad community committed to improving life after brain injury.

We are grateful to everyone who shared their expertise, experiences, and support, and we look forward to continuing this important work together throughout the year.

Conference Photos

Make your voices heard!

Contact Your Legislators Today!

The SC General Assembly will vote on the FY27 state budget on August 11, and your voice can make a difference.

Please take a moment to contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support the FY27 budget, including the supplemental funding request for the Brain Injury Association of South Carolina. This funding would help BIASC continue providing education, advocacy, support, and resources to people in all 46 counties.

Find your legislators.

Thank you for standing with BIASC and the thousands of South Carolinians we serve.


Butterfly on a flower
Release Stigma,
Spread Hope

Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council will be hosting a memorial and butterfly release for National Overdose Awareness Day to honor loved ones lost to overdoses. Share a memorial.

August 20
4 – 6 p.m.
SC Statehouse

Talk saves lives: an introduction to suicide prevention
September 1
10 a.m.
Online

Talk Saves Lives
Join the Thrive Together Online Community for a special guest presentation featuring Talk Saves Lives™, an evidence-informed program from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This informative session will explore the warning signs of suicide, common risk and protective factors, and practical ways to start a caring conversation with someone who may be struggling. 
Register now!


Supporting Students with Concussion
As students head back to school this fall, educators play an important role in supporting recovery after a concussion. The Teacher Acute Concussion Tool (TACT) is a free resource that helps teachers recognize common concussion symptoms, understand how they may affect learning, and implement practical classroom strategies to support a successful Return-to-Learn process.

Learn more about TACT and Return-to-Learn resources.


Red apple

Hire me SC: 2026 Employer Summit
Save the date for the 11th annual Hire Me Employer Summit. 

October 7 • Dominion Energy • Learn More


BIASC Quick Links

BI Survivor Resources
Support Groups – Virtual and In-Person

SC State Museum Accessibility Mornings
2026 Online BI Survivor Series

Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events. 


Thanks to our community sponsors
Community Sponsors enable BIASC to provide vital services and programs to individuals navigating life after brain injury.
Find out how your organization can get involved.
Prisma health
Heart of the Carolinas  •  Rosen Hagood Attorneys
Larry Lucas State Farm Agency  •  Coastal Carolina National Bank  
National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Columbia