The International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary in May as a leading global event, uniting educators, professionals, administrators, higher education faculty, families, and researchers committed to inclusive practices for young children with disabilities. 

We recently spoke with Chih-Ing Lim, PhD (pictured above, second from far left), and Paula Grubbs, PhD, (pictured above at far left), event co-chairs, to ask about this year’s conference. 

What follows are several highlights from the multi-day event. 

This year 55 sessions were on offer for the more than 670 people—both in person and virtual—in attendance. Eleven countries and 31 U.S. states were represented among the attendees. Of the attendees, 96% agreed that the Institute is relevant to their work and 96% agreed that they learned about new resources and practices.
 

Jordyn Zimmerman, educator, advocate, and changemaker set the stage for the entire event. Diagnosed with autism as a young child, Zimmerman did not gain access to augmentative communication until she was 18. Using an augmentative and alternate communication device, Zimmerman shared how beliefs and actions matter, saying that decisions need to include individuals with disabilities and their families, schools need to be ready for children, and emphasizing that each and every child has the right to meaningful learning and inclusive environments. 

During the conference, participants were challenged to reflect on the question, “Where are you on your inclusion journey?” Attendees shared thoughts on real life and virtual bulletin boards—showing that they were at varying points along the path. One attendee said, “I’m the first itinerant teacher in my county. Going strong bridging gaps.” Another said, “Building capacity in staff to implement individual small steps of change.”

Why this conference?

In the post-event survey, attendees highlighted many reasons for attending this year’s International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute, including:

High Quality Content

• "Within the first 30 minutes, I learned 3 tools that would help me in my role conducting in-service training for teachers. I could leave now and have the new tools needed to move teachers from acquisition to application in their work!" – Higher-ed faculty / PD provider 
• "I left with a clearer understanding of implementing strategies and realistic expectations of my role. The content shared in this conference gave me the inspiration to get excited about my work again. This was a wonderful experience."  – EC/ECSE professional  

Multiple Perspectives

• "I appreciate the multiple perspectives offered on the panel, and how many of them ultimately focused on the child and FAMILY, and how the family works so hard to be advocates for their children. It provoked some thought around my own program and how we can - MUST - do better with communicating with families with respect, gentleness, and an open perspective when talking about each child, not just children with differences." – Early childhood leader 

A shared passion for inclusivity

• "As both the parent of a child with multiple disabilities and a professional in the field, I am passionate about promoting truly inclusive practices and eliminating the use of exclusionary discipline in early childhood."  - Family of a child with disabilities and an EC/ECSE professional 
• "This conference was an amazing and eye-opening experience. It was great to be able to network with others that are as passionate about early childhood inclusion and also speaking with the families that have children with special needs. Hearing from them about their challenges and what has worked for them."  - EC/ECSE professional 

What action will participants take going forward?

One clear theme emerged: inclusion is a personal and collective promise. The next steps taken by each participant are part of a larger movement toward ensuring that every child, in every setting, is supported to learn, grow, and belong.

• “My next step on my inclusion journey is implementation. I was sailing, now it’s time to cruise. This has been an amazing experience.” - EC/ECSE professional 
• “Sharing some wonderful resources with staff that can then be utilized or further shared to [early childhood education]. Also connecting with others that attended to collaborate on how to impact our communities ... making ripples in the pond!” - EC/ECSE professional 

Be sure to visit the Inclusion Institute website for even more information. And save the date—May 19 through 21—for next year’s conference!

And if you’d like to support this essential annual programming, a gift to the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute’s Inclusion Fund can help provide financial support so that more families and practitioners can join us in years to come.