Involved Exceptional Parents' Day Conference

06/06/2025

Join us for Charting Your Course: Tools & Strategies for Self-Determination, a one-day event on Thursday, June 26, 2025, that puts you in the driver’s seat of your future.

Designed for self-advocates, families, and service providers, this conference mirrors the Self-Determination Program (SDP) spirit by offering choices at every turn. Be inspired by powerful stories on our Main Stage, dive into hands-on learning in Workshop Zones, explore innovative resources in the Exhibit Hall, and connect in the Networking Lounge. Whether new to SDP or a seasoned participant, you’ll leave with practical tools, new connections, and a renewed sense of possibility. Chart your course with us and take the next step toward empowerment!

Inspiring Main Stage Talks: Hear from self-advocates, families, and experts sharing transformative stories, myth-busting insights, and live Q&As to fuel your self-determination journey.

Interactive Workshop Zones: Choose from 20 to 30-minute sessions on SDP essentials, budgeting, provider partnerships, and advanced strategies, tailored for beginners, pros, and providers.

Vibrant Exhibit Hall: Discover resources and engage with vendors all day long in a dynamic, hands-on marketplace.

Welcoming Networking Lounge: Build your community in a cozy space perfect for swapping ideas and making.

Flexible Experience: Customize your day—move between zones, explore at your pace, and make the conference your own, just like self-determination.

REGISTER FOR A SEAT NOW: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charting-your-course-tools-strategies-for-self-determination-registration-1354302859309?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/17/2025

IEP Day Conference and Resource Expo is here! A big thanks to all the supporters and participants who will make this Saturday event an enriching experience!

05/15/2025

FREE PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY for many lucky attendees at Involved Exceptional Parents Day (IEP Day) this Saturday, May 17th!

A big thank-you to the generous organizations and individuals who donated prizes for the IEP Day opportunity drawing: San Diego Family & Special Needs Resource Foundation, Lisa Fisher, Joyce Clark and Moira Allbritton from the Exceptional Family Resource Center and Mary Ellen Stives!

Your support helps us give a little extra care to parents who do so much for their families!

Tickets are almost gone! Be sure to join us this Saturday!
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/41st-annual-involved-exceptional-parents-day-conference-registration-1302815870339

05/14/2025

If there is one thing that will change your life as a caregiver for a person with disabilities, it is meeting another parent who knows your journey! Involved Exceptional Parents Day is the place to connect with people who understand your life – who actually live it. Join others at the "Parent Lounge" this Saturday, May 17th, at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton.

There, you can make those meaningful conversations and incredible connections that can change everything!

Register now! iepday.org

05/08/2025

Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) is the primary 2025 supporter of the San Diego IEP Day Conference!

So who is EFRC? EFRC has the goal to provide support, information and education for families of children with disabilities and the professionals who assist these families. When parents need a helping hand to guide them through the numerous services offered by the state of California, EFRC is the FREE SERVICE to contact!

To connect with our talented, experienced staff, join us at IEP Day on Saturday, May 17th!

Register here: iepday.org

05/07/2025

There will be a day-long opportunity to connect with others at IEP Day conference. But one of the best moments will be our "Happiest Hour", running from the end of the event for at least an hour! Sponsored by the Allbritton Family, this casual social will make delicious appetizers and drinks available.

Join us on Involved Exceptional Parents Day for an absolutely exceptional time!

Register: ipeday.org

05/05/2025

Our annual conference would not be possible without our faithful partners. The San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) is one of those vital supporters. The San Diego Regional Center is one of 21 regional centers in California that provides support and services to persons with developmental disabilities. We are the starting point to determine eligibility for you or a loved one to receive services.

On Saturday, May 17th, IEP Day can help you connect with all the SDRC services offered for families who have persons with developmental disabilities.

Register today! iepday.org

04/29/2025

Down Syndrome Association (DSA) of San Diego is a generous sponsor of the 2025 IEP Day Conference! Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families through support, education and advocacy.

This year, DSA will be sponsoring a new informative workshop: "Down Syndrome Healthcare, Research & Resources"

Join us on Saturday, May 17th 2025, for this great event!

Register here: iepday.org

04/29/2025

Dr. Paula Kluth is coming to IEP Day on May 17th, 2025!

