TASH

10/13/2026

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re proud to highlight Wise and their work to advance equitable employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Since 1985, Wise has helped build more inclusive workplaces through innovative training, practical tools, technical assistance, and partnerships that strengthen employment opportunities in Washington State and beyond.

Learn more about Wise: https://gowise.org/about-us/who-we-are/

10/09/2026

Come to the 2026 TASH Conference to learn, build relationships and advocate! https://tash.org/2026TASHConf

Each year, the TASH Conference unites researchers, educators, people with disabilities, families, advocates, service providers, and allies from across the country to share knowledge, explore resources, and build connections that strengthen the disability community.

The complete Conference schedule is now available online! There will be 11 Day One Intensive Workshops, the Research Colloquium, 145 Breakout Sessions, 32 Poster Presentations, 11 TASH Talks, the Employment Reception, the TASH Film Night, the Awards Luncheon, the Medicaid at a Crossroads General Session, and so much more to explore!

The 2026 TASH Conference will be held at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 3 – 5, 2026. This year's Conference theme is "Liberty and Justice for All". Visit the Conference webpage for the complete schedule, registration, hotel discounts and more.

10/08/2026

TASH has joined other disability organizations in supporting legislation that would direct the federal government to consider establishing a distinct occupational classification for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

A separate classification could provide more specific federal data about the DSP workforce—including employment and wages—and better recognize the essential role DSPs play in supporting independence, employment, decision-making, and community participation.

Learn more: https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119s3211rs

10/08/2026

Listen to this week's episode at mcie.org or wherever you get your podcasts. https://go.mcie.org/Abpiwi

Meaningful employment takes risk. Students with disabilities deserve that chance, along with high expectations and the opportunity to work side by side with nondisabled peers.

Magen Rooney-Kron, assistant professor of inclusive education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, joins Tim Villegas on Think Inclusive to talk about dignity of risk and gives practical advice for preparing students with disability for jobs in their communities.

She explains why job coaches who fix every mistake take away the chance to learn, and why internships and paid community jobs build skills that job shadowing can't. She also points to research linking educator and parent expectations to whether students get jobs.

10/06/2026

Our three part workshop series, facilitated by Gary Shulman, starts tomorrow, so register now so you don't miss a session. The series is free for all attendees. Learn more and register here: https://tash.org/event/parents-and-families-workshop-series-part-ii/

10/06/2026

The Social Security Administration has added 14 new conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, bringing the total to 314 conditions.

The program helps identify qualifying disability claims involving serious medical conditions for expedited processing—helping eligible individuals receive decisions more quickly.

Learn more and view the updated list: https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-08-11.html

10/05/2026

There is one month until the end of the the special Conference hotel room rate at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Stay just steps away from the meeting rooms, networking events, and everything happening at the 2026 TASH Conference. Find details on how to receive the special rate here: https://2026tashconference.sched.com/info?p=2

10/02/2026

Check out Drs. Christopher Worth and Jenn Bumble discussing the dignity of risk:

This is "What is Dignity of Risk?" by The My ROAD Project on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/02/2026

Gary Shulman, M.S. Ed. will facilitate a free three-part workshop on resources and role models for parents and caregivers. Learn more about each episode and register here: https://tash.org/event/parents-and-families-workshop-series-part-ii/

The three episodes are:

• October 7: I Didn’t Know That! Tell Me More!
• October 14: Foster Care Treasures
• October 21: Heroes? Role Models? Representation?

10/01/2026

Each year, TASH honors those whose contributions have advanced equity, opportunity and inclusion for people with disabilities, and whose actions set a high standard for human rights every day. Please join us in congratulating this year's award recipients:

• Alice H. Hayden Emerging Leader Award: Hari Srinivasan
• Barbara R. Trader Leadership Award: Jennifer Kurth
• Early Career Researcher Award: Megan Carpenter
• June Downing Breakthroughs in Inclusive Education Award: Michael McSheehan
• Larry J. Brummond Supportive Relationship: Phyllis Holton and Project ACTION!
• Marc Gold Employment Award: Brian Nichols
• Excellence in Employment Leadership & Innovation Award: Suad Bisogno
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Award: Shaun Wood
• Positive Images in the Media: Marco Niemeijer, All of Us: Inside a School that Breaks the Mold
• Ralph Edwards Diversity and Social Impact Award: Elizabeth "Betsy" Neuville
• TASH's Lifetime Achievement Award: Sue Swenson
• Teacher Educator Award: Megan Best

Award recipients will be acknowledged at the Awards Luncheon on Friday December 4, 2026, during the 2026 TASH Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. https://tash.org/2026TASHConf