Virtual State Conference Fall 2025

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Registration is open for our annual virtual state conference! We hope you'll join us for this important gathering focused on advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equity across our communities and workplaces.  All sessions are virtual.  You can register for just one, or choose the Conference Bundle so you don't miss any of the vital conversations!

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Our sessions will explore the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from multiple perspectives—policy, practice, and lived experience. Whether you’re a municipal leader, service provider, advocate, or community member, your presence reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that people of all abilities can participate fully in every aspect of life.

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November 19, 2025

9:30 am - 11:00 am 

Know Your ADA Resource Network: Who to Call and When

This session will provide participants with a clear roadmap for accessing support and guidance related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Attendees will learn how to identify the appropriate contacts for various ADA-related needs, including accommodations, compliance questions, housing, transportation and legal matters. The session will outline internal and external resources—such as HR representatives, ADA coordinators, legal advisors, and government agencies—and explain when and how to engage each one. Through real-world scenarios and practical tips, participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the ADA support network and how to navigate it effectively to foster a more inclusive and accessible work environment.

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Bridging History and Accessibility: Feasible ADA Transition Planning for Historic Buildings

Historic buildings are treasured as landmarks for their cultural and architectural significance, yet they often present unique challenges when adapting to modern accessibility standards. This presentation explores how entities can develop effective ADA Transition Plans that comply with ADA legal requirements while preserving the integrity of historic structures. Through real-world case studies and collaborative solutions from architects, engineers, accessibility specialists, and preservationists, attendees will gain actionable insights for making historic sites accessible to all. The session emphasizes practical, reversible modifications and creative approaches that foster teamwork, ensuring that historic landmarks are still inclusive without compromising their heritage. Join us in shaping a more inclusive future for our historic sites. Be part of the conversation, share your experiences: What is the greatest challenge you have faced—or expect facing—when balancing accessibility improvements with historic preservation?

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3:00 pm - 4:30 pm 

Designing for Access: An In-Depth Exploration of Document Accessibility

This comprehensive session will guide participants through the principles and practices of creating accessible documents that meet the needs of all users, including individuals with disabilities. Attendees will explore the legal and ethical foundations of accessibility, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 standards. The session will cover key elements such as readable text, proper use of headings, alt text for images, color contrast, and accessible tables and forms. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises to identify common accessibility barriers and apply inclusive design techniques using popular tools like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and PDF editors. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to produce documents that are not only compliant but also inclusive, ensuring equitable access to information across diverse audiences.

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December 10, 2025

9:30 am - 11:00 am 

The Phenomenon of the Older Worker: Accommodations and Inclusive (Universal) Design in the Workplace

This session will focus on promoting inclusivity by deepening participants’ understanding of disability and universal design principles. Attendees will explore the definition of disability and will learn to recognize the wide range of conditions that may affect older workers. The session will provide a foundational overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), highlighting its importance in creating accessible and equitable work environments. Human resources managers and supervisors will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to implement universal design effectively. By the end of the training, participants will be able to apply their knowledge to develop accommodation plans and support older workers with disabilities, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

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12:30 pm - 2:00 pm 

Coexisting Assistive Listening Systems: Current and New Technologies 

For years to come, all six assistive listening systems will coexist for consumers to access clear speech. The session will cover an overview of the different technologies, which systems fall under the ADA, the ADA standards, and the challenges consumers commonly experience when visiting public and private entities. You’ll also learn the latest about the Auracast streamed assistive listening system, with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards expected to be released in late 2027.  Assistive listening systems are available for people with any degree of hearing loss (mild to profound), with or without hearing instruments, as well as people on the autism spectrum, those with low vision, auditory processing needs, and other disabilities. 

3:00 pm- 4:30 pm 

Accessible Recreation in Action: Parks, Museums, and State Initiatives

This session will explore how accessibility is being integrated into recreational spaces across Connecticut, with a focus on municipal parks and recreation departments, museums, and state-led initiatives. Participants will learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards that guide inclusive design in public spaces, and how local entities are applying these principles to create welcoming environments for individuals of all abilities. Drawing from real-world examples—including accessible playgrounds, adaptive trails, inclusive museum programming, and community festivals—this session will highlight innovative practices and collaborative efforts that promote disability inclusion. 

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State-level efforts will also be discussed, including the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s accessible amenities in state parks, the “Let’s All Play” initiative, and the Adaptive Recreation Equipment Matching Program. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to advocate for and implement inclusive recreation strategies in their own communities, and how to navigate challenges such as funding, public engagement, and inter-agency coordination.  Whether you're a municipal leader, museum educator, parks and recreation professional, or community advocate, this session will provide practical insights and inspiration for making recreation truly accessible to all.​​​​