DISES President’s Letter – September 2025

Dear DISES Community,

As I reflect on the past few months, I am filled with gratitude for our community and the incredible work being done by our members across the globe to continue to advance equity and inclusion for learners with disabilities. Our conference in July, held in Nairobi and Lake Naivasha, Kenya, was a resounding success, bringing together educators, researchers, policymakers, students, and advocates from around the world. The energy, collaboration, and innovative ideas shared there continue to remind us of the power of coming together in pursuit of our shared mission. At the heart of our conference planning is a focus on sustainability and building lasting connections in our host countries.  Our time in Kenya has left a meaningful and lasting impact, with many participants continuing the conversations and collaborations well beyond the conference.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share that preparations are already underway for our 2026 conference in Cusco, Peru on July 11-13. This promises to be another vibrant gathering where we will deepen our learning, share new research, and celebrate diverse perspectives. The call for proposals will be announced soon, and we encourage you to consider submitting your work. Early registration details will also be released shortly, so stay tuned and start making your plans to join us in Peru! The call for proposals opens October 1, with a December 1 deadline. 

In addition, we are now inviting proposals from anyone interested in hosting the 2027 conference. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your country’s/organization’s commitment to inclusive education and to bring our global network to your community. Please see the attached Request for Proposals if you are interested in hosting a conference. 

Thank you, as always, for your commitment and engagement. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive future for all learners. 

With appreciation, 

Jennifer Ward, DISES President