INSAIL 2026: Full Schedule

The session will explore actionable approaches for maintaining longevity in education, including the importance of mentorship and professional collaboration, setting healthy boundaries, building supportive school communities, and implementing realistic self-care practices that fit into the demands of everyday teaching. Participants will leave feeling encouraged, energized, and equipped with practical strategies they can immediately apply to foster resilience, reduce stress, and rediscover joy in teaching.

Speakers

Dr. Andrea Forcum

Monday September 14, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Wabash Ballroom 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

All Attendees, Keynote

10:45am EDT

Break & Exhibit Hall

Monday September 14, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

502 East Event Centre

Monday September 14, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

All Attendees

11:00am EDT

9 Classroom Accessibility Adaptations for Students with Cortical Cerebral Visual Impairment

Monday September 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description: CVI is the leading cause of pediatric visual impairment, yet environmental barriers often hinder student access. This interactive session explores nine high-impact, zero/low-cost classroom adaptations. By leveraging Universal Design for Learning (UDL), participants will learn to optimize physical and digital spaces, from lighting to layout, to foster independence for students with CVI.

Session Abstract:
In the four years since this session first debuted, our understanding of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) has evolved, but the physical classroom often remains stuck in the past. As the primary cause of visual impairment in children today, CVI requires educators to look beyond traditional "blindness" accommodations and focus on how the brain processes visual information.

This updated session bridges the gap between theory and practical classroom management. We move past expensive specialty equipment to focus on nine essential, no-cost adaptations that can be implemented immediately. By viewing the classroom through a CVI lens, we identify how "visual clutter", often disguised as cheerful decor, acts as a barrier to learning.

Drawing on the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), we will demonstrate how strategic changes to furniture placement, lighting, organizational systems, and existing technology settings create a more accessible environment for students with CVI while simultaneously reducing cognitive load for the entire neurodiverse classroom.Participants will engage in: Visual Audits: Learning to "scan" a room for sensory competition. Tactical Rearrangement: Utilizing anchor points and simplified backgrounds to increase visual attention. Digital Scaffolding: Maximizing accessibility features already built into standard classroom tech.

Whether you are a general educator, a specialist, or an administrator, you will leave with a toolkit of "hidden in plain sight" strategies that transform a distracting environment into a supportive, accessible space for every learner.

Session Goals:

Attendees will identify three common environmental "visual stressors" (such as pattern complexity or sensory competition) that impede access for students with CVI.
Attendees will apply UDL-based physical adaptations including furniture orientation and color-coding to reduce visual fatigue and increase student independence.
Attends will optimize existing classroom technology using built-in accessibility features to provide high-contrast and simplified visual displays for complex learners.

Speakers

Emily Cantillon, PhD, TVI

Perkins School for the Blind

Emily Cantillon, Ph.D., TVI, is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, providing direct instruction, consultation, and program leadership to support students with complex visual needs in both public and specialized settings while serving as the School-Age Lead CVI Teacher at Perkins... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Blind/Low Vision

11:00am EDT

The Braillenote Evolve

Monday September 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Ready to transform the way you teach your braille students? Join us for an eye-opening session on the BrailleNote Evolve, the cutting-edge device that combines a laptop-like interface, integrated Braille display, and NVDA screen reader to make accessibility effortless.

Session Abstract:
Braille documents can be challenging for teachers unfamiliar with Braille code. This presentation will demonstrate how the BrailleNote Evolve—a device combining a laptop-like interface, Braille display, and NVDA screen reader—helps bridge the gap between teachers and students, fostering inclusion and accessibility in the classroom.

Participants will be introduced to the BrailleNote Family of products, the latest in mobile technology for students who are visually impaired. We will explore how these tools integrate with Office 365, enabling seamless collaboration through document sharing, email access, and productivity applications—all designed to support accessible learning environments.

Session Goals:

We will demonstrate at least three specific ways the BrailleNote Evolve integrates with existing classroom technology (e.g., Office 365, document sharing, email access) and outline two workflow improvements for teachers unfamiliar with Braille,
Participants will Identify at least two specific features from the BrailleNote Family and describe one practical application that supports their students.
We will identify one task that using the Braillenote Evolve will promote inclusion and collaboration between the student and their peers.

Speakers

Brian Goemmer, MAEd, COMS

Lab Computers, Inc.

