Disability Symposium - Vanguard University

Vanguard Disability Symposium Bringing Love Wisdom and Belonging June 24, 2026

Bringing Love, Wisdom, & Belonging
to School & Faith Communities

The 2nd Annual Disability Symposium
Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Join us for a transformative day of learning, connection, and inspiration as educators, parents, and faith community leaders gather to reimagine inclusion for individuals with disabilities. The 2nd Annual Disability Symposium at Vanguard University will provide a unique opportunity to hear from leading voices in the field including educators, ministry leaders, and families who are passionately committed to building communities where every person is welcomed and celebrated.

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ABOUT DISABILITY SYMPOSIUM

Throughout the day, you’ll experience:

Dynamic keynote speakers sharing vision, research, and lived experience.

Engaging breakout sessions designed to equip you with practical strategies for classrooms, ministries, and everyday life.

Panel discussions that bring together diverse perspectives on how to foster true belonging.

Networking opportunities to connect with others who share your passion for inclusive education and faith communities.

Together, we will explore what it means to move beyond awareness into action by creating environments where love guides our practices, wisdom shapes our decisions, and belonging becomes the foundation of our schools and faith communities.

Whether you are a teacher, parent, pastor, youth leader, or advocate, this symposium will inspire and equip you to be part of a movement that sees the image of God in every person and ensures that all are valued, supported, and embraced.

The image shows a large stage with a podium and a speaker, Matthew Kenslow, delivering a keynote presentation to a large audience seated in the auditorium.

Vanguard University Disability Symposium 2025 Recap

SCHEDULE

SPEAKERS

Plenary Speakers

Dr. Stefan Bean serves as Orange County Superintendent of Schools, guiding regional efforts to ensure every learner has the knowledge, skills and opportunities to thrive. With nearly 30 years in education, he is known for building genuine connections and leading with heart.

As superintendent, Dr. Bean leads the Orange County Department of Education, which provides direct instruction to the county’s most vulnerable students and critical support to 28 local school districts and more than 40 charter schools serving hundreds of thousands of learners. Under his leadership, OCDE’s work is anchored in the 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, emphasizing student success, service excellence and shared leadership.

Prior to his unanimous appointment in June 2024 as the 12th superintendent of schools for Orange County, Dr. Bean served as executive director of the Irvine International Academy. Before that, he spent nearly 12 years with Aspire Public Schools in Los Angeles, where he rose from principal to superintendent and oversaw 11 campuses spanning transitional kindergarten through 12th grade.

Dr. Bean draws strength and perspective from his own journey as an English learner and a student with a disability. Those early experiences shaped a career dedicated to supporting marginalized students and fostering inclusive, collaborative environments where every voice is heard.

His approach is rooted in the framework he calls LIFTED — an acronym for listen and learn, inspire potential, foster authenticity, transform through hope, empower through strength and develop others.

Born in Saigon in 1971 as Nam Le Thanh, Dr. Bean overcame extraordinary early challenges. Stricken by polio and abandoned at age 2, he was brought to the United States as part of Operation Babylift during the Vietnam War. At age 4, he entered the U.S. foster care system and was later adopted by the Bean family, who provided the love and stability that helped shape his future.

Despite ongoing medical issues and early struggles in school, Dr. Bean immersed himself in sports and student leadership. He served as an umpire for neighborhood baseball games, joined student council, and discovered a passion for public speaking. By sixth grade, he was a straight-A student who was elected class president and invited to Washington, D.C., to deliver a speech on behalf of children with disabilities. His dedication and determination later earned him a full scholarship to the University of Southern California.

During his college years, Dr. Bean met Janet Soares, whom he married in 2000. They raised four children and were deeply involved in work and ministry. Dr. Bean credits Janet, who tragically passed away in 2020 after a battle with cancer, as a significant source of support throughout his life and career.

