Virtual Conference, March 13th, 2027, with The Federation for Children with Special Needs of Massachusetts. Visions of Community brings together parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals for a day of learning and connection. The 2026 virtual conference and virtual exhibitor expo will feature live workshops, expert speakers, and interactive sessions on issues that matter most to young people with disabilities, their families, and those who support them.
2027 Keynote and Workshops to be announced in January 2027.
2026 Conference Keynote Speakers
Christina Cipriano, PhD, is an award-winning scholar and internationally regarded expert in the science of learning and development, is the author of Be Unapologetically Impatient: The Mindset Required to Change the Way We Do Things.
David Hirsch is the father of five adult children, ages 28-36 and two grandchildren, founder of the 21st Century Dads Foundation and Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, and is the author of 21st Century Dads: A Father’s Journey To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence and audiobooks on Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Rare Disease and On Losing A Child.
Conference Agenda:
- Meet the Commissioners
- Virtual Keynote: Christina Cipriano, PhD
- ADHD, Autism, or AuDHD? Differential diagnosis and treatment implications – Paul Tian, Ziyi Xiu
- Bilingual Development in Children with Developmental Disabilities – Megan Gross, Ph.D., Nancy Garcia, SLP.
- Coping with Grief and Trauma as a Caregiver – Liz Spitzer, Ph.D.
- From Isolation to Advocacy: An Immigrant Mom’s Journey -Oanh Bui, MHA, MA
- Housing: Setting up a Roommate Arrangement- Andrew Arboe
- Inclusive Bilingual Education for Students with Disabilities: Advocating for Equitable Access and Sense of Belonging – Alisha Nguyen, Ph.D.
- Interpreter Qualifications and Family Engagement in Special Education – Ana Soler, MFA
- Intersection of Race, Disability & Privilege – Terry Alves-Hunter
- New IEP: How is it different? How can families prepare for? Dr. Lusa Lo
- One Family, One Voice: Latinx Leadership in Advocacy -Keila Torres
- The Brazilian Way of Inclusion: How Special Education Works in Brazil – Mariana Ferraz, M.A.
- Transition Services in Massachusetts: What BSEA Decisions, DESE Guidance, and Courts Require Post-MCAS Changes – Eliza Presson, Esq.
- Traveling with a Medically Complex Child – An Burke
- Keynote: David Hirsch
- ADHD, Autism, or AuDHD? Differential diagnosis and treatment implications – Paul Tian, Ziyi Xiu
- Bilingual Development in Children with Developmental Disabilities – Megan Gross, Ph.D., Nancy Garcia, SLP
- Early Literacy Policies and Progress in Massachusetts – Katherine Tarca, M.Ed.
- Education Rights of Immigrant and Multilingual Students – Kayla Kaufman, Esq.
- Everyday Strategies for Supporting Children on the Autism Spectrum -Gloria Leyla Fanning Tacoaman, M.A., Karen Salazar Laverde, Rocio Rosales, Ph.D.
- Key Special Education Law Updates – Daniel Heffernan, Esq.
- Navigating the Transition from Early Intervention to Public School: Strengthening Family Rights, Voice, and Advocacy – Chau Nguyen, M.Ed., Virtual
- Overview of the MA-C System including Options for Dispute Resolution and Increased Family Engagement – Emily White, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA, Kathleen Amaral, MBA
- School to Prison Pipeline: Interrupt the Systemic Trauma – Candice Gabrey
- Sexuality and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities – Aanchal Sharma, MD MPH, Meredith Close
- Supporting Family Caregiving – Weaving Together Services and Resources – Annie Kazarnovsky, MPH, Lisa Sheehy, Esq.
- Supporting the Journey to Adulthood: A Practical Seminar for Families of Young Adults – Angela Lombardo, Emily Davidson, M.D., Isaiah Lombardo
- The MCAS-Alt and students with disabilities: impact on your child’s education – Alexis Rickmers, Esq., Chris Yarrell, Esq., Sky Kochenour, Esq.
- Understanding Systems and Barriers to Implement Change in Schools- Erica Karp, Ed.D.
