Quick look: Vanguard University’s School of Education will host its second annual Disability Symposium on June 24, convening individuals with disabilities, educators, families and faith leaders for a day of learning focused on inclusive practices and belonging.
Vanguard University’s School of Education will host its second annual Disability Symposium on June 24, bringing together individuals with disabilities, educators, parents and faith community leaders to explore inclusive practices that support their success.
This year’s theme, “Bringing Love, Wisdom and Belonging to School and Faith Communities,” frames a full day of learning, discussion and collaboration aimed at strengthening how schools and community organizations serve students with diverse needs.
The symposium will open with a morning keynote by Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, followed by a series of breakout sessions and panel discussions that highlight both research and lived experience.
“By bringing together individuals with disabilities, educators, families and community leaders, this symposium creates space for shared learning and deeper collaboration around what it means to build environments where every individual is welcomed, supported and able to belong,” said Dr. Jeff Hittenberger, dean of Vanguard University’s School of Education.
What: Second annual Disability Symposium: “Bringing Love, Wisdom and Belonging to School and Faith Communities”
When: 8 a.m. (breakfast) to 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24
Where: Vanguard University, Costa Mesa
Cost: $35 per person through June 1 (covers lunch and materials)
Register: www.vanguard.edu/school-of-education/disability-symposium
Organizers say the event is designed to move beyond awareness and into practical application, offering attendees tools and strategies they can bring back to classrooms, ministries and community settings.
Workshops will span a wide range of topics related to inclusion and belonging, including instructional practices for equitable learning environments, disability resilience and interdependence, and strategies for building peer relationships. Additional sessions will focus on school leadership, trauma-informed practices, and creating safe, supportive spaces for students with disabilities.
A panel on disability and family experience is also scheduled, along with opportunities for participants to connect and share ideas throughout the day.
The event begins with breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by programming from 9 a.m. to approximately 2:45 p.m., concluding with a closing session and certificate distribution. An early-bird registration rate of $35 is available through June 1.
Continuing education units will be available for attendees through a professional development course.
Efforts like the symposium align with broader work across Orange County to support students with disabilities, said Dr. Bean. That work is reflected in the Orange County Department of Education’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes preparing all students for future success and promotes expanded access to career technical education pathways for students with disabilities.
“Every student deserves to feel seen, supported and connected,” Dr. Bean said. “Opportunities like this help equip educators and community partners to make belonging a consistent reality for students with disabilities.”
For more information, visit www.vanguard.edu/school-of-education/disability-symposium