“I want our students across Orange County to know that I've got their backs, no matter what, and that they should use me as an example," he said. “No matter what they're going through, no matter what challenges they may face — whether they have a disability, a speech impediment, whether they speak English as a second language, or whether they're experiencing trauma — I want them to know that I'm there, and I'm going to protect them and help them throughout our county."

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joni and Friends

Joni Eareckson Tada is an esteemed Christian stateswoman and respected global leader in disability advocacy. Although a 1967 diving accident left her a quadriplegic, she emerged from rehabilitation with a determination to help others with similar disabilities. Mrs. Tada serves as CEO of Joni and Friends, a Christian organization which provides programs and services for thousands of special needs families around the world. President Reagan appointed Mrs. Tada to the National Council on Disability, then she was reappointed by President George H.W. Bush. During her tenure, the ADA was passed and signed into law. Mrs. Tada served as advisor to Condoleezza Rice on the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department. She served as Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization. The Colson Center on Christian Worldview awarded Joni Tada its prestigious William Wilberforce Award, and she was also inducted into Indiana Wesleyan University’s Society of World Changers. Joni Eareckson Tada has been awarded several honorary degrees, including Doctor of Humanities from Gordon College and Doctor of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary. She is an effective communicator, sharing her inspirational message in books, through artwork, radio, and other media. Joni Tada served as General Editor of the Beyond Suffering Bible, a special edition published by Tyndale for people affected by disability. Joni and her husband Ken were married in 1982 and reside in Calabasas, California.

Workshop Speakers

About Kimi With a deep expertise in physical therapy, Kimi Archer served as the Director of Rehabilitation Services at a rural hospital in Upstate New York before joining Joni and Friends roughly a decade ago. She now equips the next generation of disability ministry and Christian healthcare professionals by igniting their hearts to serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus. As the Senior Director of Global Missions & Internships at Joni and Friends, Kimi oversees programs that train hundreds of interns each year through global mission trips. Students also learn how to serve individuals with disabilities in domestic internship programs that provide hands-on experience with respite care, as well as corporate internships that teach valuable business skills to tomorrow’s leaders. Kimi serves within the Christian Institute for Disability, which provides thought leadership for churches and public servants worldwide. She has contributed to books including Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry and the devotional Care for the Caregiver. Married with two children and two grandchildren, Kimi is the Women’s Ministry Director at Bethany Bible Church in Thousand Oaks, California.

Dana Crawford serves as a student services coordinator for Westminster School District where she supports teachers, students, and families in providing equitable, inclusive, accessible, and compliant educational opportunities for all students. Crawford began her educational journey volunteering in Sunday School and short term mission trips. After teaching in a general education classroom and as her passion for inclusive education grew, she transitioned to teaching mild/moderate special education and then as a district inclusion specialist, where she provided professional development and coaching within inclusive general education classrooms. She continues to rally for creative and meaningful opportunities and pathways to drive student success through inclusion.

Dr. Rodney Hume-Dawson — DR. RODNEY
HUME-DAWSON

Rodney Hume-Dawson is an expert in Resilience Studies, Inclusive Practices, Education, and Disability Studies. He studies Illnesses and disabilities from a cultural, social, spiritual, and disability studies lens. He is a certified English Educator in Los Angeles, California. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy, a Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum. He completed his Ph.D. in Education with emphasis on Disability Studies at Chapman University. His dissertation was a phenomenological inquiry on the resilience of people with poliomyelitis. Rodney has written several book chapters including A Spiritual and Transformative Perspective on Disability that was published in a book edited by Wappett and Arndt, entitled: Emerging Perspectives on Disability Studies. Rodney currently teaches in the Liberal Studies Department and supervises Education Specialist Teacher Credentialed Candidates in the College of Education at Cal Poly, Pomona.