We are happy to announce the 2025 keynote speaker at Involved Exceptional Parents Day this May: Dr. Paula Kluth!

Here are two sessions she will be hosting for our attendees:

“DON’T WE ALREADY DO INCLUSION?”
​​​​​​​Are you trying to learn more about inclusive schooling today? Do you wonder how to support students with disabilities in general education classrooms? Are you seeking new ideas for working in K-12 classrooms, collaborating with colleagues, and elevating your practice? If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, this session is for you. The examples and illustrations in this presentation are designed to help participants understand that the pursuit of inclusion is not a destination, but an ongoing journey—even for those schools and districts that already identify as inclusive. To this end, Dr. Kluth will discuss characteristics of high-quality inclusive schools. She will explore ideas (e.g., focus on the process, presume complexity) that will help any stakeholder create more welcoming and supportive classrooms for students with and without disabilities. This session features research, stories, and practical suggestions as well as a game show metaphor, a "20 ways to include" brainstorming strategy, and an invitation to ask "a different question."

“JUST GIVE HIM THE WHALE”
Do you know someone who loves whales? Or ceiling fans? Or elevators? Most of us do know learners with specific interests. Often, however, these favorites of students on the spectrum are not celebrated but seen as annoying, problematic or in need of “extinction”. In this presentation, Dr. Kluth will explore alternative perspectives and will focus specifically on how fascinations and areas of expertise can serve as supports, inspirations, and hobbies. Participants will learn how honoring interests and using them as tools can help teachers calm, comfort, teach, and connect with students with and without identified needs. Some of the topics to be covered in this session include using research to drive planning, focusing on "bridges vs. carrots", and integrating "favorites" into learning experiences. Ideas for "leaning in" to the strengths of all learners will be a highlight (e.g., genius hour, "strengths & strategies" profile).

Register for IEP Day here: iepday.org

04/28/2025

We are happy to announce the 2025 keynote speaker at Involved Exceptional Parents Day this May: Dr. Paula Kluth!

Here are two sessions she will be hosting for our attendees:

“DON’T WE ALREADY DO INCLUSION?”
​​​​​​​Are you trying to learn more about inclusive schooling today? Do you wonder how to support students with disabilities in general education classrooms? Are you seeking new ideas for working in K-12 classrooms, collaborating with colleagues, and elevating your practice? If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, this session is for you. The examples and illustrations in this presentation are designed to help participants understand that the pursuit of inclusion is not a destination, but an ongoing journey—even for those schools and districts that already identify as inclusive. To this end, Dr. Kluth will discuss characteristics of high-quality inclusive schools. She will explore ideas (e.g., focus on the process, presume complexity) that will help any stakeholder create more welcoming and supportive classrooms for students with and without disabilities. This session features research, stories, and practical suggestions as well as a game show metaphor, a "20 ways to include" brainstorming strategy, and an invitation to ask "a different question."

“JUST GIVE HIM THE WHALE”
Do you know someone who loves whales? Or ceiling fans? Or elevators? Most of us do know learners with specific interests. Often, however, these favorites of students on the spectrum are not celebrated but seen as annoying, problematic or in need of “extinction”. In this presentation, Dr. Kluth will explore alternative perspectives and will focus specifically on how fascinations and areas of expertise can serve as supports, inspirations, and hobbies. Participants will learn how honoring interests and using them as tools can help teachers calm, comfort, teach, and connect with students with and without identified needs. Some of the topics to be covered in this session include using research to drive planning, focusing on "bridges vs. carrots", and integrating "favorites" into learning experiences. Ideas for "leaning in" to the strengths of all learners will be a highlight (e.g., genius hour, "strengths & strategies" profile).

Register for IEP Day here: iepday.org

04/24/2025

Some incredibly empowering workshops are coming up on Involved Exceptional Parents Day, May 17th, 2025!

– “Practical Parent Strategies”
– “Executive Function Skills”
– “The World of Work”
– “Inclusive Education & Communities”
– “Regional Center & the IPP Process”
– “Transition Skills for All Phases of Life”
– “Building Meaningful Relationships”
​​​​​​​– “Down Syndrome Healthcare, Research & Resources"

Register today before our special needs conference sells out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/41st-annual-involved-exceptional-parents-day-conference-registration-1302815870339