Annual Conference

VFN’s 2026 Annual Conference

“Pathways Through Change – Empowering Families of Children/Youth with Disabilities and Special Health Needs at Every Stage”

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
University of Vermont
Dudley H. Davis Center
8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

REGISTER TODAY!

PRICING

Join us for informative workshops and speakers. Early Bird (EB) rates are extended through March 15th and cover breakfast, lunch and parking. 

  • $65 ($55 Early Bird) Parent/Guardian/Individual with a disability
  • $35 ($25 Early Bird) Youth with a disability
  • $80 ($70 Early Bird) Professionals

See agenda and workshop topics below.

AUDIENCE

This conference brings together families, educators, medical providers/students and other professionals who support children and youth with disabilities and special health needs. Workshop sessions provide practical tools and information with opportunities for families to connect with one another and to build community. 

KEYNOTE

We welcome author Jeneva Burroughs Stone (she/her) as our keynote speaker this year. While Jeneva has been a writer her entire life, she became a public advocate for health care and disability rights only after her son Rob Stone chose that path in 2018 when he transitioned from high school to adult disability services. Since 2019, Jeneva and Rob have advocated at both the state and federal levels. They are members of several state and national advocacy and lobbying organizations, including Little Lobbyists and the Rare Action Network. Read Jeneva’s full bio here.

AGENDA and WORKSHOPS

8:00-8:30  Breakfast & visit exhibitors
8:30-9:15  Welcome and Keynote Speaker, Jeneva Stone 
9:15-9:35  Break and visit exhibitors
9:35-10:45 Workshops –  Session One (Choose One)
A – Family Co-Advocacy in Action: Adapting to Complex Systems Together: drawn from the experiences of our keynote speaker, Jeneva and her son Rob
B – Working Together: Using Shared Plans of Care to Strengthen Family and Provider Collaboration 
10:45-11:05  Break and visit exhibitors
11:05-12:15  Workshops – Session Two (Choose One)
A – From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life (Case Study 1)
B – Looking Beyond the Absence: Family-Centered Approaches to Support School Attendance
12:15-1:15  Lunch and visit exhibitors
1:15-2:25  Workshops –  Session Three (Choose One)
A – From High School to Adulthood: Resources and Supports to Help Youth Build Their Best Life(Case Study 2)
B – Understanding Executive Function: The Brain Skills That Help Us Plan, Focus, and Get Things Done
2:25-2:40  Break
2:40-3:40  Closing Session – Youth Panel
A Seat at the Table: What Youth with Disabilities Want Us to Know
3:40-3:45  Closing Remarks

REGISTER NOW! For a full day of informative workshops and speakers. (See rates above)

  • Limited partial scholarships are available for parents/guardians/youth on a first-come, first-served basis. Send an email to [email protected] to make a request.
  • Due to the interactive nature of the sessions this year, our conference will be offered in-person only. Please contact VFN if you need any support to attend.
  • Parking is available for VFN conference attendees on the UVM campus. Vouchers/parking information will be emailed prior to the event.
  • REFUND POLICY: Full ticket refunds are available through March 31, 2026. We are unable to provide refunds after this date. Substitution of attendees is encouraged. Please remain at home if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
  • NEED AN INTERPRETER OR ACCOMMODATIONS? Submit a request by March 15, 2026 on the participant registration form.

REGISTER TODAY!
Registration closes on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

THANK YOU to Our 2026 SPONSORS

Platinum Level

  • Vermont Pathways to Partnerships
  • Children with Special Health Needs at the Vermont Department of Health

Silver Level

  • Osher Center for Integrative Health
  • SD Associates
  • Vermont Center for Independent Living
  • VT Department of Children & Families – Child Development Division, Children’s Integrated Services (CIS)
  • Vermont Federal Credit Union

Bronze Level

  • American Academy of Pediatrics, Vermont Chapter
  • Building Bright Futures
  • Timberlane Pediatrics
  • Timberlane Pediatric Dentistry
  • UVM Health – Golisano Children’s Hospital
  • Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

For sponsorship levels, see the Conference Sponsorship Levels and Benefits info sheet. To become a sponsor, complete the Sponsorship application. Questions? Contact [email protected].

THANK YOU 2026 EXHIBITORS

  • Brain Injury Alliance of Vermont
  • College Steps
  • Community College of Vermont
  • Department of Children and Families – Burlington District Office
  • Disability Rights Vermont
  • EDD Adaptive Sports
  • Parent Infant Program – Educational Services Practice
  • Unbuckled Foundation
  • Vermont AMBUCS
  • Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
  • Vermont Human Rights Commission
  • Vermont Social Adventure Group

For rates, see the Exhibitor/Program Ad info sheet. To become an exhibitor or purchase a program ad, please complete the Exhibitor/Program Ad application form. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Thank you to all  for your generosity and commitment to Vermont’s children, youth, and families. We could not make this important event happen without supporters like you!