Rodney has lived with a physical disability almost all his life. He was diagnosed with poliomyelitis at the age of eighteen months old in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa, where he was born and raised. The polio left him paralyzed from his waist down. In spite of his obvious disability, Rodney was raised to believe that with God all things are possible. His mother instilled in him a deep faith in God and that has been his greatest source of energy and inspiration since he was a child. His parents’ determination for him to be educated and Rodney’s appetite for knowledge has led him to his research on the resilience of survivors of polio in particular and people with disabilities in general. Despite his polio diagnosis, Rodney was a curious and energetic child. His parents and some relatives saw in him a potential to succeed despite the prevailing attitudes about disability in Sierra Leone. Although, he was refused schooling in a private school that his mother wanted him to attend, he was able to gain acceptance in a government/public school through the persistence of his parents and other family members.

Rodney’s intention, research, and teaching are mainly to educate, sensitize, and transform the human mind about what he refers to as the three Ds - Difference, Disability, and Diversity. His personal experience with disability and academic expertise elevates him to a place where he can help the world realize that all three Ds are part of the human experience. His provocative lectures are aimed at changing the status quo, deconstructing ideologies about disabilities, and transforming people’s attitudes about what it means to be human, resilient, and disabled. Rodney is currently working on a book on Resilience with Routledge Press.

Dr. Sagui Doering currently serves as the Director of Compliance and Operations at California Republic Leadership Academy and brings over 25 years of experience in education. She has worked with students of all ages and held leadership roles across private, public, and charter school settings. For more than 16 years, Dr. Doering has served in school leadership and administration Her work includes opening a charter elementary school, serving in founding school leadership positions, guiding schools to achieve the highest levels of accreditations, and writing petitions for school replications. Her expertise spans policy development, regulatory compliance, curriculum and instruction, data analysis, special education, teacher mentorship, and charter school development in K-12 education. In addition to her leadership work, Dr. Doering contributes to higher education as an adjunct professor. She has taught in graduate programs at Pepperdine University and currently teaches at Vanguard University, while also supporting teacher candidates as a field supervisor with Fortune Graduate School of Education. Dr. Doering is passionate about empowering students and adults through effective teaching and mentorship in any educational setting, including supporting homeschool families through her private concierge consulting practice.

A stroke and brain surgery survivor, Dr. Doering lives out her personal motto: “Run the race with endurance which God has set before you and never give up.” She models this commitment through lifelong learning and distance running alongside her husband, James. Together, they share a passion for education, wellness, and personal growth, and are proud parents of a beautiful and successful college-age daughter.

Dr. Doering holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy and a master’s degree in Education from Pepperdine University.

Dr. Megan Doty is a dedicated program specialist at a Los Angeles–based charter school, where she
partners with teachers, families, and students with extensive support needs to create meaningful,
inclusive learning experiences. With deep expertise in expanding access for individuals with
significant disabilities, her work is grounded in advancing inclusive practices that empower every
learner to thrive. In addition to her school-based leadership, Dr. Doty consults with the Los
Angeles County Office of Education and RAD Camp, supporting systems and programs that prioritize
equity and access. She also serves as a part-time lecturer at Chapman University, where she
prepares future educators to design inclusive environments for diverse learners. Across all of her
roles, Dr. Doty’s work is driven by a commitment to ensuring that students with extensive support
needs have full access to education, community, and opportunity.

Anthony Farenga brings a wealth of instructional expertise, ADR experience, and strong leadership to his work in special education. He currently serves as the Program Manager for the Resolution and Education Support Team at West End SELPA, where he leads a team that provides a robust continuum of supports and services for nine member school districts, helping to resolve special education disputes at the lowest level possible. Over the course of his career, he has served as a Special Education Teacher, Program Specialist, Coordinator, and more recently, Director of Special Education for Upland Unified School District, where he led programs for almost 5 years. He specializes in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), with a focus on mediation and conflict resolution, and is a frequent presenter at the State SELPA ADR Conference. Additionally, he currently serves as a part time lecturer in the Cal Poly Pomona College of Education and Integrative Studies. During his tenure in Upland, Anthony significantly reduced special education litigation by developing a robust, in-house dispute resolution system in partnership with West End SELPA.

