Conferences

Adancing Career Connections, Employment & Support Strategies (ACCESS) 2026

The evolving changes in disability policy, workforce demands, and technology advances require VR and transition professionals who are not only well-trained at entry but are committed to ongoing professional development (Chan et al., 2019; Test et al., 2021).

ACCESS 2026 is the inaugural summer mini-conference hosted by Alamo Bridges: Pioneering Workforce Transitions for Texans with Disabilities (Alamo Bridges) at Texas A&M University–San Antonio. An innovative rehabilitation training program designed to train Vocational Transition Specialists (VTS) to effectively support Texans with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and independent living outcomes.

ACCESS 2026 addresses and extends the mission of the State-Federal Rehabilitation Service Program by ensuring that the number of VR professionals responsible for supporting youth and adults with disabilities is sufficient and that they excel in skill, innovation, and community responsiveness.

By engaging in ongoing professional development, reflective practices, and mentorship from expert practitioners, ACCESS 2026 participants will enhance competencies critical for high-quality VR service delivery.

ACCESS 2026 directly aligns with the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) standards and the Rehabilitative Services Administration (RSA) priorities for optimal skill preparation and portability.

ACCESS 2026 speaker topics include (but are not limited to): evidence-based transition planning, the use of assistive and emerging technologies, employer partnership strategies, data-informed decision-making, and system-level advocacy. 

REGISTER HERE