Conference Agenda 2026

9:00 am - 9:30 am

Welcome and Introduction

Kristin Burgess, Metro State University

Mary Hauff, MIHEC

9:30 am - 10:30 am

"Understanding Minnesota’s Labor Market"

Tim O’Neill, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

Session Description: This session will provide an overview of the Minnesota labor market and workforce needs, and introduce the wealth of information and resources available through Minnesota DEED. The Career Pathways tool is one such tool that can inform institutions of higher education and better align postsecondary education credential offerings to the labor market realities. Students can also use the Career Pathways tool to explore how their interests align with postsecondary education and career paths.

10:30 am - 10:45 am

Break

10:45 am - 11:45 am

"Creating a Path to a Better Career"

Amy Dwyre D’Agati , University of Maryland

Session Description: TerpsEXCEED at the University of Maryland is a career-focused, inclusive postsecondary education offering that aligns students’ undergraduate course of study with work experience and campus activities to help them discover and prepare for their career of choice. The presentation will share how existing campus resources and services are leveraged to create opportunities for students with IDD to earn meaningful postsecondary education credentials, gain work experience, and ramp into their careers.

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Lunch & Table Talk Networking

12:45 pm - 1:45 pm

Employer Panel Discussion led by Nicole Rabinowitz Edwards , Inclusive Networking

Session Description: Employers recognize that they need to expand the talent pool to include individuals with disabilities. Nicole will facilitate a discussion with Minnesota employers on how inclusive postsecondary education will help them expand their talent pool and meet their workforce needs now and into the future. Gain insight into the experience of employers hiring people with disabilities, how it has benefited their businesses, how credentialed inclusive higher education initiatives may be beneficial, and how colleges and universities should approach and engage employers to build connections for internship and employment opportunities.

1:45 pm - 2:00 pm

Break

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Minnesota Momentum

Sherry Holloway , Bemidji State University

Stephanie Nordstog , Normandale Community College

Erin Thompson , Lake Superior College

Aaron Pierson and Allison Jenson, Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College

Session Description: Hear from faculty and staff at Minnesota Institutions of Higher Education provide an update on their inclusive higher education planning and visions for future plans to extend admissions to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

3:15 pm - 3:45 pm

Table Talk & Networking

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm

Survey and Closing Remarks

Mary Hauff, MIHEC