2026 TESOL International Convention Information

SSDIS looks forward to seeing you all at the 2026 TESOL International Convention & Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah! We have an exciting docket of presentations and meetings for the IS.

• Intersections of SIFE and Special Education: US and Global Perspectives
  Intersection Session - SSDIS, PK-12 IS, & Refugee Concerns PLN
  Wednesday, 3/25/2026 10:00 - 11:15 am
  Moderator: S. Brown

ELs with interrupted education face both over- and underidentification for special education. This panel explores assessment and referral practices that separate language needs from disabilities, addressing equitable identification in U.S. schools and practical approaches for supporting students where formal special education systems are unavailable worldwide.

• TESOL Networking Lounge - SSDIS
  Wednesday, 3/25/2026 12:00 - 1:00 pm & Friday, 3/27/2026 12:00 - 1:00 pm
  Come meet members of the SSDIS, learn about our work, and find out about leadership opportunities!
  
  
• Intersectional Identities Within and Beyond TESOL: Continuing the Conversation
  Intersection Session - SSDIS, LGBT PLN, & Program Administration IS
  Thursday, 3/26/2026 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
  Location: Ballroom J
  Speakers: D. Fagan, A. Curtis, C. Lin, K. Johnson, R. Valle

This panel extends and expands collective efforts by showcasing intersectional identities in TESOL and amplifying identities across generations and geographical spaces in teaching, research, mentoring, and leading. Panelists explore disability, queerness, leadership, race, multilingualism, and other identities crucial for cultivating and sustaining intersectional identities within and beyond TESOL.

• SSDIS Open Meeting 
  Thursday, 3/26/2026 5:30 - 6:15 pm
  Location: TBA

Join us for our official IS meeting, during which we will review events and accomplishments from the past year and begin to plan the year ahead.

• Bridging Worlds: Culturally Responsive Communication with Families of Neurodiverse Learners
  Academic Session - SSDIS & Intercultural Communication IS
  10:00 - 11:15 am
  Location: Ballroom J
  Speakers: N. McVeigh, A. Batool, N. Bell, M. d.L. Gutierrez Aceves, F. Aldajani

This panel explores how TESOL educators can foster culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, and trust-building communication with multilingual families navigating special education. Panelists share strategies to demystify processes, honor diverse perspectives on disability, and promote inclusive, asset-based approaches that position families as key partners in their children’s education.

A full list of disability-related sessions, including those not affiliated with the interest section, can be accessed here.