TASP Conference 2026

Take advantage of the early bird rate through the end of 2025!

March 12-13, 2026.  Two full days of content.  Coffee/pastries both mornings, and lunch included both days.

COST:

Registration open October 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026.

Take advantage of the early bird rate of $199 for the full conference, but only until December 31, 2025. After that, the rate will increase to $250.

Self-Advocates and Students can access a reduced rate of $75 until December 31, 2025, and after that can access the reduced rate of $100.

For additional details and questions, please refer to the registration page and/or the FAQ Tab above.

Questions?  Email us at info@achancetoparent.net

Call for Proposals

Theme: Building Bridges: Strengthening Community Connections and Advocacy for Parents with IDD

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Submission Period: September 1 – October 1, 2025

Notification Date: October 15, 2025

Presenter Registration Deadline: December 15, 2025

 

 

Conference Overview

We invite proposals from researchers, practitioners, advocates, self-advocates, and community partners to participate in the TASP 2026 Conference: Building Bridges: Strengthening Community Connections and Advocacy for Parents with IDD, presented in conjunction with the Arizona State University School of Social Work.

As we advance our understanding of supporting parents with IDD, there is growing recognition that meaningful change happens through strong community connections, effective advocacy, and inclusive practices. This conference will bring together diverse stakeholders to explore innovative approaches, share evidence-based practices, and strengthen the networks that support parents with IDD and their families.

The conference welcomes social workers, legal professionals, healthcare providers, disability advocates, policy makers, researchers, direct service providers, parents with IDD, family members, and community partners from across the United States and internationally. With an expected attendance of up to 200 participants, this gathering offers an invaluable opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate across disciplines and perspectives.

Conference Format

The 2-day conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, parent panels, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions with concurrent presentations, allowing for diverse programming and attendee choice.

Proposal Guidelines

We are seeking proposals for 75-minute presentations, workshops, or panel discussions that align with our conference theme. In line with the conference theme of “Building Bridge,” presentations should focus on one or more of the following:

• Community Integration and Inclusion: Strategies that help parents with IDD build strong connections and be active, included members of their communities.
• Advocacy and Rights: Approaches that amplify the voices of parents with IDD, support self-advocacy, and strengthen efforts to protect and advance rights.
• Support Networks: Ways to create and maintain meaningful formal and informal systems of support that surround and sustain families.
• Policy and Practice Innovation: Evidence-based strategies, new approaches, and research that bridge gaps between policy and practice to improve services for parents with IDD.
• Intersectional Perspectives: Perspectives that explore the diverse experiences of parents with IDD across race, culture, gender, and other community contexts.
• Collaboration and Partnership: Models, programs, or research that show how cross-sector, interdisciplinary, and community partnerships can work together with parents and self-advocates as equal partners.
• Research: Studies that highlight promising practices, evaluate outcomes, and build knowledge about supporting parents with IDD in inclusive and equitable ways.

Track Options

Please select the track that best fits your presentation:

• Professional/Provider Track: Primarily designed for service providers, researchers, and professionals
• Parent/Self-Advocate Track: Primarily designed for parents with IDD and disability advocates
• Dual Track: Content applicable to both professional and parent/self-advocate audiences

Presentation Formats

• Workshop: Interactive, skill-building session with hands-on activities
• Panel Discussion: Multiple presenters exploring different aspects of a topic with audience Q&A
• Research Presentation: Sharing of research findings, evaluation results, or innovative practices
• Case Study: In-depth exploration of a specific program, intervention, or experience

Submission Requirements

Presentation Information

1. Presentation Title: Clear, engaging title (maximum 15 words)
2. Track Selection: Professional/Provider, Parent/Self-Advocate, or Dual Track
3. Presentation Format: Workshop, Panel Discussion, Research Presentation, or Case Study
4. Abstract: Brief overview of your presentation content and what attendees can expect to learn (up to 100 words) . If accepted, this will be used for marketing materials and conference program.
5. Presentation Description:  Comprehensive description of your presentation content, methodology, and relevance to conference theme (up to 200 words). This will be used for review purposes
6. Learning Objectives: Three specific, measurable learning objectives describing what participants will gain from your session
7. Adherence to Theme: Which of the proposal guidelines it best adheres to (you may choose more than one).
8. Presentation Approach: Describe your presentation style and methods (e.g., interactive workshop, PowerPoint with discussion, panel format with audience participation)
9. Incorporation of Lived Experience: Please detail how your material includes input from people with lived expertise.
10. Accessibility Needs: Please share any accessibility needs you have.

Presenter Information

Lead Presenter

• Full name and professional credentials (if any)
• Professional title and organizational affiliation (put N/A if not employed)
• Biography (maximum 100 words) highlighting relevant experience and expertise
• Contact information (phone, email, mailing address)

Additional Presenters (if applicable – up to 3 total presenters)

• Same information as required for lead presenter

Note: All correspondence regarding your proposal will be conducted with the lead presenter only. The lead presenter is responsible for communicating all information to additional presenters.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to Theme: Clear connection to building community connections and advocacy for parents with IDD
• Innovation and Impact: Novel approaches, promising practices, or significant outcomes
• Presentation Quality: Clear objectives, appropriate methodology, and engaging format
• Presenter Expertise: Relevant experience and qualifications
• Audience Benefit: Practical value and applicability for conference attendees
• Diversity and Inclusion: Representation of diverse perspectives and experiences

Important Information for Presenters

Registration Requirement

All accepted presenters must register and pay the full conference registration fee by January 15, 2026. Registration information will be provided upon acceptance notification. Failure to register by the deadline may result in removal from the program.

Conference Materials

All conference materials (PDF of PowerPoint presentation and any handouts) must be submitted by February 1, 2026. Detailed submission instructions will be provided to accepted presenters.

Technology and Materials

Standard audiovisual equipment will be provided. Presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptops and any specialized materials. Detailed technical specifications will be provided to accepted presenters.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to ensuring full accessibility for all presenters and attendees. Please indicate any accessibility accommodations you require for your presentation in your submission.

Submission Process

Proposals will be submitted through an online form. The submission link is available on this page at the top and bottom purple buttons.

 

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