LID CON
- event_available -
- placeAustin (Main Campus)
- local_offer$200
Bring your spark. Leave with fire.
Ready to elevate your impact and lead meaningful progress for students with significant cognitive disabilities?
LID CON 2026 is the must-attend summer conference for special education professionals who believe every learner deserves access, dignity, and opportunity.
Designed for teachers, paraeducators, administrators, instructional coaches, and service providers, this two-day experience will challenge your thinking, strengthen your practice, and reignite your passion for inclusive education.
What you’ll gain:
- Practical strategies you can implement immediately for learners with low-incidence disabilities
- Powerful advocacy tools to support students with complex access needs
- A deeper understanding of presuming competence—and how to apply it in real classrooms
- Inspiration and insight from local, state, and national leaders in the field
- A renewed sense of confidence and possibility—because YES, we can
Expect engaging sessions, meaningful conversations, and ideas that truly work—so you leave energized, equipped, and ready to make an even greater impact.
Registration
- Registration includes complimentary lunch for both days of the conference.
- Paraeducator rate: Attend for just $40
- Group discount: Groups of 5 or more receive 25% off
- To access paraeducator or group discounts, email lid@esc13.txed.net
(Note: Paraeducators receiving the $40 rate are not eligible for the group discount)
Keynote Speaker
Ayo JonesAyo Jones is a keynote speaker, author, and AI strategist who helps educators turn disruption into their most powerful leadership tool. With over 20 years of experience in education spanning special education, instructional coaching, curriculum design, and leadership, she brings both deep practitioner credibility and strategic clarity to every stage she steps on. Featured on HBO Max for her family's survival of Hurricane Harvey, Ayo knows that in high-stakes environments, panic is expensive and clarity is priceless. As an accepted TEDx speaker at TEDxUniversityofCapeCoast and author of Surviving the AI SHiFT, she delivers a battle-tested framework that helps SPED professionals stop managing the chaos and start leading through it.In this high-energy keynote, Ayo uses the story of losing everything to show educators how to move from survival mode to unshakable clarity. No matter how high the water rises, your classroom, your students, and your mission can find a path to higher ground. Keynote Session Title: Chase the Flood: Navigating Change and Finding the Path to Higher Ground Featured on HBO Max and Discovery for her survival story during Hurricane Harvey, Ayo Jones knows that in high-stakes environments, panic is expensive and clarity is priceless. In this high-energy keynote, Ayo uses her journey of losing everything to teach educators how to stop "policing" change and start leveraging it to build a better future for their students. You will leave with a battle-tested framework to move from "survival mode" to unshakable clarity, ensuring that no matter how high the water rises, you can lead your classroom and community to higher ground. |
Be a Part of LID CON 2026 as a Sponsor!
View the sponsorship form to learn more and to sign up.
Are you ready to showcase your products, services, or resources to a passionate audience of educators and professionals dedicated to supporting students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex access needs?
LID CON 2026 is the premier summer conference for educators seeking to empower students with low incidence disabilities through advocacy, passion, and innovative instructional strategies. This highly anticipated event will bring together attendees from across the region and beyond to collaborate, learn, and grow
Presenters
David AvalosDavid Avalos has worked in low-incidence disability classrooms since 2012, serving in a range of instructional and leadership roles across public and charter school settings. He began his career as an educational associate before opening a middle school Functional Communications Unit and later supporting the launch of a new elementary campus as a behavior support teacher and PBIS committee chair.David earned his master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Texas A&M University. Following graduate completion, he served as a campus Special Education Coordinator in two charter school systems while concurrently working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in a clinic-based ABA setting, strengthening his applied systems perspective across educational and clinical environments. He currently serves as the Secondary Special Education Specialist for Low-Incidence Disabilities (LID) in Pflugerville Independent School District, where his primary focus is districtwide development of Post-Secondary Transition 18(+) programming designed to promote independence, employment readiness, and sustainable adult outcomes for students with significant support needs. |
Jimmie BakerJimmie Baker is a Functional Academics Teacher at Hutto High School in Hutto ISD with 24 years of experience in education. Her background includes teaching math, special education, and family and consumer sciences. She was also an FCCLA National Executive Council Advisor in 2022. She is dedicated to supporting students through innovative learning resources, including securing grants and donations for sensory supports. |
Clare BirdsallClare Birdsall is a dedicated leader and educator in the field of special education, specializing in supporting students with low incidence disabilities. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from Texas A&M University. Clare began her career by teaching in a Life Skills classroom for five years in College Station ISD, where she developed extensive expertise in differentiated instruction and functional academic skill development. She is now in her third year serving as a Special Education Instructional Coach in Lake Travis ISD, focusing on building capacity and implementing best practices among special education teams. Clare will continue her professional journey this May by graduating with a Master’s in Special Education Leadership from Michigan State University. |