Louise Gosbell is the Research Manager and Senior Lecturer at Australian University of Theology where she teaches subjects in disability in church practice and disability and neurodiversity with children and young people. Gosbell has been involved in training churches and Christian organisations in disability inclusion for over 15 years including developing accessibility guidelines for churches in the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church. Gosbell’s academic work and practice centers around the application of universal design into church practice and teaching at all levels of education.

Nuka Hart Chief Executive Officer, Free Wheelchair Mission — NUKA HART

Nuka Hart joined Free Wheelchair Mission as Executive Director in 2017 and was appointed CEO in
2019. She has the overall operational responsibility for Free Wheelchair Mission programs and
management of its team. She leads the strategic planning process and implementation of programmatic
strategic initiatives for the growth of the organization.

Nuka has extensive experience in nonprofit fund development and operations, corporate giving, as
well as mass and major donor event fundraising. She has expertise in identifying ways to engage and
grow philanthropic giving within affinity groups or donor segment groups.
Nuka previously led major gifts fundraising and development operations for United Way of Greater
Los Angeles, focused on finding permanent solutions to poverty related issues in LA County. She
also has previous experience in nonprofit fundraising through The Vision Center of Children’s
Hospital of Los Angeles and The Luminaires of the Doheny Eye Institute, Pacific Palisades Women’s
Club, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Nuka graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in studio art and has two young adult children.
Because of her Haitian heritage, she felt called to work with an organization that has been making
a significant impact in Haiti—providing renewed dignity, independence and hope through the gift of
mobility, at no cost, to wheelchair recipients and their families.

Christine Corbin Hittenberger completed her teaching credential at Vanguard University and taught in Haiti and in the Santa Ana Unified School District. She has facilitated the Through the Roof prayer ministry for families of children with special needs for fifteen years. She has also served in the counseling ministry at Saddleback Church for thirteen years, participated in healing prayer ministries for eight years, and led a parent support group for families of children with disabilities. She is mother of Ben, who is 33 and has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Down Syndrome, and Brianne, who is a speech therapist. Christine has served as a primary care giver for more than three decades. She grew up in Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire as a child of missionaries. She has been engaged in intercessory prayer for 46 years. She also serves as a prayer coach, equipping and empowering people to grow and flourish in communion with God.

Craig is a pastor, author, and advocate for those with special needs. He is currently serving as the Associate Pastor at Lakewood Church with Joel Osteen. Craig is not only the founder of Champions Club Developmental Centers and Champions Foundation, he is also the co-author of “Champions Curriculum”, a full scope Christian curriculum for individuals with special needs, as well as the books “Lead Vertically: Inspire People to Volunteer and Build Great Teams That Last”, and “Champion: How one boy’s journey through Autism is changing the world”. Craig & his wife Samantha co-wrote the inclusive children’s book “You Are Extraordinary”. Craig and his wife of over 30 years, Samantha, have three children: Cory, Courtney, and Connor.

“We point those with extraordinary needs to their destiny and help them navigate how to get there.”

Craig’s passion to advocate for families with special needs comes from his own family.

Until two years of age, Craig and Samantha’s son Connor was just like other kids—playful, verbal, and affectionate. Then everything changed. He stopped talking, displayed behavioral problems, and withdrew into his own world. The official diagnosis: autism. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Craig and Samantha refused to believe a meaningful life for Connor was impossible. God confirmed their faith by revealing to Craig that Connor would one day touch the lives of thousands of people around the world. Craig and Samantha held that unlikely promise in their hearts during the agonizing years ahead. Through the family’s unexpected journey, God has used Connor’s life that has launched a global ministry for special needs.

Jamie Macintosh serves as the Program Director for the Samueli Foundation–funded Safe Communities; Safe Kids program at the Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanguard University. An alumna of Vanguard University (’11, ’17), Jamie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religion and a Master of Arts in Education, grounding her work in both strong academic preparation and a commitment to service. She also holds a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science and a College Counseling Certificate from UCLA. With extensive experience in both private and public education, Jamie has served as a middle and high school teacher, school counselor, and administrator. Her professional background equips her with a deep understanding of student development, school systems, and effective collaboration with educators, families, and community partners. In her role with Safe Communities; Safe Kids, Jamie is passionate about advancing prevention education, empowering youth with critical life skills, and fostering safe, informed, and resilient school communities.