Brian Goemmer brings over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, supporting vocational rehabilitation programs in Kentucky and Indiana, the Veterans Health Administration, and multiple school districts. His work focuses... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Blind/Low Vision

11:00am EDT

Functional Listening Evaluations That Matter

Monday September 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Learn practical strategies for Functional Listening Evaluations (FLEs) for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Explore observation techniques and conduct a FLE incorporating varying conditions and tasks. Gain tools to gather information and meaningful IEP data and assist with student access in the educational environment.

Session Abstract:
Ensuring equitable access to language in educational settings is essential for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This session provides educators with a structured, practical approach to conducting functional listening evaluations that go beyond standard administration. Participants will learn how to systematically assess real-world classroom conditions, starting with observation and then varying factors such as background noise, distance, technology use, visual supports, and academic complexity.

The session will explore strategies for incorporating various conditions within a Functional Listening Evaluation to reflect authentic listening and learning demands. By simulating the challenges students face in everyday environments, educators can better identify barriers and design interventions that truly support communication access.

Attendees will leave with actionable tools and templates to approach functional evaluations to generate meaningful data for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These evaluations help teams make informed decisions about accommodations, technology, and instructional practices that promote equity and success.

Whether you are a teacher, specialist, or administrator, this session will empower you to implement evaluations that prioritize student access and inclusion. Join us to learn how to transform observations into data-driven strategies that ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.

Session Goals:

Participants will identify at least five environmental variables (e.g., noise, distance, visual cues) that impact language access for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Participants will demonstrate the ability to design one functional language access evaluation plan that includes observation and varied conditions.
Participants will analyze sample functional listening evaluation reports and identify three specific recommendations for improving language access based on evaluation data.

Speakers

Sarah Kiefer, MAEd

Deaf Education Coordinator, Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education

Sarah Kiefer serves as the Deaf Education Coordinator at the Indiana Department of Health’s Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education. She has backgrounds in Deaf Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Technology Leadership, and Administration. Sarah oversees assessment and... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

12:00pm EDT

Lunch and Exhibit Hall

Monday September 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Wabash Ballroom

Monday September 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Wabash Ballroom 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

All Attendees

1:30pm EDT

Empowering Educators Through Assistive Technology: Empowering Students by Empowering Teachers

Monday September 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Attendees will explore a variety of assistive technologies for students with visual impairments, including refreshable braille displays, magnification tools, embossers, beginning braille devices, STEM products, and accessibility software. Participants will learn how the Center for Assistive Technology Training supports teachers through resources, professional development, and ongoing guidance.

Session Abstract:
Attendees will explore a variety of assistive technologies designed to support students with visual impairments, including refreshable braille displays, magnification tools, embossers, introductory braille devices, STEM products, and accessibility software. Participants will engage in hands-on learning opportunities and discover practical strategies for integrating these tools into classroom instruction to increase accessibility, independence, and student engagement. Educators will also learn about the Center for Assistive Technology Training and the ways it supports teachers through professional development, resources, and ongoing guidance in assistive technology implementation. This session will introduce educators to valuable tools and resources that can deepen their understanding of assistive technology and its role in student success. By strengthening teachers’ knowledge and confidence, we strengthen outcomes for students.

Session Goals:

Participants will be able to identify key categories of assistive technology for students with visual impairments, including refreshable braille displays, magnification tools, embossers, STEM, and beginning braille devices for students who are visually impaired.
Participants will understand how these devices can be used in a variety of classroom settings.
Participants will learn how to work with the case conference committee to determine the device that is best for their student.

Speakers

Dr. Suzie Thomas

CATT Trainer, The Center for Assistive Technology Training (CATT) - AIDB

Dr. Susie Thomas brings over 28 years of teaching experience, spanning roles as a secondary science teacher for both general education and students who are visually impaired. She has also served as an itinerant Certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (CTVI) and Certified... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Blind/Low Vision

1:30pm EDT

Leveraging Games for Learning

Monday September 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Learning doesn’t have to feel like work! Games can be a powerful tool for engaging students while building meaningful skills in a fun and motivating way. This session will explore how educators can use games to target self-advocacy, language development, and vocabulary within individual and small-group sessions.

