The Disability Rights & Inclusion Conference is an annual event organized by Touro Law Center's Jewish Law Institute. This conference convenes national and international experts to address pressing issues facing the disability community, offering deep insights and fostering discussions on promoting disability rights and inclusion across various sectors.
Key topics covered include employment discrimination, self-advocacy, religious perspectives on disability, and the latest assistive technologies. Sessions also explore workplace accommodations for neurodivergent employees, disability rights in religious schools, emergency preparedness for people with disabilities, and the role of film in changing cultural perceptions of disability.
The conference features notable speakers such as U.S. Circuit Judge Joseph F. Bianco, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein, and author John Elder Robison. Attendees have opportunities for networking, engaging with experts, and participating in discussions that aim to create more inclusive communities.
This event is ideal for legal professionals, educators, healthcare providers, advocates, and community members committed to advancing disability rights. Participants can gain valuable knowledge, earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, and connect with a global community dedicated to fostering inclusion.
Speakers(21)
Bret Parker
Executive Director at New York City Bar Association
Parker shares his personal journey with invisible disability and its impact on his career.
Bret Parker, Esq.
Executive Director at New York City Bar Association
Parker shares personal experiences on transitioning from secrecy to advocacy regarding invisible disabilities.
Christian Killoran
Attorney at Killoran Law, PC
Killoran addresses roadblocks for inclusion of disabled students within general education settings.
Christian Killoran, Esq.
Attorney at Killoran Law, PC
Killoran addresses roadblocks for inclusion of disabled students within the general education setting.
Christine Ponzio
Executive Director at Winters Center for Autism
Ponzio works on bridging the gap in employment opportunities for individuals with autism.
Christine Ponzio, M.S.Ed.
Executive Director at Winters Center for Autism
Ponzio leads initiatives bridging the gap in employment for individuals with autism.
Debra R. Comer
Mel Weitz Distinguished Professor in Business at Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University
Professor Comer researches neuronormativity in the workplace and strategies for inclusion.
Debra R. Comer, Ph.D.
Mel Weitz Distinguished Professor in Business at Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University
Dr. Comer researches organizational behavior and focuses on countering neuronormativity in the workplace.
Deseriee Kennedy
Professor of Law at Touro Law Center
Professor Kennedy moderates panels on employment and disability rights.
Dr. Eugene Nivorozhkin
Associate Professor in Finance at University College London (UCL), SSEES
Dr. Nivorozhkin explores balancing mandatory and enabling laws for neurodiversity inclusion.
Dr. Jeff Lichtman
Director, Graduate Jewish Education / Special Education; Director, Student Mental Health Services at Touro University
Dr. Lichtman discusses the state of universities and students with disabilities, focusing on current challenges and future directions.
Elena B. Langan
Dean and Professor of Law at Touro Law Center
Dean Langan leads Touro Law Center and has a background in legal education and administration.
Eugene Nivorozhkin
Associate Professor in Finance at University College London (UCL), SSEES
Dr. Nivorozhkin studies the balance of mandatory and enabling laws for neurodiversity inclusion.
Evelyn Ansah Karkkulainen
Doctoral Researcher at University of Eastern Finland
Karkkulainen researches feedback methods among students with learning difficulties in vocational education.
Jeff Lichtman
Director, Graduate Jewish Education / Special Education at Touro University
Dr. Lichtman focuses on the state of universities and students with disabilities.
John Elder Robison
Neurodiversity Scholar at College of William & Mary
Robison is a New York Times bestselling author and a scholar specializing in neurodiversity.
Joseph F. Bianco
U.S. Circuit Judge at United States Court of Appeals
Judge Bianco serves on the United States Court of Appeals and has a distinguished career in the judiciary.
Laila Wendy Chouinard
Coordinator of Curriculum and Training at Helen Keller National Center
Chouinard focuses on enhancing workplace accessibility and inclusion for individuals with vision and hearing loss.
Richard Bernstein
Justice at Michigan Supreme Court
Justice Bernstein is a member of the Michigan Supreme Court and an advocate for disability rights.
Samuel A.A. Levine
Professor of Law and Director at Jewish Law Institute, Touro Law Center
Professor Levine is the Director of the Jewish Law Institute at Touro Law Center and an organizer of the conference.
Tiffany Graham
Associate Dean for Campus Engagement and Associate Professor of Law at Touro Law Center
Dean Graham moderates discussions on employment and disability inclusion.
Event Details
- Date
- March 12-13, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Central Islip, United States
- Touro Law Center
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Legal professionals, educators, healthcare providers, advocates, and community members committed to advancing disability rights.
- CLE Credits
- 13.5 CLE credits available: 7.5 credits on Day 1 (4.5 Ethics and Professionalism, 3 Areas of Professional Practice) and 6 credits on Day 2 (Areas of Professional Practice).