Millie BlackwellMillie Blackwell is an experienced educator and administrator with over 15 years of service in special education, with a strong focus on autism and self-contained classroom settings. Throughout her career, she has supported students with a wide range of learning needs while coaching teachers, paraprofessionals, and campus leaders to build effective, student-centered programs. Currently, Millie serves as the Low Incidence Disability (LID) and Autism Specialist at Education Service Center Region 12, where she provides professional development, technical assistance, and collaborative support to districts. Her work emphasizes evidence-based practices and systems that empower both educators and students to succeed. |
Jamie CanalesJamie Canales has worked in the field of special education for 24 years and is currently serving as Education Specialist: CAN & BVI at Region 17 ESC. She was previously the Centralized Classroom Specialist for Amarillo ISD supporting a continuum of special education programs and worked as the Low-Incidence & Progress in the General Curriculum Specialist for Region 16 ESC where she consulted with school districts, providing staff development and technical assistance for educators. Her job experiences have included special education teacher for students with significant cognitive disabilities as well as parent and in-home trainer. Jamie has a strong desire to see students with disabilities be successful in the school, home, and community setting. Her particular passion is educating others regarding presuming competence. She had the privilege of working on a campus who believed in the power of teamwork and as a result, her students benefited from an inclusive environment. |
Mary L. CruikshankMary L. Cruikshank, Ed.S., is the Transition Vocational Coordinator and TED for the Military School Districts' Cooperative (MSDC), which is comprised of Fort Sam Houston ISD, Lackland ISD, and Randolph Field ISD. She has been in education for 17 years and has served in various roles, including teaching elementary and secondary levels of special education in inclusive and co-teach settings, self-contained classes in life skills/ alternative learning environments, and resource level classes. She currently oversees the Work-Based Learning programs at the MSDC such as Career Preparation for high school students, and 18+ services. She has taught adult education students in vocational training settings and is currently serving as a part-time professor at a Teacher's College in which she is helping to prepare and develop future educators. A staunch advocate for exceptional students and families, Mrs. Cruikshank has worked diligently to create awareness and accessibility for families. As a part of a military family (now retired), she has utilized her unique experience, education and training to assist military families access government, military, and community resources, and she collaborates with multiple agencies to ensure military families are provided access to the relevant services they need. Mrs. Cruikshank has been married for over 30 years, and she and her husband have two adult children and many pets. In her free time, she loves to write, travel, and spend time with her family, friends, and animals. |
Lynn DluskiLynn Dluski serves as a Special Education Coordinator in Jarrell ISD, where she supports campus leaders and teachers in implementing effective systems for students with disabilities. She has experience as a special education teacher, dyslexia interventionist, and instructional coach, and now focuses on building campus capacity through coaching, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving.Lynn holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in reading and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Her work centers on improving inclusive practices and ensuring that students with complex needs have access to meaningful instruction and supportive learning environments. Lynn is passionate about helping educators build strong instructional teams that support both student independence and high expectations. |
Molly Genovese
Molly Genovese is an Occupational Therapist and the Occupational Therapy team lead at Austin ISD. In her role, she oversees training and continuing education for the OT team while providing hands-on support to students across a range of classroom settings. Molly lives in Austin with her husband, pets, and extensive garden. |
Lynne HymanLynne Hyman, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 25 years of experience both as a teacher and behavior specialist in public school districts in the central Texas area. She has worked collaboratively with families, staff, teachers, and administration to support students from 3 years to 21 years in age in the classroom setting. Currently, Lynne works for Hutto ISD as a behavior specialist supporting teachers, families, students, and schools around the district. |
Ayo JonesAyo Jones is a passionate advocate for special education, with nearly 20 years of experience transforming classrooms. As a veteran special education teacher, instructional coach, and engaging speaker, Ayo empowers educators with the tools and strategies they need to help students learn and grow. |
Natasha JonesNatasha Jones is a special education leader with more than 25 years of experience supporting students with disabilities across elementary, middle, and high school settings. She currently serves in Jarrell ISD as an ARD Facilitator, ARD Facilitator Coordinator, Transition Specialist, and 504 Coordinator, where she supports campuses in ensuring effective ARD processes, compliance, and strong transition planning for students preparing for life beyond school.Throughout her career, Natasha has worked extensively with students with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, and other complex learning needs in a self-contained setting. Her work has focused on building academic, behavioral, vocational, and independent living skills to prepare students for successful adult lives. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Science in Special Education with a focus on Transition from the University of Kansas, along with a Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Special & Inclusive Education. She is also a Registered Behavior Technician and has completed advanced training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Texas Behavior Support Initiative (TBSI), and transition programming. Natasha is passionate about helping students, families, and educators create meaningful pathways to independence and employment. |
