Testimonials and Impact
The International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary in May as a leading global event, uniting educators, professionals, administrators, higher education faculty, families, and researchers committed to inclusive practices for young children with disabilities.
Below, we are excited to share with you some highlights from the 2025 International Early Childhood Inclusion.
~ Chih-Ing and Paula, 2025 Inclusion Institute co-chairs
Where are you on your inclusion journey?
During the Institute, participants were challenged to reflect on the question, “Where are you on your inclusion journey?”
By the Numbers
This year, 671 people—both in person and virtual—attended the annual event, which held 55 sessions this year. Eleven countries and 31 U.S. states were represented among the attendees. Of the attendees, 96% agreed that the Institute is relevant to their work and 96% agreed that they learned about new resources and practices.
Keynote: All Children Can Learn
Jordyn Zimmerman, educator, advocate, and changemaker set the stage for the entire event. Diagnosed with autism as a young child, Jordyn did not gain access to augmentative communication until she was 18. Using an augmentative and alternate communication device, Jordyn shared how beliefs and actions matter, decisions need to include individuals with disabilities and their families, schools need to be ready for children, and that each and every child has the right to meaningful learning and inclusive environments.
Why this conference?
In the post-event survey, attendees highlighted three main reasons for attending:
High-quality content
“I left with a clearer understanding of implementing strategies and realistic expectations of my role.”
Networking and community
“It was great to be able to network with others that are as passionate about early childhood inclusion and also speaking with the families that have children with disabilities.”
Accessibility
and flexibility
“It was great to see such a big online presence—felt like a community out there!”
Here’s what attendees at the 2025 International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute had to say about the conference:
“This conference was an amazing and eye-opening experience. It was great to be able to network with others that are as passionate about early childhood inclusion and also speaking with the families that have children with special needs. Hearing from them about their challenges and what has worked for them.”
“This is my first time coming to a conference like this. I truly appreciate and respect the work you all do. I wish I had more insight about this years ago.”
“My daughter will be starting kindergarten… I’m trying to learn how to set her up with success.” – family of a child with disabilities
“As both the parent of a child with multiple disabilities and a professional in the field, I am passionate about promoting truly inclusive practices and eliminating the use of exclusionary discipline in early childhood.” – family of a child with disabilities and an EC/ECSE professional
“I appreciate the multiple perspectives offered on the panel, and how many of them ultimately focused on the child and FAMILY, and how the family works so hard to be advocates for their children. It provoked some thought around my own program and how we can – MUST – do better with communicating with families with respect, gentleness, and an open perspective when talking about each child, not just children with differences.” – Early childhood leader
“I left with a clearer understanding of implementing strategies and realistic expectations of my role. The content shared in this conference gave me the inspiration to get excited about my work again. This was a wonderful experience.” – EC/ECSE professional
“Within the first 30 minutes, I learned 3 tools that would help me in my role conducting in-service training for teachers. I could leave now and have the new tools needed to move teachers from acquisition to application in their work!” – Higher ed faculty / PD provider
“I am going to compile and organize all the great resources so I can share them with the staff in my programs, paths, and the overall ECE community.” – Early childhood leader