Summary
The Virtual RAISE Summit 2026 connects Parent Centers, disability organizations, RSA Parent Centers, and partners to share resources, strategies, and ideas for improving transition services and youth engagement. The event features updates from RSA-PCs and YETI leaders, with a focus on practical tools, new technologies, collaboration, and sustainable approaches that help organizations strengthen their long-term impact and better support youth.
July 13th, 2pm-4pm ET
July 20th, 1pm-3pm ET
RAISE Forward brings together Parent Centers, disability organizations, RSA Parent Centers (RSA-PCs), and partners to share tools, strategies, and insights that strengthen long-term impact. Featuring updates from RSA-PCs and Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI) leaders, this virtual summit focuses on practical resources, emerging technologies, and collaborative approaches that support effective transition services and meaningful youth engagement. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to sustain and grow their work with clarity, resilience, and shared purpose.
- Location: Virtual
Day 1 | July 13, 2026 2pm-4pm ET From Practice to Power: Tools and Strategies for Sustainable Impact
Agenda
2-2:10 PM EDT – Welcome
2:10-2:40 PM EDT- Advocacy vs. Lobbying: What Organizations, Families, and Self-Advocates Need to Know.
Additional material:
General Lobbying Rules for NonProfit Organizations
At the Table – Lobbying & Political Activity Policy
When Does Your Activity Become Lobbying
Presenter:
Diana Autin, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
2:40-3:10 PM EDT – Policy Update: What’s Changing and What It Means and How AI Can Support Our Work.
Presenter:
Johan Mora-Valverde, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network.
3:10-3:50 PM EDT – RSA-PC Updates: Highlights and Key Developments Across Centers.
RSA Regions Highlights Presentation slides
Presenters: RSA-Regions.
3:50-4 PM EDT – Wrap-Up
Part 1 recording (Spanish) | Cumbre de RAISE 2026- Dia 1
Day 2 | July 20, 2026 1pm-3pm ET Empowering Youth Engagement: Innovation, Tools, and Youth Voice
Agenda
1-1:05 PM EDT – Welcome
1:05-1:10 PM EDT Project Powe
1:10-1:50 PM EDT – YETI and the Youth Engagement Short Course.
Presenters:
Elizabeth Stout, Youth Engagement Transition Initiative
Dr. Courtney Wilt, University of Wisconsin
1:50-2:20 PM EDT – YETI VR: Expanding Engagement Through Voc Rehabilitation
Presenters: Cesar Ricardo Dulanto III, Cadence Russell and Amanda Waldron. Their bios can be found on the YETI page.
2:20-2:50 PM EDT – New Accessibility Tools Spotlight: Canva and Beyond.
Presenters:
2:50-3 PM EDT – Wrap-Up
Part 2 recording (Spanish) | Cumbre de RAISE 2026 Día 2
We look forward to your participation in this engaging and impactful virtual summit.
ASL interpretation & Spanish interpretation will be offered!
Se ofrecerá interpretación al español y ASL (lenguaje de señas americano)