Past Biennial Conferences

19th Biennial Conference

Thimphu, Bhutan

June 21-June 26, 2026

“Cultivating Inclusive Futures: Innovation in Special Education”

As the 19th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education (IASE) draws to a close at Royal Thimphu College, we reflect on an inspiring gathering of over 250 delegates from 27 countries who are united in their commitment to advancing inclusive education in Bhutan and beyond.

The conference began with the Marchang Ceremony and Welcome Address presented by Hon'ble Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of The Pema Secretariat, setting a dignified and auspicious tone for the following sessions. Her thoughts on inclusiveness, dignity, and opportunity rang true with both national and international delegates.The showing of the film "𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒍" with a student from the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf in the major part was a touching highlight of the day. Throughout the week, we had compelling breakout sessions and a panel on Inclusive Education - USA & Bhutan, headed by Dr Chencho Lhamu, Dean of DERD, Royal Thimphu College (Bhutan) in the Auditorium.

Delegates from Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School in the United States presented "Chautauqua - Working Together." Drawing inspiration from Bard College's Leon Botstein, their research-based insights demonstrated how collaboration between brilliant and challenged students promotes inclusivity, enhances intellectual creativity, and strengthens human values.
The second session, "Bridging the Gap," featured Bhutanese speakers including Nyendo Tshering (Changangkha MSS), Prashanti Pradham (Phensem Parent Support Group), Kinley Wangchuk (Disabled People's Organization), and Norbu Dema (Bhutan Foundation). Parents, advocates, and disability service professionals openly discussed difficulties while mapping new paths forward, emphasizing collaboration and community-driven solutions.

These talks highlighted the worldwide importance of inclusive education by confirming research and amplifying personal experiences from both sides of the planet. A reminder that inclusion is more than a theory; it is a practice that benefits all cultures.

Delegates have gathered as a worldwide community over the past few days, united by the common goal of improving inclusive education and ensuring that every student, no matter where they are, is recognized, empowered, and supported. Future generations will have more egalitarian futures thanks to the ideas, experiences, and relationships formed here, which will spread far beyond Bhutan.

Highlights and Conference Proceedings will be up soon!

18th Biennial Conference

Pilsen, Czech Republic

June 28-July 1, 2024

"Supporting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Across The Life Span"

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This 18th Biennial conference provided an opportunity for delegates to share their valuable knowledge and experience of disability and education from various perspectives. Leading scholars and experienced practitioners interacted with participants to present their current work, showcase favorite resources, host breakouts, and discuss their latest ideas in the field. Moreover, the conference welcomed 200+ Participants from 32 Countries around the world.

In addition IASE in conjunction with the University of West Bohemia united diverse research and case studies from all over the world, in parallel sessions while offering many networking and publishing opportunities and provided a meaning and full opportunity for engagement.

This year’s incredible keynote speakers were the highlight of the Opening and Closing Plenaries. Through their thought-provoking and inspiring speeches, they brought fresh perspectives that resonate with current issues and the conference theme of 'Supporting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Across The Life Span.'

Click on highlights!

17th Biennial Conference

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

July 10-14, 2022

"Building An Inclusive Culture Worldwide"

IASE welcomed over 200 delegates both in person and online from 27 countries to Vietnam. IASE also celebrated 35 years in style with cake, dances and songs!

Our host Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, sponsors ,staff, and endless volunteers impacted us all by adding more heart wherever we go thus increasing our care, compassion and tolerance of one another's point of view. We shared our expertise through lectures, panels and roundtables. Dr. Nga and her team did an outstanding job!

Thank you Vietnam for showing so many your spirit, your soul, and your heart.

Click here for some conference highlights.

16th Biennial Conference
Magamba, Tanzania
July 14-17, 2019

"Empowering Persons with Disabilities: Developing Resilience

and Inclusive Sustainable Development"

IASE bused you up and down the mountain and changed your life in between at the 16th biennial conference at Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University in Tanzania. We welcomed 350 delegates from 27 countries. From breathtaking rides through the country, to local performers singing and dancing during the welcome reception, to the beautiful items sold at the live auction during the Gala Dinner the experience was a joy for all. However, it was not all fun and games, delegates heard from: His Excellency Benjamin W. Mkapa, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania; and experts in the area of special education from all over the world. Our struggles as a community were discussed and the world became a little bit smaller as we learned that while our locations and resources may vary our passion, drive, struggles, and gains unite us all.

Click here for some conference highlights.

15th Biennial Conference
Perth, Australia
June 25-29, 2017

"Addressing the Exceptional Needs of the Whole Child and Young Adult: Embracing the Future."

IASE celebrated 30 years of achievement in Perth, Australia in collaboration with Curtin University and Edith Cowan University. Conference Honorary Chair Grahame Chair Grahame Hay and our local team welcomed 220 delegates from 33 countries.

Our delegates celebrated the success of IASE over the years and enjoyed four days of festive 'Down under style' hospitality, special Perth 'showcase sessions' along with our concurrent sessions, roundtable/poster sessions, our children and adult artwork, silent and live auctions, and our first Virtual Presentation from Germany.

Click here for conference highlights!

14th Biennial Conference
Wroclaw, Poland
June 21- 25, 2015

"New Dimensions Toward Education, Advocacy and Collaboration for Individuals with Special Needs"

IASE returned to Poland for our 14th Biennial Conference in collaboration with the University of Lower Silesia. Conference Co-Chairs, Dr. James Chapple (Ashland University, Ohio, USA) and Professor Malgorzata Sekulowicz (University of Lower Silesia, Wroclaw, Poland) welcomed 290 delegates from 31 countries who enjoyed four days of engaging conversations and generous Polish hospitality.

Special Thanks to Prof.Malgorzata Sekulowicz and Agnieszka Sekulowicz and their Local Arrangement Team for making this video.

Click here for some highlights of the 14th Biennial Conference.

13th Biennial Conference
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
July 7 - 11, 2013

"The Bridge from Segregation to Inclusion ....

A Long Journey"

We were excited to return to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada for

our 13th Biennial Conference. UBC was the host for our very first biennial conference

back on May 17-20, 1989.

At our 13th biennial conference, more than 300 delegates from 35 countries gathered for

four days of professional discussions starting with a breath-taking welcoming reception

at the Museum of Anthropology followed by an exuberant Gala dinner with entertainment

from Theater Terrific, the live auction and spontaneous dancing.

Click here to take a look at some of the highlights of the 13th Biennial Conference and to read some of the Keynote presentations.

12th Biennial Conference
Windhoek, Namibia
July 10-17, 2011

"Educating Every Learner, Every Day: A Global Responsibility"

IASE returned to southern Africa for our 12th Biennial Conference.

The conference was held in collaboration with the University of Namibia in Windhoek, Namibia from July 10 - 14, 2011. Two hundred fifteen international delegates from

thirty countries were joined by 130 Namibian teachers and administrators for four

engaging and diverse days of lectures, round table conversations, poster sessions

and panel discussions. It was a celebration of our important work with individuals

identified with special needs.