Disability Symposium

Foundations for the Future: 25 Years of Adapting for Access 

Friday, March 12, 2027

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Houston Hall

For 25 years, the Weingarten Center Disability Symposium has served as a cornerstone for disability services and higher education professionals to build and share knowledge. Grounded in the ADA and Section 504, our work reflects a shared commitment to advocacy, innovation, and access for students with disabilities. We want to honor the wisdom from the field that has shaped best practices while embracing the evolving challenges and opportunities that lie before us. 

This year’s Symposium brings together a vibrant community of practice, uniting seasoned professionals and emerging voices in meaningful dialogue about the future of disability services. Combining experience and new perspectives, attendees will engage with colleagues from across the country and beyond, including international perspectives that broaden our collective horizons and challenge us to think more expansively about access, equity, and inclusion in higher education. Together, we will explore how the field continues to adapt to meet current student needs and build forward-thinking approaches. 

From staff development and professional growth to building the institutional infrastructure that disability services offices need to thrive, the Symposium will offer practical strategies and candid conversations about what it takes to sustain this vital work. Whether you are new to the field or bring decades of experience, the 25th Annual Weingarten Center Disability Symposium is your invitation to connect, reflect, and help shape the future of access in higher education. Please submit presentation proposals by Monday, November 16th.