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Everyone Belongs Here: Embracing Intersectional Identities

October 8-10, 2025 | East Peoria, IL

About Sharing A Vision

Since 1991, Sharing a Vision has been enriching the lives and work of early childhood professionals and families in Illinois. This outstanding biennial conference offers relevant, up-to-date sessions that meet the evolving needs of educators and families across the state. SAV is coordinated by the Illinois Division for Early Childhood, in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

General Session Speaker: Jen Newton

Dismantling Barriers to Inclusion and Belonging

We have a lot to unlearn about disability and ableist biases and beliefs.  Inclusion with full participation in family and community activities begins with infants and toddlers.  This presentation will provide vocabulary and strategies for unlearning deficit-based beliefs about disability and promoting environments and opportunities for full inclusion.

About Jen!

Jen Newton is an associate professor at Ohio University. Dr. Newton’s research interests include anti-racist, anti-ableist education, early childhood inclusion, and inclusive teacher preparation. She regularly presents locally, regionally, and nationally on a range of inclusive educational topics.

Contact Us

General Questions

Megan McCann
memccan@ilstu.edu
(309) 438-2816

Registration Questions

Lucy Morkin
lmmork1@ilstu.edu 
(309) 438-2160

Thank you to our sponsors!

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