Participants will discover practical strategies for turning familiar games and simple activities into purposeful learning opportunities. We will explore ways to adapt games to meet individual student needs, encourage communication and interaction, reinforce new vocabulary, and practice self-advocacy skills—all while keeping students engaged and having fun.

Walk away with ready-to-use game ideas, adaptations, and strategies that can easily be incorporated into sessions. Whether you are working with students individually or in a group, this session will help you transform game time into meaningful learning experiences that students will look forward to!

Session Abstract:
Games are more than just a way to have fun—they can be powerful tools for creating meaningful learning opportunities. This interactive session will explore how educators can use common games to support self-advocacy, language development, and vocabulary, while increasing student engagement and motivation.

Participants will learn practical strategies for transforming familiar games into purposeful learning activities that can be adapted to individual student needs and instructional goals. The session will highlight ways to incorporate games into individual and small-group sessions to encourage communication, build vocabulary, practice self-advocacy skills, and promote meaningful interactions.

Participants will have hands-on opportunities to explore common games, collaborate with colleagues, and brainstorm creative new ways to use them for instruction. Together, participants will discover how a simple game can be transformed into multiple learning opportunities with a little creativity and intentional planning.

Whether you are looking for fresh ideas to engage students or new ways to target specific skills, this session will provide practical, adaptable strategies to help make learning more fun, meaningful, and memorable.

Session Goals:

Identify ways to use common games to target self-advocacy, language development, and vocabulary.
Collaborate and create new ways to adapt familiar games into meaningful, goal-oriented learning activities that can be used in individual or small-group sessions.
Apply game-based learning strategies to increase student engagement, communication, and participation while making instructional sessions more fun and meaningful.

Speakers

Kim Yenerich

DHH Connections LLC

Kim Yenerich is a Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing located in Lafayette, IN. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2004 with a BS in Deaf Education. She has worked as an Itinerant Teacher for over 15 years. She also dabbled in First Steps for a few years as a Parent Advisor... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

BLV and DHH

1:30pm EDT

The Itinerant Teacher's Essentials: Streamlined Assessment Strategies for Multiple Schools

Monday September 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Discover streamlined assessment approaches designed for itinerant teachers managing large caseloads across multiple schools. Learn to maximize brief student contact time through strategic observation, efficient documentation tools, collaborative data gathering, and quick-turnaround assessments that provide meaningful information to guide instruction and support student success.

Session Abstract:
This session addresses the unique assessment challenges faced by itinerant teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing who serve students across multiple buildings, grade levels, and school districts. Participants will explore efficient, valid assessment methods that accommodate limited student contact time, varied service delivery models, and the logistical constraints of traveling between locations while maintaining high-quality evaluation practices.

The presentation focuses on practical tools including customizable observation checklists, quick language probes, curriculum-based assessments that can be administered in 10-15 minute sessions, and digital documentation systems accessible across devices. Teachers will learn to conduct ongoing assessment embedded within instructional time rather than separating assessment from teaching, maximizing every interaction with students.

A significant component addresses collaborative assessment strategies. Participants will learn how to train and support general education teachers and related service providers in gathering specific observational data, using shared Google forms and communication logs, and conducting joint assessments that provide richer information than any single evaluator could gather alone. The session includes protocols for efficient family interviews and classroom teacher consultations that yield valuable assessment insights.
Practical examples demonstrate how to organize assessment schedules across school calendars, maintain comprehensive data despite fragmented service time, prioritize which assessments are essential versus optional, and use technology for efficient progress monitoring. Teachers will receive templates for observation forms, streamlined IEP-aligned data collection tools, and strategies for creating assessment routines that travel well.

Session Goals:

At the end of this session, participants will identify time-efficient assessment tools including checklists, observational protocols, and digital documentation methods that can be implemented across multiple school settings and grade levels with focus on elementary grades.
At the end of this session, participants will describe collaborative assessment strategies that leverage partnerships with general education teachers, related service providers, and families to gather comprehensive student data without duplicating efforts.
At the end of this session, participants will list practical techniques for conducting valid informal assessments during brief instructional sessions, transitions, and natural classroom observations that inform immediate instructional decisions.

Speakers

Brenda Wellen, M.S.