Jeff KeyJeff Key, M.Ed, is a Nationally Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE), he has been a physical educator for over 40 years. Key has taught future teachers at Texas Tech University, Wayland Baptist University, and Lubbock Christian University. He has also coached adapted physical education to elementary, junior High, high School, and college age students. He has taught general and special education PE classes. He has also taught at the National Adapted Physical Education Conference in California, Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (TAHPERD) Conference, he is the Past Chair of the Adapted PE section of TAHPERD. He has taught numerous workshops on adapted and general physical education throughout Texas at various Regional Education Service Centers and conferences. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Texas Tech University’s Burkhart Center for Autism Research and Education. Key is also a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) working with students teaching them travel skills with the white cane and using their guide dogs. Key retired from teaching in Texas and is now teaching in Las Cruces, New Mexico as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist. |
Lindsey KrumrineLindsey Krumrine is the Complex Needs Coordinator with the Texas Education Agency. She serves as a leader for providing information and guidance as well as developing resources and professional development for agency staff, educational service centers (ESCs), school systems, families, and other relevant stakeholders regarding evidence-based best practices, rules, regulations, and policies around students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex needs. Prior to joining the TEA, Lindsey worked in public schools for 20 years, in roles that include special education teacher, department head, Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) facilitator, and behavior specialist. |
Jennifer Luther |
Kassy MaloneyKassandra Maloney is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Author, and mom of two little boys (her favorite role yet). She also owns and operates the Society of Exceptional Educators, a global organization that equips teachers with 21st Century ECC Strategies to increase the academic and daily living skills of their students with visual impairments. Through their online conferences and our Clarity VIP Club, the Society has been able to impact the lives of thousands of educators who work with people with visual impairments world-wide. |
Dr. Whitney ManuelDr. Whitney Manuel is a special education leader with extensive experience supporting students with low-incidence disabilities and complex learning needs. She currently serves as a special education instructional leader, where she supports teachers and campus teams in developing effective programs for students with significant cognitive disabilities, autism, and communication impairments. Whitney’s work focuses on strengthening instructional practices, building sustainable classroom systems, and ensuring compliance with special education processes while maintaining a strong focus on student outcomes. |
Kellie MartiniKellie Martini is concluding her 25-year tenure as an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Specialist in public schools. She currently serves as the Assistive Technology Specialist and Team Lead for Related and Instructional Services at Dripping Springs Independent School District. Throughout her career, she has engaged in professional development opportunities both within the district and at the regional level. Kellie is dedicated to innovative problem-solving and collaborating with educational professionals to develop strategies that support the learning and success of all students. |
Madison OlneyMadison Olney, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist currently serving secondary students at Hutto High School. She earned her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Texas at Austin after completing her undergraduate studies in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at Texas Tech University. Madison is passionate about supporting students with complex communication needs and promoting the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in school-based settings. She is dedicated to helping students access communication across academic, social, and functional environments and enjoys collaborating with educators and families to expand meaningful AAC use throughout the school day. |
Janet PetersMy name is Janet Peters, and I hold a Master’s degree in Education with specializations in English as a Second Language and Special Education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. I bring over 16 years of experience in special education, having served students and families in both Austin and Chicago Public Schools. Throughout my career, I have been committed to supporting diverse learners and fostering inclusive educational environments. My passion lies in creating meaningful change and ensuring all students have access to high-quality instruction and opportunities to succeed. |
Meredith RebecekMeredith Rebecek is a Low Incidence Disability (LID) Specialist for Pflugerville ISD. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Edward’s University and has extensive experience in working with children from difficult backgrounds in residential settings and in working with students with diverse disabilities and needs in educational settings. She has experience as a school social worker, Inclusion teacher, Behavior Support teacher, and Special Education Campus Coordinator, where she supported all levels of students receiving Special Education services and their teachers. |
Michelle “Shell” SchwartzMichelle Schwartz holds a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology and is Director of SAFE’s Disability Services in Austin, Texas. Michelle gained early experience in community psychology, in both private and state-run counseling, behavioral, and psychiatric settings. Next, she focused on Educational Equity and Self-Determination research with The Arc National’s research program.As result, Michelle began her work on initiatives that increase self-determination, reduce the risks of victimization of youth and adults with disabilities, while identifying, developing, and implementing supports for recovery and healing. Most recently, Michelle conceptualized and worked collaboratively to create healthier relationships education for Adults (18+) and High School Students with developmental disabilities. The My Rights My Life online publication will soon include an age appropriate curriculum for High School Students (grades 9-12) as well as the existing 18+ version of My Rights My Life. This resource provides a free, easy to access, and comprehensive/age-appropriate healthy and safer relationships curriculum. Overall, Michelle has over 25 years of personal and professional experience working with, advocating for accessible victim services, promoting the rights of all people with disabilities and healing for violence related trauma. For more information about SAFE and Disability Services Program Resources see: www.safeaustin.org/disability. |