A former education specialist for students with extensive support needs, Dr. Tanner Mizel now works across public education, higher education, and faith communities to advance the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. His work includes coaching educators in multi-tiered systems of support and inclusive practices at the prek-12 level, and university-level teaching for pre-service and in-service educators in autism and inclusive pedagogy. His doctoral research centered the lived experiences of non-speaking youth in inclusive schools. At Emmanuel Faith Community Church, he spent four years shifting the disability ministry from a specialist-dependent model to an inclusive one, grounded in an Imago Dei framework.

For the past 19 years, Jonathan Moore has been an Associate Professor of Communication at Vanguard University, where he teaches classes in filmmaking, writing and general communication. He is an independent filmmaker and writer whose work has appeared on public television and in film festivals worldwide. He holds a master’s degree in film and television directing and production from UCLA. He has been hearing-impaired since birth.

Dr. Helene Morris is an Executive Director in the Fullerton School District, where she leads initiatives focused on student wellness, attendance, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. She has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and district leader, earning National Board Certification during her time in the classroom. Dr. Morris also serves as adjunct faculty at Vanguard University, where she prepares future educators in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership from USC and is passionate about equipping educators to understand the “why” behind student behavior, grounded in her Christian faith and the belief that every child is created with inherent value, purpose, and the capacity for growth.

Panelists

Dr. Christopher J. Cormier is a former special education teacher and an Associate Professor of teaching and learning in the School of Education at Loyola Marymount University. He has taught first through 12th grade in Title 1 schools in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area. His research program focuses on the social and cultural contexts of minoritized learners and teachers in special education. Under this overarching theme, he has two lines of scholarship. The first is on the professional and socio-emotional lives of minoritized teachers. The second is on culturally informed identification of minoritized students in special education. Dr. Cormier brings a comparative lens to both of his research lines with studies in national and international contexts. He has served as the President of the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners of the Council for Exceptional Children and was a Director-at-Large for Kappa Delta Pi Incorporated. Dr. Cormier is also a filmmaker. His first film, Special CelEd, a documentary short, premiered in April at the Phoenix Film Festival. In this film, he interviewed celebrities and cultural influencers about their connection to special education and disability. He is currently in production on his first feature-length film, (Un) Welcome in the Church House. This film explores the intersection of disability, race, and linguistic differences within the Christian Church. Through the voices of families affected by disability, church leadership, and scholarly experts, this documentary will compare and contrast the different approaches to special needs ministry adopted by churches of predominantly different racial and cultural backgrounds.

Kara Green is a joyful and fun-loving hat collector with a great sense of humor. What she lacks at being ambulatory, she makes up for in personality plus!

Tayler Green is a vocalist and worship leader at Mariners Church. She is a ballroom dancer and a dance instructor at Goldenwest College. Tayler is a caregiver for her sister Kara.

Terri Green is the author of Simple Acts of Kindness–a heartfelt reminder of the power of kindness in transforming lives and communities. Through relatable stories and practical advice, Green encourages readers to embrace kindness as a daily practice in everyday interactions to cultivate empathy and enrich their lives and the lives of others. Terri is also a former founder and director of special needs ministries at Harvest Christian Fellowship and Saddleback Church. She is a wife and mother of three daughters.

“We point those with extraordinary needs to their destiny and help them navigate how to get there.”

Craig’s passion to advocate for families with special needs comes from his own family.

