The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with Down Syndrome Innovations, is proud to host the 3rd Annual SPEAK Up! (Self-advocates Promoting Empowerment and Access in Kansas) conference — a free event designed for self-advocates, parents, family members, caregivers, and professionals on Friday, November 6th, from 8 AM to 3 PM in Wichita at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview.
This empowering day will feature inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions led by advocates, activists, organizations, as well as federal and state financial, legal, and benefits experts working to enhance resources and information for Kansans with IDD. Participants will explore real-life experiences and expert perspectives on the most critical issues facing individuals with disabilities and their families today.
Hosted By
Event Details
Date 📅
Friday, November 6, 2026
Time 🕒
8 am - 3 pm*
Registration opens at 8 am and the conference starts at 8:30 am
Venue 🏨
Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview
400 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202 (Near Old Town)
Registration Deadline: October 15, 2026
Conference Overview
There will be two tracks – a self-advocate track led by KCDD Advocacy Coordinator Lola Kernell, and a parent/caregiver track led by KCDD and DSI.
The day will begin with a kick-off welcome keynote for self-advocates and caregivers!
The day will wrap up with everyone coming together for ADA, ABLE, and What is the Next Landmark Disability Rights Law? Panel with Sara Hart Weir, Executive Director of KCDD, Lola Kernell, Advocacy Coordinator of KCDD, and Sandy Swift Parrino, former chairwoman of the National Council on Disabilities and the champion of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and SPEAK Up! for a more inclusive future!
Photo description: Four people are standing/sitting around a table with green grass and a fountain in the background. A man is sitting behind the table with some paperwork in front of him and is signing one of them with a pen in his hand.
Agenda
8:00 AM: Registration
8:30 AM: Welcome/Opening Remarks
9:00 AM: Breakout Session #1
Self-Advocate Track 1: Be Your Own Boss: Creating Opportunities for Yourself
Self-Advocate Track 2: Art That Moves People: Creative Ways to Advocate
Caregiver Track: Your Guide to IEPs: Advocating for Your Child - teacher and student pairing
10:00 AM: Breakout Session #2
Self-Advocate Track: Nothing About Me Without Me: Supported Decision-Making in Action
Caregiver Track 1: Making Systems Work for You: Tips from the Experts
Caregiver Track 2: Your Roadmap to Employment Support
11:00 AM: Break
11:15 AM: Group Session (both caregivers and self-advocates)
Growing Up Strong: Navigating Changes and Relationships
Topics:
Support Systems
Life Transitions
Self-Advocacy
12:15 PM: Lunch + KCDD Transition Coordinator Council (TCC) Roundtable (add location)
1:15 PM: Breakout Session #3
Self-Advocate Track: Strong Minds, Strong Voices, Strong Advocates, Mental Health Session
Caregiver Track: When Plans Change: What Families Can Do
2:00 PM: Break
2:15 PM: Closing Session: ADA, ABLE, and Beyond: What’s Next for Disability Rights - Sara Hart Weir, Lola Kernell, and Sandy Swift Parrino
3:00 PM: Close
Become a Vendor
Do you have services or programs for individuals with IDD and their families?
We invite you to join us at the SPEAK Up! Conference to share your information!
FAQs about the SPEAK Up! Conference
Where am I supposed to park for this event?
There is a covered parking garage on-site (132 N. Waco Ave) for $14 a night.
Will the accommodations I requested be readily available to me?
Yes, they will. All accommodation requests will be submitted on the registration form HERE by September 15, 2026, and travel assistance/scholarship requests will be submitted on this form HERE by August 15, 2026.
Do I need to buy a ticket to attend this conference?
No, this is a FREE event, but you must be registered to attend. All families, caregivers, professionals, and self-advocates are welcome!