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Disability Summit

People mingle at booths with informational displays and banners in a large conference hall with ornate ceiling lights.
A man with a beard sits behind a blue table with %22DSS AUTISM%22 printed on it, while in the background, other tables and people are visible at an event.
Six smiling women wearing green shirts and animal ears stand behind a table with a sign that says %22STAY TUNED FOR VIRTUAL BREAKOUT SESSION INFO!%22 in front of a blurred background of windows and a building.
In the foreground, art supplies and promotional materials are laid out on a table, while in the background, several informational displays with QR codes and images are visible.
A young boy plays with colorful blocks in the foreground, while blurred figures and tables fill the background of a crowded room.
A group of young women wearing cat ears and green shirts sit on the floor playing with a child and building blocks, with a tote bag and a wheelchair visible in the background.
Three people wearing animal ears stand in front of a banner for the %22SABILITY SUMMIT,%22 with other attendees blurred in the background.
In the foreground, people are gathered around a table with a laptop and brochures, while the background features a banner with text and a colorful wheel.

Welcome to LEARN's disABILITY Summit!

This Summit is an inclusive gathering, dedicated to empowering parents, caregivers, students, and the broader community. Within this space, we hope to initiate meaningful dialogue, share insights, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs experienced by those living with a range of unique capabilities. Together, we aim to build a more compassionate society where each person feels a sense of belonging within a community that celebrates all contributions. It is both our responsibility and privilege, as individuals, groups, and agencies, to foster a supportive environment for individuals who love, learn, love, communicate, and work in their own way. 

We are happy to embark on this journey with you today, where caring, knowledge, collaboration, and advocacy intersect to create more equitable and just systems of education and a future that is accessible to all. Thank you for choosing to be a part of this experience that we hope you will find transformative.

2026 disABILITY Summit

The 6th Annual LEARN disABILITY Summit brought together a vibrant and engaged community for a day centered around Celebrating Inclusion and Empowering Community.

Held at Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center, this year's Summit marked an exciting move to a new location. We were thrilled to welcome over 200 attendees who joined us for a day of connection, collaboration, and shared learning. 

With participation from more than 60 agencies, ranging from state agencies to local nonprofits and community organizations, attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of resources, services, and supports designed to empower individuals with disabilities and their families.

A highlight of the day was the return of our Purposeful Play Area, which once again provided a welcoming and engaging space for children while caregivers and professionals connected and explored the Summit. Its presence reflects our continued commitment to making this event accessible and inclusive for the whole family.

"I believe this is the most comprehensive disability event in the state."Throughout the day, the energy in the room reflected the power of community and shared purpose. Attendees reflected on what we strive to create each year - a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired. 

We are incredibly grateful to all who attended, exhibited, and supported this year's Summit. Your presence and partnership help bring our mission to life and strengthen a growing network committed to inclusion across our schools and communities.

For questions, please email us at disabilitysummit@learn.k12.ct.us. Please note, this mailbox is only monitored during business hours and it may take up to 48 hours to receive a response.

Virtual Breakout Sessions - Coming Soon

In response to feedback from families, the 2026 LEARN disABILITY Summit team is working with our partner agencies to offer a series of virtual breakout sessions following the Summit. We know that attending in-person sessions can be challenging for families—especially when children are part of the day—so these virtual opportunities are being designed to make it easier to access valuable information and resources from wherever you are comfortable.

Session topics, dates, and presenters are currently being finalized. These virtual sessions will highlight the expertise of our community partners and provide families and professionals with additional opportunities to learn, connect, and explore available supports.

Stay tuned for more details. Complete the form below to be added to our mailing list to receive the latest updates and registration information as soon as it becomes available.

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Be the first to hear about updates, resources, and upcoming opportunities related to the LEARN disABILITY Summit. Join our mailing list to receive announcements about virtual breakout sessions, partner presentations, and other helpful information designed to support families, educators, and community members.

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People mingle at booths with informational displays and banners in a large conference hall with ornate ceiling lights.
A man with a beard sits behind a blue table with %22DSS AUTISM%22 printed on it, while in the background, other tables and people are visible at an event.
Six smiling women wearing green shirts and animal ears stand behind a table with a sign that says %22STAY TUNED FOR VIRTUAL BREAKOUT SESSION INFO!%22 in front of a blurred background of windows and a building.
In the foreground, art supplies and promotional materials are laid out on a table, while in the background, several informational displays with QR codes and images are visible.
A young boy plays with colorful blocks in the foreground, while blurred figures and tables fill the background of a crowded room.
A group of young women wearing cat ears and green shirts sit on the floor playing with a child and building blocks, with a tote bag and a wheelchair visible in the background.
Three people wearing animal ears stand in front of a banner for the %22SABILITY SUMMIT,%22 with other attendees blurred in the background.
In the foreground, people are gathered around a table with a laptop and brochures, while the background features a banner with text and a colorful wheel.

2026 Sponsors

Gold

Company Logo for Great Wolf Lodge

 

Company logo for Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities

 

 

 

 

Advanced Wheels mobility company logo

 

 

Yale Child Study Center logo with a colorful network graphic.

 

 

 

 

Silver

Company logo for TherapyHub LLC

 

 

 

Stack of books with an apple sitting on top next to the words "Shoreline Reading"

 

 

Aspire Living & Learning Company Logo

 

 

 

 

Bronze

Intensive Education Academy

Horizons Program Inc.

Baroco Corporation

Community Partners

Read to Grow

Stop and Shop Waterford

Big Y Groton

Costco East Lyme

BJs Waterford

Garde Arts Center