Keynotes

We are excited to announce the NASDSE 2026 Conference Keynote Addresses! Please read more about each below:

Keynote 1: Morgan’s Wonderland: Deep in the Heart of Purpose
Keynote 2: ED Talks: SPecial EDition
Keynote 3: Special Education Policy Influencers: Neutrality with Heart and Purpose

Morgan’s Wonderland: Deep in the Heart of Purpose

Monday, September 28, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Gordon Hartman is a San Antonio-based philanthropist, former homebuilder, and the visionary founder of Morgan’s Wonderland—the world’s first Ultra-Accessible™, fully inclusive theme park. Inspired by his daughter Morgan, who was born with Tatton-Brown-Rahman Syndrome (TBRS), Gordon has dedicated his life to creating spaces where people of all abilities can thrive. Morgan’s Wonderland is just like any other theme park except for a culture and environment that assures 100 percent enjoyment by every person entering the Welcome Center.

Gordon serves as Founder and Board Chair of Morgan’s, the nonprofit organization behind a growing portfolio of Ultra-Accessible™ ventures. These include Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island, Morgan’s Sports, Morgan’s Camp, Morgan’s MAC, and the Morgan’s Inclusion Institute. Together, these initiatives have welcomed millions of guests and redefined global standards for accessibility and inclusion. Upcoming projects include Morgan’s Hotel™, Morgan’s Fitness Center, and Morgan’s Wonder Care—a prescribed pediatric extended care center.

SPEAKER

Gordon Hartman
Visionary Founder of Morgan’s Wonderland (the world’s first Ultra-Accessible™, fully inclusive theme park)

ED Talks: SPecial EDition

Tuesday, September 29, 2026
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

State Directors from across the country share impactful activities and initiatives, inspiring states with new approaches, ideas, and directions. Their stories, evidence, and strong calls to action unite to inspire State Education Agencies with real stories of success and growth.

PRESENTATIONS

From Compliance to Impact: Connecting Systems to Improve Student Outcomes

Kristin McGuire, Texas Education Agency

Equipped for Success: SEA Boot Camps for New Special Educators

Sheila Paitsel, West Virginia Department of Education

Shared Responsibility, Stronger Outcomes: Tennessee's Acceleration for All Initiative

Jennifer Jordan, Tennessee Department of Education

From Compliance to Coherence: Funding, Policy & Systems Alignment

Tania May, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

The Commitment That Changes Leaders

Dr. Nancy Holsapple, Indiana Department of Education

Building One Inclusive Leader at a Time, It only takes a Spark...

Amy Rhone, Nebraska Department of Education

Special Education Policy Influencers: Neutrality with Heart and Purpose

Wednesday, September 30, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Advocating for students with disabilities, their families, and the programs that support them while remaining politically neutral is one of the most critical skills State Directors of Special Education must possess. Political party control of state education agencies comes and goes, state chiefs come and go, but the need to compliantly implement the IDEA remains consistent. This moderated panel will include a State Special Education Director, a State Legislator, a National Lobbyist, and the NASDSE Legislative Liaison. The panel will discuss ways that each has influenced the passage or failure of legislation and rule affecting special education programs and students with disabilities. Several case studies will be presented, and panel members will outline how they would respond to the issue in a way that is politically neutral while also advocating for compliance with IDEA and the improvement of outcomes for students with disabilities.