CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Presentations: Wednesday & Thursday, October 21-22

The Deadline to Submit Proposals: Monday, March 30 has Expired.

Click here for the Call for AT Makers

The 2026 conference features a new 3-day format, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, October 20-22, 2026. Note, Tuesday, October 20, is reserved for full-day, in-depth workshops only. The selection of workshops is managed through a separate, private, invitation-only process, and is not part of this Call for Proposals.

Closing The Gap will consider proposals for in-person, one-hour or multiple-hour presentations (Wednesday & Thursday Oct. 21-22) that describe and/or demonstrate successful applications of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. Presentations delivered remotely will not be considered.

• Proposals are invited that report results of current applications; research; development of hardware, software or adaptive devices; model programs or procedures used by and for persons with disabilities.
• Proposals for sessions that demonstrate the use of software programs, mobile apps, adaptive devices or the innovative use of assistive technology are highly encouraged – especially specific how-tos, tips and tricks and product comparisons.
• Proposals should focus on practical applications, implementation strategies and best practices, rather than theoretical discourse.
• Proposal content should be supported by evidence and should include quantitative performance data.
• Proposals for open forums in which participants discuss, comment openly and share ideas and opinions relevant to a primary subject or focus are also encouraged.
• Because the median assistive technology sophistication level of Closing The Gap Conference participants advances each year, Closing The Gap encourages proposals for sessions directed at persons who are actively using assistive technology in education, rehabilitation, vocation or independent living – typically intermediate to advanced level users.
• Closing The Gap recognizes the continued need for introductory activities as well, and will select a range of proposals that meets needs across the assistive technology experience continuum and facilitates a balanced interchange between special educators and rehabilitation professionals.

Poster Sessions

• Poster sessions will also be considered and are intended to highlight a research study. Poster Session proposals are invited that report results of research, current applications, development of hardware, software or adaptive devices; model programs or procedures used by and for persons with disabilities.

In offering to present a paper, it is expressly understood that if accepted:

• Presenter understands the presentation may be scheduled at any time on Wednesday or Thursday, October 21-22, 2026 at the discretion of the conference organizers.

Procedure

Online submission is required.

• Online submission is required. We recommend that you draft, edit, and save your proposal in a Word/text document, and then copy and paste the text into the submission system to ensure accuracy in word count, spelling, and grammar.
• Save and Continue Later: Presenters may use the “Save and Continue Later” link at the bottom of the proposal form. Note: An email address is required, and the link will expire after 30 days.
• Presenter Information: If there will be more than one presenter, a lead presenter must be designated and complete contact information provided for lead and each additional presenter is required. Individual photo(s) of all presenter(s) are required with each proposal. Up to three additional presenters may be added to your proposal online. If you have more than three additional presenters, please email us the additional details.
• Financial disclosure: All proposal presenters must disclose any significant financial interest or other relationship with manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services discussed in an educational or poster session. The intent of the disclosure is to provide the audience/attendee with relevant details to inform decision-making. This information will not prevent you from presenting.
• 3-Question Quiz: For CEU purposes, a 3-question quiz (and corresponding correct answers) is required with each proposal. Questions must be formatted in multiple choice or true/false format.
• Abstract: A 300- to 500-word abstract is required. This abstract will be reviewed by a conference panel and is critical in determining the quality and acceptance of the session.
• Summary: A 125-word summary is also required. This summary should be written in the future tense, concisely stating session sequence and scope, and highlighting concrete examples and products. This summary must be congruent with the content of the actual session. It will be published in conference materials and used by participants as the basis for attending and evaluating the session.

Learning Outcomes: Learning outcomes are mandatory for all proposals and are an important part of the review process. If the proposal is accepted, learning outcomes are published in the program.

• Learning outcomes describe what participants will be able to do after attending the session and must be stated as observable behaviors that complete the sentence “As a result of this activity, participants will be able to…”. Learning outcomes should begin with an action verb, include measurement, and be specific. Visit the AAC Instititue for a list of appropriate/accepted actions verbs.
• An example of a learner outcome might be, “As a result of this activity, participants will be able to identify three alternative writing tools beyond traditional pencil and paper that support learners in producing written communication, and distinguish characteristics of students to match to each tool.”
• Learning outcomes that indicate that an attendee will learn, understand, or know something are not measurable and are NOT ELIGIBLE for Closing The Gap CEUs and thus, cannot be accepted. Check the CEU area of the AAC Institute website for appropriate verbs to be used for learning outcomes statements. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted learning outcomes may be returned for revision or may be cause for the proposal to be declined.

Proposal Acceptance & Notifications

If your proposal is accepted, all presenters will be required to formally agree to the Presenter Agreement before final inclusion in the program.

Confirmation of your proposal’s acceptance or declination, including the specific date and time of your presentation will be sent by the first week of May.

Presenter Registration

Presenters are required to register for the conference and qualify for an exclusive discounted conference registration rate.

3-Day Conference Registration (includes full-day workshop Tuesday, Oct. 20):

• $475 through June 30
• $575 July 1 – Aug. 15
• $625 Aug. 15 – Sept. 1

Regularly $599, $699, $749 respectively.