Keynotes 2023

Shelley-bio

Dr. Shelley Moore

Monday, August 21st

From Integration to Inclusion: Co-constructing inclusive communities 

In this session, we will dive into the research of inclusion and look at five guiding conditions for how to build inclusive communities, both inside and outside of classrooms and schools.

Headshot 2022 Carly Christensen

Dr. Carly Christensen

Tuesday, August 22nd

Inclusion Now! Anti-ableism in Education

As social justice in education gains momentum in classrooms, disability justice needs to be included alongside other anti-oppressive initiatives. Ableism, the discrimination of people based on ability, often remains unseen and unchallenged. To truly embrace inclusion in schools, anti-ableism must underpin classroom content, practices, and pedagogies.

 

 

DrLeyton-bio

Dr. Leyton Schnellert

Wednesday, August 23rd

Student Voice: Self-determination and Self-advocacy

This is an important time in education in British Columbia. Schools and school districts are exploring competency-based IEPs, strength-based teaching is more common, and we recognize the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. One of the most powerful things we can do is transform our teaching to welcome and foster student voice. The core competencies in BC’s curriculum have opened the door to position students as self advocates. The time to recognize all students as capable is now. A focus on self-determination can support disabled students in the development of a positive disability identity (DSESIG, 2019) and agency to be difference-makers within inclusive classrooms and the world.

  • “I just wanted to tell you how happy I am to see that you’re back this year! The Summer Institute in 2016 was one of the best conferences I attended in the past few years! Seeing the speakers you have lined up for this year, I’m sure it’s going to be just as good.”
    See you this summer,
    Mary-Lou McCarthy, M.A. Director of Special Education

  • “This was the best conference I have ever been to. I learned things that I know will help me in my role as a teacher. I left this event feeling optimistic and motivated. I sincerely hope you do this event every year and allow others to experience this.”

  • “I came to this event hoping to find out about day programs for my daughter when she leaves high school. I left the event knowing she can go to college. My expectations shifted in 3 days!”