At LRP’s National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities® in Orlando, you’ll experience a comprehensive, engaging, and high-quality program focused on the most effective ways to serve students with disabilities while maintaining compliance with special education and disability laws. We’re currently developing the 2027 agenda and will post details once available, but for now take a look at the 2026 program.
Mickey Rowe
Author, Actor, and Speaker
Mickey Rowe, an acclaimed author, actor, and speaker, shares his story of growing up with autism and pushing beyond the restrictions of a special education classroom to shine on the stage. He was the first actor with autism to play Christopher Boone in the Tony Award-winning play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and is the founding artistic director of the National Disability Theatre. Mickey shares that when we think with an accessibility mindset and equip educators with tools to support neurodivergent learners and learners with disabilities, we help all students succeed. Showing true appreciation, he highlights how educators shape futures daily.
Jan Tomsky
Partner, Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP, Oakland, Calif.
In her singular witty style, attorney Jan Tomsky will present the always popular, fast-paced review of the top recent legal cases you need to know. Get her expert insights on significant cases from 2025, including the Supreme Court's decision in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School District No. 279, as well as her predictions for litigation trends for the coming year!
Julia Martin, Esq.
Attorney, The Bruman Group, PLLC, Washington, D.C.
They say change is the law of life, and life in special education certainly has been interesting. From large-scale reductions in force at federal agencies, the closing of OCR regional offices, new guidance on inclusive educational practices, and cuts in federal funding, attorney Julia Martin covers the latest trends in policy, advocacy, and enforcement of special education laws. Find out the likely next steps for decision-makers in Washington, what they mean for your district, and how to prepare staff for compliance in response to all the changes.
| Sunday | April 26, 2026 | |
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| 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | LRP Bookstore Open |
| 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Pre-Conference Morning Symposiums |
| 12 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch On Your Own |
| 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Pre-Conference Afternoon Symposiums |
| 3 - 3:15 p.m. | Refreshment Break |
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| Monday | April 27, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 7 - 8:15 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. | LRP Bookstore Open |
| 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. | General Session |
| 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. | Refreshment Break |
| 10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 12 - 1:30 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:30 - 2:45 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 2:45 - 3:15 p.m. | Refreshment & Snack Break |
| 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. | General Session |
| Tuesday | April 28, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 7 - 8:30 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
| 7 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. | LRP Bookstore Open |
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. | General Session |
| 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. | Refreshment Break |
| 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| 2:30 - 3 p.m. | Refreshment & Snack Break |
| 3 - 4:15 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
Geared toward special education leaders who develop systems, programs, processes and policies that strengthen the working environment, support student achievement, optimize resources and enhance organizational outcomes. Sessions are on point for state and local special education directors, superintendents and assistant superintendents, Section 504 coordinators, principals and assistant principals, directors of private schools, and regional coordinators.
Effectively addressing student behavior may be the most pressing issue in schools today. Special education directors, directors of school mental health and behavioral services, school psychologists, behavior specialists, clinical services coordinators, and trauma trainers will get the latest strategies to approach discipline dilemmas and student mental health under federal laws.
To earn continuing legal education credits, or CLEs, attorneys can attend one or both sessions based on application of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct in the special education context.
With sessions for every role in special education, this track includes comprehensive coverage of schools' obligations to provide all children with disabilities with a free appropriate public education. School attorneys share insights on the most significant cases and common procedural missteps, and experts outline best practices and resources.
Building a better understanding of how to avoid discrimination claims and provide all students an equal opportunity is the goal of each session in this track. Section 504 coordinators, administrators, social workers, counselors and service providers will receive unparalleled professional development while learning how to make defensible disability and 504 plan determinations.
Supercharge your Special Ed Connection subscription with insider tips straight from the legal editors, experts and trainers who are behind this innovative online resource. Whether it's identifying best practices, keeping up with the latest court decisions, or modeling a sample form or policy, you'll see how this professional development tool can advance staff knowledge and skills.
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