Executive Director, Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss

Brenda is a semi-retired Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in San Angelo, Texas. She received her Bachelor's Degree in English at Angelo State University and earned her Master's Degree in Communication Sciences with a specialty in Deaf Education at Texas Woman's University... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

2:30pm EDT

Snack Break & Exhibit Hall

Monday September 14, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Monday September 14, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

All Attendees

3:00pm EDT

See and Hear the Future of Braille

Monday September 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Are you curious about how traditional braille tools can shine in the digital age? Join this session to learn about APH's Paige Connect. Sighted peers, family members, and classroom teachers can quickly read what is written on a Perkins Braillewriter and even dive into online exercises that are easy and engaging.

Session Abstract:
Discover how APH's Paige Connect bridges traditional braille instruction and digital learning. This session will demonstrate how a Perkins-style braille writer can instantly display braille on phones, tablets, and computers. Learn how this enables teachers, peers, and family members to actively engage with student work. Participants will also explore the Paige Braille online platform and its interactive practice activities. Learn practical strategies for reinforcing braille literacy, increasing family involvement, fostering classroom collaboration, and creating more inclusive learning experiences with Paige Connect and Paige Braille.

Session Goals:

Demonstrate how Paige Connect connects a Perkins-style braille writer to digital devices for interactive use.
Engage with curated online exercises that make braille practice enjoyable and effective.
Identify ways Paige Connect can empower learners, teachers, and families to bridge low-tech and high-tech braille tools.

Speakers

Jim Sullivan

Director, Social Enterprise, American Printing House

Jim Sullivan is the Director of Social Enterprise at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), where he has served for more than six years. Prior to joining APH, Jim held leadership, sales, and training positions with several leading assistive technology companies, including... Read More →

Monday September 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Blind/Low Vision

3:00pm EDT

Tips and Tricks to Stay Organized

Monday September 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Speakers

Kim Yenerich

DHH Connections LLC

Monday September 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

BLV and DHH

3:00pm EDT

Assessment Tool Selection: Matching Instruments to Your DHH Students and Caseload

Monday September 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

502 East Event Centre

Session Description:
Explore and evaluate assessment instruments designed for or appropriate for DHH students. Through hands-on examination of test kits, participants will learn to critically analyze technical adequacy, determine best-fit tools for their caseloads, and build cost-effective assessment collections that provide valid, reliable data across age ranges and skill domains.

Session Abstract:
This interactive session provides teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing with practical experience examining and evaluating assessment instruments to make informed purchasing and implementation decisions. Participants will engage in hands-on exploration of test kits spanning language assessment, literacy evaluation, speech and auditory skills measurement, academic achievement testing, and functional/transition assessments.

The presentation guides teachers through a systematic evaluation process considering: (1) technical adequacy including reliability, validity, and appropriateness of norming samples for DHH populations; (2) linguistic accessibility and whether assessments can be administered in sign language or with accommodations; (3) age/grade range coverage and whether single instruments can serve multiple students; (4) administration time and scoring complexity relative to caseload demands; (5) cost-effectiveness including initial purchase price, replacement materials, and training requirements; and (6) alignment with IEP goal areas and state standards.

Teachers will learn to distinguish between assessments normed on DHH populations versus hearing populations, understand when hearing norms are appropriate or misleading, and identify assessments with evidence of cultural and linguistic validity. The session addresses building tiered assessment systems with screening tools, diagnostic instruments, and progress monitoring measures that work together efficiently.
Participants will practice using evaluation rubrics to compare similar assessments, discuss real-world implementation challenges, and share experiences with various instruments. The session includes guidance on grant writing for assessment purchases, sharing resources across programs, and prioritizing essential tools when budgets are limited. Teachers will develop personalized action plans identifying which assessments best meet their program's needs.

Session Goals:

At the end of this session, participants will identify key criteria for evaluating assessment instruments including validity for DHH populations, norming samples, linguistic demands, and administrative feasibility for their specific caseload characteristics.
At the end of this session, participants will describe the strengths and limitations of commonly used assessment tools for DHH students across domains including language, literacy, speech, auditory skills, and academic achievement.
At the end of this session, participants will list decision-making factors for building a practical assessment toolkit that balances psychometric quality, age/grade range coverage, budget constraints, and time efficiency for their program needs.

Speakers

Brenda Wellen, M.S.

Executive Director, Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss

Monday September 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
502 East Event Centre 502 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032, USA

Deaf/Hard of Hearing

8:30am EDT

9:30am EDT

9:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

12:00pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

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