DISES President’s Letter – April 2026

Dear DISES Community,

I hope this message finds you well. It was wonderful to connect with so many of you at CEC in Utah. Those conversations were energizing and continue to shape the direction of our work as a division. As I reflect on the continued growth of our division, I am both encouraged and inspired by the level of engagement, collaboration, and commitment across our global network. 

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to those who submitted proposals for the DISES Scholar Grant. Your work reflects the depth of expertise and innovation within our community. Members of the Executive Committee are currently reviewing submissions, and we look forward to sharing decisions soon. Thank you for contributing to the advancement of scholarship and practice in international special education.

I am also excited to share an important milestone for our division. DISES has officially established its first subdivision in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education, Inclusive Education Department. This marks a significant step in expanding our global reach and strengthening our ability to support inclusive education across diverse contexts. We look forward to continued collaboration and learning through this partnership.

In addition, I would like to thank those who have expressed interest in engaging with The Nest Centre for Special Education and the Arts in May Pen, Jamaica. Your willingness to contribute your expertise, whether through professional learning, thought partnership, or collaboration, demonstrates the strength of our community. As interest in partnerships continues to grow, it reinforces the importance of expanding opportunities for member engagement across DISES initiatives. For those who are still considering ways to get involved, I encourage you to reach out. Your voice, experience, and leadership are essential as we continue to build meaningful partnerships and extend the impact of DISES.

I am pleased to share that Dr. Anna Hart has agreed to serve as DISES Communications Officer. We are excited to have her leadership in this role as we continue to share updates, highlight member work, and expand engagement opportunities. I am also grateful to Ms. Cindy Perras, who will serve as our interim webmaster. Her support will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our digital presence.

DISES is growing, and we cannot wait to share what is next. Keep an eye out... the DISES Newsletter is on its way and will be packed with updates, opportunities, and stories that showcase the incredible work happening across our global community. You will get a front row look at what is unfolding within DISES and how you can be part of this dynamic, impactful organization.

We are also excited to be heading to Peru in just a few short months. If you have not registered, please be sure to do so. As we prepare for our upcoming conference, we will begin spotlighting the educators, leaders, and partners in Peru who are transforming inclusive practices for students with disabilities. You will have the opportunity to learn from their innovative work, meet the individuals driving meaningful change, and explore ways to stay connected and support ongoing efforts to strengthen outcomes for children, families, and schools.

This is a dynamic moment for DISES. Our strength lies in our members, their willingness to share, collaborate, and lead. Thank you for all that you do! 

In the spirit of Ubuntu, I am because we are!

Nicci Dowd

DISES President

Email: info@dises-cec.org

Website: dises-cec.org