The Pacific ADA Center invites proposals for presentations at our 2027 Virtual Conference, Beyond Compliance: Access, Equity and the ADA. We are opening a Call for Speakers to broaden perspectives and highlight innovative work related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please note, the number of presentation opportunities is limited, and selections will be made based on fit with the conference program.

We welcome proposals from professionals, educators, advocates, researchers, and practitioners whose work aligns with our mission to provide resources, training, and support to improve awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Pacific ADA Center values diverse voices and perspectives. We encourage proposals from speakers of varied backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including individuals with disabilities and those from underrepresented communities.

Presentation Criteria

We are seeking engaging and informative sessions that:

• Are focused on the ADA and relevant to people with disabilities, service providers, employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Reflect current trends, best practices, and practical applications of the ADA.
• Are led by speakers who are comfortable presenting and engaging with a diverse audience in a virtual setting.
• Come from individuals affiliated with a professional organization, non-profit, business, state or local government agency, or academic institution.
• Examples of topic areas include:
  • Healthcare
  • Law Enforcement/Corrections
  • Accessible Sports and Recreation
  • Community Inclusion
  • Inclusive Design
  • Employment
  • ADA Coordinator Responsibilities
  • Inclusive Business Practices
  • Digital Accessibility
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response
  • ADA and Diverse Communities
  • Higher Education

Audience and Presentation Focus
The audience will include professionals working in the disability and accessibility field, as well as people with disabilities with lived experience. Presentations should focus on topics that are relevant to the field and offer practical, evidence-based, or actionable insights that can be applied across a variety of settings, including nonprofits, government agencies, service providers and other organizations.

We welcome presentations that incorporate lived experience and perspectives from people with disabilities. Proposals should connect lived experience, research, professional expertise, or other knowledge to broader practices, strategies, implementation, policies, programs, services, or approaches that can inform and advance disability inclusion and accessibility.

How to Apply

Interested speakers are invited to submit a proposal including:

1. Proposed title and session description (250 – 300 words)
2. Learning objectives (2–3)
3. Practical tips or takeaway resources offered
4. Target audience
5. Links to videos of previous presentations or webinars on any topic (optional)

Speakers with accepted proposals will receive one complimentary registration to the virtual conference.

Submission Deadline: November 6, 2026


Speaker expectations

1. Submit speaker bio(s) (including relevant experience and organizational affiliation) by December 11, 2026.
2. Submit speaker headshot(s) by December 11, 2026.
3. Request accommodation needs (if any) by February 1, 2027.
4. Submit final presentations by February 8, 2027.

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