BREAKOUT WORKSHOP DETAILS

Disability Symposium Workshops 2026

Instructional Practices to support Accessible and Equitable Instruction for All Learners

Presented by: Dana Crawford

In this session, we will tackle the encompassing challenge for instructors of students at all levels: how do we ensure are are preparing our learners to be meaningful members of our community by ensuring we are designing equitable and accessible learning experiences to equip each individual to grow into the the unique individual God has designed them to be.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of high leverage curricular strategies and adaptations including scaffolding, accommodations, and modifications. While establishing a foundation of research and current best practices, this session will provide attendees with differentiation strategies and tools that you can implement in your learning environment.

Disability in The World of The Normals: From Heroism to Disability Resilience and Interdependence.

Presented by: Rodney Hume- Dawson

Disability Resilience is a novel way of understanding the notion of resilience. It is about challenging the status quo and moving away from the model of individual independence to community interdependence. The Presentation on Disability Resilience will challenge participants to rethink and redefine what it means to be resilient in a world that idolizes perfection and normality. It will show how the heroic or overcoming model of disability helps to perpetuate ableist practices, and the need to move to a more humanizing approach to resilience. It will share examples of resilience from a biblical perspective as well as a disability studies emphasis. It will also discuss communities and individuals that are thriving on this model.

The presenter, Dr. Rodney Hume-Dawson, a polio survivor, shares that resilience from a disability studies perspective helps us to understand what it means to belong, thrive, and be in community. He points out that resilience is about appreciating the little efforts while encouraging competency and growth at the individual’s pace.

Essentially, the presentation emphasizes moving away from the” tie yourself by your bootstraps mentality to one that celebrates the uniqueness and gifts of every individual with varying impairments.

School Leadership for Belonging: Love, Wisdom and our Shared Humanity

Presented by: Dr. Sagui Doering

School leadership for belonging is a deep, intentional practice rooted in love, wisdom, and our shared humanity. Leaders create environments where all participants feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive, honoring each person’s gifts and transforming differences into strengths. Through genuine care, reflection, and service, belonging becomes a lived experience where all can grow and flourish through wisdom and love.

From Barriers to Belonging: Creating Enviable Lives for Individuals with Extensive Support Needs

Presented by: Megan Doty

What does it truly mean to move beyond removing barriers and toward cultivating belonging? This session explores how educators, service providers, and communities can support individuals with extensive support needs in building lives that are not only accessible but genuinely enviable. Grounded in evidence-based inclusive practices and real-world examples, this session will examine strategies that prioritize self-determination, relationships, and meaningful participation across school, work, and community settings.

Inclusive Solutions in Action, Strengthening Relationships that Last

Presented by: Anthony Farenga

This session, Inclusive Solutions in Action: Strengthening Relationships That Last, highlights the work of the Resolution and Education Support Team in building collaborative, trust-centered partnerships across school communities. Participants will explore a proactive dispute resolution continuum that emphasizes prevention, early engagement, and restorative practices to support students, families, and staff. The session focuses on addressing common points of contention in special education, including identification, IEP development, placement decisions, service implementation, and discipline. Attendees will learn practical strategies such as using data-driven decision-making, fostering transparent communication, and applying reflective listening to strengthen relationships and reduce conflict. Through real-world examples and actionable tools, this presentation demonstrates how aligning interests, values, and communication practices can preserve trust and credibility while improving outcomes for all stakeholders. Ultimately, the session equips educators and leaders with skills to navigate disagreements constructively and promote inclusive, sustainable solutions.

From Charity to Community: Intentionally Fostering Peer Relationships for Students with Disabilities in Schools and Faith Communities

Presented By: Dr. Louise Gosbell

Prayer and Spiritual Formation for Parents, Educators, and Ministry Leaders Who Support People with Disabilities

Presented by: Christine Corbin Hittenberger

For parents, educators, and ministry leaders who support people with disabilities, communion with God is not a luxury – it is the only way to flourish when the challenges of life exceed our capacity. Participants will learn principles and practices of prayer and spiritual formation that allow us to tap into God’s love and strength based on the GRACE model: G – Give God everything; R – Receive the Father’s love; A – Agree with Christ’s Word; C – Commune with God’s Spirit; E – Enjoy God’s rest. You will leave this session refreshed and renewed!

