The 2026 Collaborative Vison Conference hosted by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association for Education & Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (WAER) concluded successfully, bringing together professionals and experts from our field for an engaging exchange of ideas and innovations. The day began with an innovative keynote presentation followed by sessions that highlighted emerging trends, best practices, and future challenges. Attendees also were able to participate in the yearly WAER business meeting.

Day two featured more engaging sessions, a vendor hour and awards ceremony. Attendees left with fresh ideas and practical strategies that they can apply immediately in their work and valuable connections to lean on and continue to learn from.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, praising the conference’s organization, quality of speakers, and relevance of content. Overall, the event achieved its goals of knowledge sharing, professional development, and community building.

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James Hughes – Keynote and Beeper Ball Basics

WIDA’s Role in Supporting Multilingual Learners who are Blind or Have Low Vision: Anna Rhoad-Drogalis and Kristen Burton

AI for the TVI; Expanded Core Curriculum: Courtney Franz, Cassy Hollenbeck, and Annie Schumacher