Welcome to the 2026 Self-Advocate Summit!

Registration for the 2026 Self-Advocate Summit is now open!

Whether you are a self-advocate, family member, provider, educator, student, government representative,
community partner, or professional, we invite you to join us for this exciting statewide event.

Join self-advocates, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), family members, professionals, providers, educators, students, community partners, advocates, and disability organizations from across New Mexico for a day dedicated to learning, leadership, connection, and opportunity.

This year’s theme, “A World of Opportunities – Discover Endless Possibilities,” celebrates the voices, strengths, leadership, and experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while bringing together individuals and organizations committed to creating more inclusive communities.

Whether you are attending to learn, share your experiences, discover resources, build professional relationships, or connect with others who are passionate about disability inclusion, we look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring day of education, networking, and community.

Here are the details:

The Arc of New Mexico Self-Advocate Summit 2026 - A world of Opportunities – Discover Endless Possibilities

Thursday, September 17, 2026, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception, Music and Dance & Early Check-In

Friday, September 18, 2026
All Day Conference: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Location & Hotel Reservations
Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
1901 University Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102

*Rooms MUST be reserved by September 2nd in order to receive group rate

Hotel Website: The Arc of New Mexico Booking Link at Crowne Plaza Albuquerque

Conference Room Block

A discounted group rate has been reserved for Self-Advocate Summit attendees at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque.

Reservations: To receive the discounted group rate, attendees should call 844-356-6178 and reference "Arc Summit 2026" when making their reservation.

Why should I attend?

Participants will have opportunities to:

· Learn from engaging educational presentations

· Hear directly from self-advocates and community leaders

· Connect with individuals, families, providers, educators, and community organizations

· Discover statewide programs, services, and resources

· Visit vendor and exhibitor booths

· Build meaningful personal and professional relationships

· Celebrate leadership, inclusion, accessibility, and self-advocacy

Financial assistance (stipends)

Financial assistance for conference registration, lodging and travel may be available to eligible attendees who would otherwise be unable to attend the Self-Advocate Summit. Stipends are available up to a maximum of $300 per application as long as funds are available.

You may be eligible if you:

· Live more than 50 miles from Albuquerque, and

· Demonstrate a financial hardship.

If you believe you qualify, please complete the Self-Advocate Summit Stipend Application.

Request a Stipend (insert form or directions)

Schedule at a glance

Full Conference Schedule Coming Soon!

Presentation proposals are currently being finalized. The complete conference agenda, breakout sessions, and speaker information will be available soon.

Planned topics areas include:

· Employment

· Independent Living

· Self-Advocacy

· Relationships

· Physical Health & Wellness

· Mental Health & Well-Being

· Community Resources

· Benefits & Services

· Leadership Development

The Arc of New Mexico is committed to creating an accessible, welcoming, and inclusive conference experience for everyone.

Reasonable accommodations may include:

· American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation

· Spanish Interpretation

· Accessible Meeting Spaces

· Mobility Accommodations

· Assistive Listening Devices

· Additional accommodations upon request

Please indicate any accommodation requests during registration so we can best support your participation.

Questions?
Email: summit@arcnm.org

Interested in sponsoring or being a vendor? Please reach out to Angela Reed-Padilla at apadilla@arcnm.org.

Self Advocate Summit 2026

Hosted by The Arc of New Mexico and the Developmental Disability Council