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(9)
Bret Parker
Executive Director at New York City Bar Association
Parker leads the New York City Bar Association and speaks on navigating invisible disabilities in professional settings.
Christian Killoran
Attorney at Killoran Law, PC
Killoran specializes in advocating for the inclusion of disabled students within general education settings.
Deseriee Kennedy
Professor of Law at Touro Law Center
Professor Kennedy teaches law at Touro Law Center and moderates discussions on employment and disability.
Dr. Jeff Lichtman
Director at Graduate Jewish Education / Special Education at Touro University
Dr. Lichtman directs graduate programs in Jewish education and special education at Touro University.
Evelyn Ansah Karkkulainen
Doctoral Researcher at University of Eastern Finland
Karkkulainen researches feedback methods among students with learning difficulties in Finnish vocational education.
John Elder Robison
Neurodiversity Scholar at College of William & Mary
Robison is a New York Times bestselling author and neurodiversity scholar at the College of William & Mary.
Joseph F. Bianco
U.S. Circuit Judge at United States Court of Appeals
Judge Bianco serves on the United States Court of Appeals, bringing extensive judicial experience to the conference.
Richard Bernstein
Justice at Michigan Supreme Court
Justice Bernstein is a member of the Michigan Supreme Court, known for his advocacy in disability rights.
Samuel J. Levine
Professor of Law and Director at Jewish Law Institute at Touro Law Center
Professor Levine is the Director of the Jewish Law Institute at Touro Law Center, organizing the conference.
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).