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

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

SPEAKERS

Coming Soon

PANELISTS

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.