Ontario CEC’s 70th Annual Special Education Conference
70 Years of Hope in Action: Honouring our Legacy, Shaping Inclusive Futures.
On behalf of the Ontario CEC Board of Directors, I am pleased to extend an invitation for you to join us in celebrating Ontario CEC’s 70th Annual Provincial Special Education Conference, which will be held December 4 - 5, 2026 at the Marriott Downtown CF Toronto Eaton Centre!
For seventy years, the Ontario CEC community has advanced learning environments where every student is valued, supported, and empowered. Our 70th anniversary invites us into both reflection and resolve. We honour the educators, families, and leaders who built this foundation — and we recommit to shaping a future where safe, healthy, equitable, accessible, and inclusive environments are not exceptions, but expectations.
The 2026 Conference calls us to action:
- To build learning and working environments where mattering and belonging are lived experiences
- To strengthen relationships that intentionally cultivate hope
- To amplify student voice, choice, and agency
- To lead with courage, compassion, and collaboration
Seventy years reminds us that change is possible. Progress is possible. Hope is possible — especially when we work together.
Conference highlights include: | |
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Value added alert! Conference registration includes the opening keynote address, breakout sessions, poster presentations, silent auction, the Exhibitor/Sponsor Display, along with morning refreshments and lunch both days. Special conference rates apply for CEC members and full-time University & College students.
Please join Ontario CEC for this unique self-directed professional learning opportunity and celebrate two milestones!
Cindy Perras, M.Ed., OCT
Conference Co-ordinator
[email protected]
https://ontario.exceptionalchildren.org/
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Thursday, December 3, 2026
- Ontario CEC Board of Directors’ Meeting
- Ontario CEC Annual General Meeting
Friday, December 4, 2026
- 7:00 a.m. Registration & Light Refreshments
- 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Opening Session & Keynote Address. Welcome remarks from Dr. Sue Ball, President of Ontario CEC, Dr. Concetta Lewis, President Elect of International CEC, and the Ministry of Education.
- 9:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions
- 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibitor/ Sponsor Display
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Networking Luncheon
- 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Silent Auction
Saturday, December 5, 2026
- 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Poster Presentations & Light Refreshments
- 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Exhibitor/Sponsor Display & Refreshment Stations
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon Concurrent Breakout & Featured Sessions
- 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Adult and Yes I Can Student Award Presentations
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Celebratory Luncheon & Closing Remarks
TOPICAL AREAS
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- At-risk Children & Youth
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Care & Treatment
- Cultural & Linguistic Diversity
- Developmental Disabilities
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA)
- Evidence-based Interventions through the Tiered Approach
- General Curriculum Access
- Gifted and Talented
- Inclusive Education Design
- Knowing your Learner
- Ministry of Education Update
- Learners who Identify as Black and Indigenous
- Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD
- Low Incidence Exceptionalities
- Paraprofessionals
- Positive Behaviour Supports
- Mattering & Belonging
- Resiliency
- Safe & Healthy Schools
- Self-determination & Advocacy
- Social Justice and/or Pathway to Racial & Cultural Equity
- Technology
- Transitions (all levels)
- Well-being and Mental Health
FEATURED SESSIONS
| Designing for Mattering & Belonging: Universal Design for Learning is a Signal to Students that they are Seen, Heard and Valued Christine Congrady, Durham Catholic DSB |
| From Individual Recommendations to Classroom Impact: Reimagining School Psychology Through Universal Design for Learning Dr. Colin King, University of Western Ontario |
| The Student Behind the IEP: A Toolkit for Student-centered Planning Dr. Angela Pyle, OISE & Avery Pyle, TDSB Student |
| From Beyond Accommodations: Practical, High-Impact Strategies to Support Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD in Inclusive Classrooms Fabiana Scolieri, York Region DSB |
| Empowered Beyond the Behaviour: Responding to Stress with Connection, Regulation, and Resilience Cameile Henry, Strengthen Hands Educational Resources |
| Unlocking Potential: Empowering Student Independence with Low Incidence Software & Generative AI Victoria Cunningham, LEARNstyle |
| Creating Greater Accessibility and Belonging through Universal Design Carolyn Boutin, Centre for Diverse Learners |
| The Heart of the Team: How Educational Assistants Build Connections That Count Christina Mathura, Bloorview School Authority |
| Teachers' Mental Health Literacy and Well-Being: Implications for Inclusive Practice and Student Support Dr. Glenda Christou, Queen’s University |
| Beyond Placement: High-Impact Strategies for Neurodiverse Learners Cassie Steepe, Sonderly |
| AI in Education Dr. Todd Cunningham, OISE/UT, Learn Different |
| Empowering Vision, Voice, and Access: How TDSB Leverages iPads Across AT, DHH, and BLV Teams Holly Sharpe, TDSB |
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Value alert – not yet a member of Ontario CEC and looking to save on registration fees? Now is a great time to join CEC, or renew your CEC membership, and receive a 50% discount on every category and level of CEC membership, for 1, 2, or 3-year terms.
Click here to join CEC and use the Ontario CEC Conference code: 26ONCEC
Please note that online conference registration is open through this link: https://cvent.me/Xm4NyG
| Conference Registration | Attendee & Presenter | Full-time Student | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 4 - 5, 2026 | Non-CEC Member Rate | CEC Member Rate | Non-CEC Member Rate | CEC Member Rate |
| Conference registration includes lunch both days, morning refreshments, all sessions, special events, and exhibits | $425.00 | $375.00 | $325.00 | $275.00 |
Interested in exhibiting at the conference? Corporate sponsorship opportunities?
Please contact Cindy Perras at [email protected]
CONFERENCE HOTEL & ROOM BOOKINGS
Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre
525 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario Canada
M5G 2L2
416.597.9200
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre provides easy access to the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, shopping, dining, the CN Tower, sporting venues (the Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Centre), and the Entertainment District. Getting there is easy - whether travelling by car, subway, streetcar, or train, as the hotel is just a few blocks from Union Station. For those travelling by air, the Union Pearson Express connects Toronto Pearson International Airport with Union Station, and the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is 10 minutes from the hotel.
A block of guest rooms is available at our conference hotel, the Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, for December 2 – 6, 2026. Guest room rates, which include complimentary WiFi, are $248.00 (single/double occupancy) per night. Group rate for parking is $40 per night. Amenities include a roof top pool and hot tub, fitness centre, lobby bar and restaurant serving contemporary Canadian cuisine. Reservations must be booked by November 25, 2026, through this hyperlink (also located on the conference website): Marriott Reservations