Faculty and 2022-2024 Advisory Board | Free Online Book and Resources | Empowerment in Special Education Conference and Resource Day | Video Series: Perspectives from Families and Family-Facing Professionals | Community Organization Interviews
Empowerment in Special Education Conference and Resource Day: Information, Advocacy, Action
Saturday, April 18, 2026
8:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Boys Town Headquarters
14100 Crawford St, Boys Town, NE 68010
Who should attend?
Families, caregivers, teachers, service providers, UNO students, and community members are all invited to join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration!
Enjoy engaging sessions on topics like advocacy, teaming up with school staff, supporting children with anxiety, and fun recreational activities—all designed to help families and professionals grow together.
Visit with community organizations and researchers that support children with disabilities and their families.
Space is Limited-Register to Attend Today: Conference Registration Form
We encourage people to join in-person. However, some conference activities will also be available online this year. Snacks provided during the day!
| Schedule | |
| 8:30-9:00 | Registration and Community Resource Fair |
| 9:00-9:10 | Welcome session |
| 9:10-9:40 | Better Together: Partnering for Meaningful Progress in Special Education Terry Houlton, Ed.D. University of Nebraska Omaha |
| 9:45-10:30 | Inclusive Practices Academy: Working Together for Student Success Emily Hughes, Allison Kelberlau, Adrienne Kennedy, Amber Scott, Educational Service Unit3 (ESU3) |
| 10:30-11:30 | Posters about current research and practices in special education AND Community Resource Fair |
| 11:30-12:00 | “The “What If” Factory: How to help the Busy Brain. Julie Almquist, LMHP, Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health |
| 12:05-12:45 | Panel discussions |
| 12:50-1:30 | Panel discussions |
Form to Register to host a resource table: Community Resource Fair Registration Form
Form to submit a poster : Poster Submission Form
Registration to submit posters and host a resource table will close on March 23.
If you have questions, please reach out to one of the following people:
Dr. Sara Kupzyk at skupzyk@unomaha.edu
Dr. Kristin Duppong Hurley kristin.dupponghurley@boystown.org
Previous conference information
This event is sponsored through a collaboration between the UNO Special Education and Communication Disorders and Psychology Departments and Boys Town National Research Hospital.
