2026 Winter summit

Click here to view the most recent agenda (updated December 22, 2025)

The Summit will open at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, with our popular State Issues Forum, inviting all attendees to engage in an open discussion on issues affecting states nationwide. This is an excellent opportunity to share insights and learn from one another. Attendees are encouraged to bring—or send in advance—any relevant legislation or supporting materials for discussion.

Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, will feature a robust lineup of speakers, informative sessions, and networking opportunities. See the list of speakers below.

On Wednesday evening, all attendees, including sponsors and special guests, are invited to a 250th Birthday Party for America at the stunning Top of the Town in Arlington, Virginia. This rooftop ballroom has one of the greatest views of Washington we have ever seen. The evening will include a social hour, a three-course sit-down dinner, some very short speeches and awards presentations, and music and dancing (for anyone who wishes to dance). We are celebrating America and pulling out all the stops to do it! A professional photographer will be with us to capture the ballroom's beauty, the view, and, most importantly, the guests in all their finery. Dinner is included with registration, and we need your RSVP now.

The Summit will conclude on Thursday at approximately 5:30 p.m.

While not a part of the Summit, we are planning a Congressional Briefing on Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m.  Our friends at The Porter Group have been working with us to coordinate a room, which is still in the works, but one thing is for certain: no matter what, ACCSES will be on the Hill on Friday!

The start of the second half of the 119th Congress is a perfect time to host a Summit near the Capitol, and we plan to take full advantage of the opportunity. Take a look at what’s in store:

We have a great group of speakers—look at this list of confirmed speakers:

• Zach and Karlee Anner
• Gabrielle Barnes, Library of Congress
• Billy Blanks, Jr., Kibu
• Dr. Brenda Bouse, The Quality Coach
• Nicolas Caridi, Kibu
• Michael Carnright, CW Resources
• Chasity Chamberlin, CARF International
• Allen Connely, Mozaic; National Council of SourceAmerica Employers
• Curtis Cunningham, Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services
• Chris Di Grazia, Just Vertical
• Dr. Craig Escudé, IntellectAbility
• Emmett Fox, George Mason University Mason LIFE Student
• Doug Golub, Data Potato
• Julie Hocker, U.S. Department of Labor
• Elizabeth Jennings, National Disability Institute
• Jill Kagan, ARCH National Respite Network
• Jessica Kohnen, hyve
• Kate McSweeny, ACCSES
• David Mullis, U.S. Small Business Administration
• The Honorable Jon Porter, The Porter Group
• Janis Reyes, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Brad Saathoff, Black Hills Works
• Ryan Shannahan, Center for Medicaid & CHIP Services
• Mary Shofner, The Quality Coach
• Rick Terrazas, SourceAmerica
• Conner Tidd, Just Vertical
• Tyler Wainright, Black Hills Works
• Cindy Watson, VibrantWorks; National Association for the Employment of People who Are Blind
• Ellen Woodruff, The Quality Coach
• Kim Zeich, Ability One Commission