Kyla ShannonKyla Shannon is a Low Incidence Disabilities (LID) Consultant at ESC Region 20. She has spent more than 20 years serving in a variety of roles within special education. Before joining ESC Region 20, Kyla taught in classrooms serving students with significant cognitive disabilities, worked in Student Disability Services at Texas Tech University, and served in a leadership role with a nonprofit organization providing residential and day programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.In her current role, Kyla partners closely with teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and related service providers to strengthen instruction and build meaningful systems of support for students with complex access needs. She is known for her collaborative approach and practical mindset, working side by side with teams to turn best practices into everyday classroom realities. Through training, coaching, and technical assistance, she focuses on actionable strategies that educators can implement immediately. Kyla believes in presuming competence, building strong teams, and making small, intentional shifts that create lasting impact. She is deeply committed to helping educators prepare students not just for success in the classroom, but for life beyond it, doing everything possible to ensure students leave school as independent, confident, and ready as they can be. |
Michael Soria |
 Amanda Uresti |
Morgan Van DiepenMorgan Van Diepen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 15 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working closely with families, educators, and neurodivergent advocates. She is the co-founder of ABA Visualized and the self-published author of a bestselling book collection that ranks among the top titles in Behavioral Disorders in Special Education and Parenting Children with Disabilities. Morgan has presented at national conferences and developed custom trainings for clinical organizations and school districts. She remains committed to making behavior expertise more approachable, compassionate, and accessible to those who need it most. |
Serena VillaSerena Villa holds a bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and English. She currently serves as the SAFE Alliance’s Project Coordinator and Educator in Austin, Texas. After joining the SAFE Alliance, Serena started providing mental health and education-based services at locations serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Travis County area. In this position, she has taught both the Right Here, Right Now (RHRN) and the My Rights My Life (MRML) curriculums. RHRN teaches adults how to process stress and trauma after experiencing abuse. MRML teaches adults how to have healthy relationships and practice safer sex if they choose to do so. Serena’s professional work centers survivors with disabilities, attempting to make the system more accessible to them every day. |
Trinity WilkinsMy name is Trinity Wilkins, and I am a third-year kindergarten teacher at Zavala Elementary, where I have earned an Exemplary distinction through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. I bring three years of experience teaching in a Title I school setting, where I have developed strong skills in designing engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that meet the needs of diverse learners. My professional strengths include effective classroom management, data-driven instruction, and fostering meaningful communication with families. I am passionate about creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow academically and socially. |
Ashley Wiseman-NormentAshley Wiseman-Norment is a Special Education Coordinator in Hutto ISD with 20 years of experience in education and social services. A proud University of Texas graduate, she has also served as a Behavior Specialist and Special Education Teacher, supporting students with diverse needs, including mental health, medical complexities, and behavioral challenges. Ashley is also a SAMA Master Facilitator and active on county and state advocacy initiatives, championing disability rights and youth mental health. |
Lacey ZvadaLacey Zvada is a Special Education Coordinator in Hutto ISD with 13 years of experience in special education. She supports students with low incidence disabilities through inclusive practices and district-wide systems, with a focus on strengthening transition programs that promote independence, postsecondary readiness, and meaningful outcomes. Her work emphasizes collaboration, capacity-building, and practical supports for educators and campus leaders. |
Schedule
Day 1
| 9:00 - 10:05 | Opening Keynote: Ayo Jones, M.Ed. - Chase the Flood: Navigating Change and Finding the Path to Higher Ground |
| 10:05 - 10:25 | Meet and Greet with Chris Ulmer/Break |
| 10:25 - 11:45 | Breakout Sessions:
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| 11:45 - 1:00 | Optional Lunch and Learn: Exploring Texas SPED Support for Students with Complex Needs (Lindsey Krumrine) |
| 1:00 - 2:20 | Breakout Sessions:
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| 2:20 - 2:40 | Break |
| 2:40 - 4:00 | Breakout Sessions:
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Day 2
| 9:00 - 10:20 | Breakout Sessions:
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| 10:20 - 10:35 | Break |
| 10:35 - 11:55 | Breakout Sessions:
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| 11:55 - 1:05 | Lunch and Learn: Coming Soon |
| 1:05 - 2:25 | Breakout Sessions:
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| 2:25 - 2:40 | Break |
| 2:40 - 4:00 | Breakout Sessions:
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Secure your spot today
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Contact a member of our team for more information.