Building Safe Spaces: Preventing Abuse, Bullying, and Online Harm for Students with Disabilities

Presented by: Jamie Macintosh

In an increasingly connected world, young people face growing risks both in person and online. Students with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk for abuse, bullying, and online exploitation, yet prevention strategies are often not adapted to meet their unique needs. This interactive workshop is designed for educators, parents, caregivers, and service providers working in special education and inclusive settings. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of abuse and bullying in students with diverse communication styles and support needs, and how to respond in ways that are trauma-informed and accessible. The session will explore practical strategies for teaching personal safety, boundaries, and online awareness using developmentally appropriate, concrete, and repeatable methods.

Building and Sustaining Disability Ministry: Four Years of Lessons Learned

Presented by: Dr. Tanner Mizel

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them." Many churches affirm this call, but struggle to implement it when children most impacted by disabilities arrive on their campuses. Some years ago, Emmanuel Faith Community Church's disability ministry relied on specialists, could turn families away based on level of need, and struggled to meet the needs of the disability community. Today, the church runs inclusive Sunday school, respite nights, and parent support, and the ministry is growing faster than the church can keep up with. This session is an honest look at what it took to shift from a person-dependent model to one rooted in inclusion: the resistance and challenges, the progress and wins, and everything along the way. Drawing on four years of hands-on ministry leadership, this session walks through what it looks like to help shift a faith community from good intentions to sustained, inclusive action for individuals with disabilities and their families. Attendees will leave with practical starting points and honest insight into what to expect along the way

The Lived Experiences of Students with Extensive Support Needs in Inclusive Classrooms

Presented by: Dr. Tanner Mizel

We talk a lot about inclusive education for students with disabilities, but how often do we ask those students about their experiences? This session draws on years of experience as an education specialist working alongside students with extensive support needs, combined with dissertation research that centered their lived experiences directly. Invited through inclusive and accessible research methods, students with diverse communication profiles, including nonspeaking students, shared what matters most to them in their classrooms. Their answer may surprise you: it is not the adults. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for centering student voice in schools, homes, and faith communities, along with a deeper understanding of what presuming competence looks like in everyday practice, not just in theory.

Approaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities in the Church and Academia

Presented by: Jonathan Moore

This session will describe the various challenges that deaf and hard of hearing individuals encounter in church and academia, and offer up practical solutions for better communication with and integration of those who find these environments difficult to navigate. The speaker will relate some of his own experiences as a hard of hearing individual in the classroom, both as a teacher and a student, as well as in church.

ACEs, Trauma, and the Classroom: What Every Educator Needs to Know

Presented by: Dr. Helene Morris

Educators are increasingly serving students impacted by trauma, yet many feel underprepared to respond in ways that truly support both behavior and learning. This session provides a practical and compassionate framework for understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and toxic stress, and how they show up in the classroom. Participants will explore the connection between trauma and student behavior, learn how to shift from asking “What is wrong?” to “What has happened?”, and walk away with actionable strategies to create safe, supportive, and responsive learning environments. Grounded in both educational leadership and classroom experience, this session equips educators with tools they can implement immediately while honoring the dignity and worth of every student.

Image of participants smiles at camera at a round table.

PARTNERS

Map

Continuing Education Units

The Vanguard University Graduate Program in Education’s Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) partners with College Credit Connection (CCC) to provide learners with a wide variety of continuing education courses that are designed to assist them in their efforts toward professional development.

Attendees of the Disability Symposium 2026 Conference are able to earn Continuing Education Units by taking CCC’s EDUX 7515 Professional Development: An Introduction course.

For more information click on the flyer link below:

Bringing Love, Wisdom, & Belonging to School & Faith Communities

The 2nd Annual Disability Symposium Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Bringing Love, Wisdom, & Belonging
to School & Faith Communities

The 2nd Annual Disability Symposium
Wednesday, June 24, 2026