The Illinois Center for Transition and Work is seeking submissions for the spring ICTW Symposium being held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign April 29-30, 2027. Presentations should focus on topics related to career development and transition from school to work for students with disabilities, with emphasis on students with extensive support needs.

 Audience: The symposium is designed for special education and rehabilitation professionals (e.g., practitioners, administrators, counselors, related services personnel) who are interested in supporting students to obtain competitive integrated employment. All sessions should include substantive implications for practice.

Deadline for Submission: December 4, 2026

Types of Presentations

We accept proposals for four types of presentations. All sessions are 60 minutes in length. A projector, laptop, microphone, podium, internet connection, and AV support are provided for breakout sessions. Poster boards, push pins, and a table are provided for interactive poster sessions.

• Breakout Session – Practice: Oral presentation of an effective practice, exemplary program, evidence-based strategy, or hot topic. Session topic emphasizes development and implementation of practices that are supported by prior research.
• Breakout Session – Research: Oral presentation of a scholarly research study completed by the presenter. Session describes major research findings and includes substantive discussion of implications for translating the findings into everyday practice.
• Breakout Session – Facilitated Conversation: Brief oral presentation (10-15 minutes) introducing a hot topic. Presentation is followed by group discussion or problem solving facilitated by the presenter.
• Interactive Poster Session: Visual presentation of a topic (e.g., exemplary program, effective practice, research study) displayed on a a 36" x 48" poster board. Presenters engage in informal, individualized discussions with participants as they stop to view their poster.  Multiple poster sessions will run concurrently in the same room.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals may be submitted using our online form or by uploading a PDF or Word document. If uploading a document, please address the following areas in your submission. 

1. Lead Presenter
   The lead presenter will serve as the primary point of contact regarding the submission.  List the following information for the primary presenter: (a) name, (b) job title, (c) institutional affiliation, (d) email address, (e) telephone number.
   
2. Title of Presentation (Limit 12 words)
   
3. Abstract (Limit 120 words)
   Provide a strong and concise overview of your session. Explain the purpose of the session, the information to be shared, and how the session is relevant for practitioners.
   
4.  Description of Presentation
   Based on the type of presentation, please address the required areas.
   
   • Breakout Session - Practice (Limit 600 words)
     • Purpose of the session
     • The practice, program, strategy, or hot topic to be presented
     • How the session aligns with evidence-based practices
     • Organization of the session
   • Breakout Session - Research (Limit 1200 words)
     • Purpose of the study
     • Method
     • Results
   • Breakout Session - Facilitated Conversation (Limit 600 words)
     • Purpose of the session
     • Hot topic and rationale
     • Organization of the session
     • Group discussion questions
   • Interactive Poster Session (Limit 600 words)
     Include information from the research or practice breakout session description that best aligns with the focus of your poster.
     
5. Learning Objectives (Limit 75 words)
   Identify three learning objectives for your presentation.
   
6. Practical Applications (Limit 200 words)
   The majority of participants at the ICTW Symposium are practitioners, therefore, it is important for presenters to discuss how ideas shared during their presentation (e.g., research findings, program structure) can be put into everyday practice. Describe how you will accomplish this in your presentation.
   
7.  Co-presenter Information
   Provide the following information for each of your co-presenters: (a) name, (b) job title, (c) institutional affiliation, (d) email address, (e) telephone number.
   
8. Availability of Presenters: Please indicate that if accepted, all presenters agree to attend the conference, pay the conference fee, have their session recorded, and not charge a separate admission fee for their session. 
   
9. Alternative Format: Please indicate if you are willing to present a poster if your submission is not accepted for a breakout session.

Submission Decisions

Applicants will be notified of the decision on their submission on or around Dec. 14, 2026.

Questions?

Please contact the Illinois Center for Transition and Work at contact-ictw@illinois.edu.