The NCAIS is a conference dedicated to fostering dialogue and collaboration among presenters and attendees regarding inclusive practices across the lifespan. By uniting individuals with exceptionalities and varied learning needs, practitioners (e.g., teachers, administrators, related service providers, community-based service providers), families, advocates, policymakers, community leaders, researchers, students, and other relevant parties, the Summit provides a platform to discuss current practices, share innovative strategies, and explore the future of inclusivity for all underrepresented groups.

Networking Opportunities:

• • Connect with a diverse array of caregivers/guardians, professionals and organizations committed to inclusion, creating potential partnerships that can amplify efforts within communities.

  • Build a supportive network that fosters ongoing collaboration beyond the Summit.

Knowledge Sharing:

• • Gain insights from experts and practitioners in the field who share best practices, success stories, and lessons learned.

  • Participate in workshops and panels that explore the latest evidence-based practices and innovations in equity, accessibility, and belonging.

Strategic Collaboration:

• • Engage in meaningful discussions that drive collective action toward creating inclusive environments.

  • Explore cross-sector collaborations that leverage unique strengths and resources to address systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups.

Empowerment and Advocacy:

• • Learn strategies to advocate for policies and practices that promote equity and accessibility at local, state, and national levels.

  • Equip yourself with tools to drive change within your organization and community, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

Inspiration for Future Innovations:

• • Discover emerging ideas and technologies that enhance equity, accessibility, and inclusivity.

  • Participate in brainstorming sessions aimed at addressing challenges and identifying solutions that can be implemented in various contexts.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement:

• • Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement by sharing feedback and experiences, promoting accountability in efforts towards inclusion.

The North Carolina Inclusion Summit is more than just a conference; it is a catalyst for meaningful change. By bringing together passionate individuals and organizations, the summit plays a crucial role in shaping a future where success and belonging are prioritized for all. Join us in advancing the mission of inclusivity and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.

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Date:

• June 12th-June 13th, 2025

Location: 

• UNC Charlotte - The Cone Center

Address: 

• 9025 University Road, Charlotte, NC 28223

• GPS address to Cone Deck 1 Parking Garage: 8921 University Road, Charlotte, NC 28223

Also known as DJ "Real Bill", Billy is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte and has a B.A. in Communication Studies and minor in Journalism. He served as the President of the Student Advisory Board for Disability Services at UNC-Charlotte. He has worked as an Intern at the NC Division of Services for the Blind and Seacrest Studios at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC. He also worked as the Youth Outreach Coordinator for the Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC). Billy has traveled to all 50 United States. He was born with a condition called Norrie’s Disease and is totally Blind with hearing loss.

Registration fee includes parking, a light breakfast both days, lunch one day, and one and a half days of professional development.

• Early Bird (Ends 03/31/25)- $125 

• Regular Rate (Ends 06/10/25)- $150 

• Student (Undergraduate/Graduate; code NCIS Student)- $75

*There are a limited number of potential family/child scholarships available through ECAC. Please contact Aimee Combs, Executive Director (acombs@ecacmail.org) for additional information.
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**Registration Process**

To register for this year's NCAIS, please take a few moments to (a) complete the registration demographic and accessibility form (linked here and included below) and (b) providing payment via the electronic registration page (linked here and included below). 

**Exhibitor Registration** 

We invite exhibitors to participate in this year's conference. By doing so, you are connecting with diverse audiences of educators, administrators, community members, families, and students; showcasing your products and services to key decision-makers in the education sector; demonstrating your company's commitment to education issues; and contributing to the professional growth of educators, policy makers, advocates, and individuals with exceptionalities and their loved ones. Please see below for registration and pricing information. 

Vendor/ Exhibitor Tables: 

• Exhibitor fee: $125, first registrant

  • Complimentary meals

  • Exhibitor table

  • Table cloth

  • Electrical outlets

• Co-exhibitor fee: $50, second registrant, complimentary meals

Sponsorship levels: All sponsorships include recognition of your support using your logo on our website, in our digital program and on a visual sponsor board posted in the meal area

• Breakfast: $1500 (2 days, 4 sponsorships available)

• Afternoon Break: $500 (2 sponsorships available)

• Lunch: $3000 (1 sponsorship available)

To register, please please take a few moments to (a) complete the exhibitor form (linked here and included below) and (b) provide payment via the electronic registration page (linked here and included below). To receive the appropriate rate, beginning April 1st, please use the following codes when registering: 

Exhibitor code: EXHIBITOR

Volunteer code: VOLUNTEER 

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Photography and Media Consent Agreement

• By submitting your proposal and/or agreeing to participate in this conference, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed during the event. You grant the conference organizers permission to use your likeness, in the form of photographs or video recordings, for promotional purposes, including but not limited to the conference website, social media channels, and future marketing materials.

• If you are uncomfortable with being photographed, please notify the event organizers in advance. Your participation in the conference will not be affected by such a request. However, without such notification, you consent to the use of your image as described above.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

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Poster size requirements: 

No smaller than 48" x 36" 

There are several options for ordering posters - tips from Debbie Holzberg!  

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Fabric posters are inexpensive and travel GREAT! I order from Spoonflower - give yourself enough lead time - about 2 - 3 weeks. They are out of Durham, so transit time is typically pretty quick. 

The link is: www.spoonflower.com

Duke University has a helpful link for ordering from Spoonflower! 

In the past, I ordered Performance Jersey; however, that fabric is discontinued. They recommend Petal Signature Cotton (which appears to be less expensive). I do know know if it is wrinkle-free, so you may want to check that out. The size is 56" x 36". The colors come out great and the price is exceptional! 

Alternatively, you can order paper posters from many of the office supply stores and online outlets. 

Presentations are 50 min in length. Projectors and cables will be provided. Please be sure to bring the appropriate dongle for your computer. Each room has a computer which can be accessed - if you elect to use the computer in the room, please be sure to save your presentation to the cloud and/or to a USB (probably both just in case)! 

Accessibility is important and word walls can detract from the presentation. The University of Kentucky suggests these guidelines for creating accessible PowerPoint Presentations. 

PowerPoint now has a feature which captions as you present (i.e., real-time). It is not perfect, but it is pretty accurate and increases accessibility. Please contact us if you would like more information.

The registration site has an accessibility form. 

However, here is the link for your convenience! 

Please let us know how we can best help ensure your full participation! 

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Accepted presenters are expected to adhere to the principals of Universal Design in order to ensure accessibility and full participation of all attendees. 

Below, please find resources to help meet those requirements. 

Hotel Information:

• There are many hotels available in the University Area. All rooms must be booked by the individual party. 

• Local hotel options linked here.

Transportation options: 

• Drive and park on campus (one-time entry and exit parking pass for each day of the Summit is included in registration cost- therefore, it would be encouraged that you carpool if possible)

• CATS LYNX light rail 

• CATS buses

Recommendations of local attractions: 

• Trip Advisor recommendations 

• Charlotte's Got A Lot

Participants at this event are eligible to receive continuing education units (CEUs) or contact towards professional certification. If you would like to participate in these opportunities, please complete the Google Form by Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025! 

If you have questions regarding the conference, please contact this year's event coordinator, Holly Johnson at Holly.Johnson@charlotte.edu.