As we move into 2025, the landscape for self-advocacy and neurodiversity continues to expand with numerous conferences and events designed to empower individuals with disabilities and their families. These gatherings provide invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and advocating for disability rights.

Here are some of the key events to look forward to this year:

Upcoming Self-Advocacy Conferences:

Touro Law Disability Rights Conference

Date: March 6-7, 2025
Location: Central Islip, NY and Online

This conference will bring together global thought leaders to discuss disability rights and inclusion. It aims to explore innovative programs, share lessons learned, and develop strategies for promoting disability rights. Speakers will include researchers, lawyers, advocates, community leaders, employers, service providers, educators, and individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers. Many of the speakers will share their perspectives as individuals with disabilities, family, friends, and caregivers.

California Disability Community Advocacy Conference (DisCo at the Capital)

Date: April 1 & 2

Location: Sacramento, CA

The California Disability Advocacy annual conference, hosted by The Arc of California, Easterseals, and United Cerebral Palsy, aims to inspire, educate, and empower advocates for people with developmental disabilities. Featuring prominent speakers who push for inclusive policies, the event attracts individuals with disabilities, families, support staff, service providers, regional center employees, officials, educators, and other community leaders.

Disability Policy Seminar

Date: April 7-9, 2025

Location: Washington D.C.

The Disability Policy Seminar is a key event to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) on Capitol Hill. It gathers advocates, experts, and professionals to discuss vital issues and strengthen the grassroots movement for individuals with IDD. The seminar includes informative sessions with field experts and opportunities for state-specific discussions. It culminates in attendees meeting members of Congress to address important disability rights issues.

2025 Neurodiversity in Business Annual Conference

Date: April 23, 2025

Location: London, UK & Online

This event will bring together corporate members, partners, allies, and the neurodivergent community to discuss and develop neurodiverse workplace strategies. Key themes include fostering inclusive workspaces, empowering neurodivergent leadership, and celebrating individuality. Attendees will have opportunities to learn from experts, collaborate on real-world issues, and network with businesses and neurodiversity specialists.

DRNC Annual Disability Advocacy Conference

Date: May 14, 2025

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

This one-day conference, hosted by Disability Rights North Carolina, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Protection and Advocacy (P&A) network. The 2025 theme, Everyone at the Table, focuses on advocating for the full inclusion and dignity for people with disabilities across all areas of life. Join advocates, allies, and leaders for discussions, sessions, and community building aimed at ensuring support and rights for disabled individuals. Celebrate progress and empower future advancements at this milestone event.

2025 Self Advocacy Conference

Date: May 17, 2025 (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM)

Location: Online

Hosted by the Southwest Institute for Families and Children, this conference is a must-attend for self-advocates across the country. The event will feature presentations on issues important to people with disabilities, opportunities to connect with other self-advocates, and introductions to advocacy groups.

The organization is seeking presentations that address issues significant to individuals with disabilities. These presentations will be conducted online and must be 60 minutes in duration. Priority will be given to those presentations led by individuals with disabilities or those that include individuals with disabilities as co-presenters.

SACK 2025 Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference

Date: June 13-15, 2025

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Organized by the Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK), a statewide self-advocacy group led by individuals with developmental disabilities whose mission is to empower and promote independence for adults with developmental disabilities. This conference aims to promote empowerment and independence for adults with developmental disabilities. Attendees can expect a variety of sessions and networking opportunities.

Local Events & Networking Opportunities:

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Date: March 17-23, 2025

Location: Various locations and online

This global initiative challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. The week features workshops, lectures, art exhibitions, and social media campaigns aimed at fostering a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

Autism Acceptance Month Picnic

Date: April 13, 2025

Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA

This annual event, hosted by Jay Nolan Community Services, brings together the greater Los Angeles community of self-advocates, families with children with autism and other disabilities, and a supportive network of Jay Nolan’s direct support staff. With free food, games, and other fun activities, it is a wonderful opportunity to spend an afternoon getting to know other advocates and the disability community.

Jay Nolan Self-Advocacy Group Events

Date: Every Other Month

Location: Various locations in the Los Angeles, CA area

Join the Jay Nolan Self-Advocacy group to make friends and join opportunities for learning, advocacy, and self-growth. This group, run by and for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities meets regularly to network, discuss topics of mutual interest, and just have fun together.

Mark Your Calendar

These events are just a snapshot of the many opportunities available in 2025 for self-advocates and their families. By participating in these conferences, individuals can gain valuable insights, build supportive networks, and continue to advocate for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired and empowered!

Want to get involved with the Jay Nolan community? Check out our upcoming events