Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed.
WiFi: eduroam or SUU-Conference, password "summertimefun"
PLAN AHEAD - Tentative Future Conference Dates July 7-9, 2027 - Price, UT July 17-19, 2028 - Richfield, UT
Tired of stalling out? It's time for a fresh SPARK of insight! In this high-energy session, you'll fan the flames of self-determination/self-advocacy; two powerhouse drivers of student success. We'll illuminate the connection between these strategies and the predictors of post-school success for students with disabilities.
This interactive session invites educators to reimagine Genius Hour, not just as a student-driven initiative, but as dedicated time for teachers to explore, design, and implement strategies that build student voice, choice, and independence. Participants will engage in their own Genius Hour experience, using that time to dive into resources, collaborate with peers, and create actionable plans to weave these powerful forces into your daily instruction across every grade level. Get ready to grab red-hot resources to fuel a future where every student is empowered to lead their own learning journey. Don't just teach – IGNITE their potential!
With a focus on empowering students from early childhood through secondary education, participants will learn to integrate self-determination and self-advocacy (SD/SA) into instruction using evidence-based practices linked to postschool success. This session explores strategies and resources that build SD/SA skills, showing how to embed them in developmentally appropriate, inclusive curricula. Instructional approaches will be connected to IDEA and ESSA requirements, to promote positive outcomes in employment, independent living, and postsecondary education. Through collaborative activities, participants will design actionable plans using practical tools and lesson ideas for immediate classroom use. By the end, attendees will gain concrete strategies to enhance student engagement, voice, and choice, and the confidence to implement SD/SA practices to support students with disabilities in reaching their full potential.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone
