AIVRTTAC Weekly

Update

AIVRTTAC Updates and Announcements

2026 CANAR Annual Conference Call for Presentations (Oct 30th)

U.S. Census Bureau Consultation Summary and Resources (Nov 2nd)

National Council on Disability and U.S. Access Board Tribal and Rural Community Town Hall (Nov 9th)

NSEN Kickoff: Key Components of Successful Self-Employment Initiatives (Nov 10th)

Come Together for Brain Injury Awareness! (March 8-11)

NASHIA Focus Forum: Advancing Responses to IPV and Brain Injury (March 11)

2026 CANAR Annual Conference Call for Presentations

CANAR aims to gather experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) to share insights, strategies, and best practices for enhancing the well-being and employment outcomes of individuals within Tribal communities.

The overarching goal of our conference is to explore current and proposed policies within tribal VR programs that prioritize the mental, psychological, and physical wellness of consumers, and staff. We seek to showcase innovative models and strategies aimed at improving and expanding TVR practices, as well as fostering the exchange of ideas to design and enhance culturally appropriate VR services for consumers.

We are currently seeking presenters who can contribute to our conference program.

If you have experience or insights to offer in any of the following areas or related topics, we encourage you to submit a proposal for consideration:

Click on the link below to submit your presentation

•    VR 101

•    Case Management

•    VR Services

•    Ethics

•    Self-Care

•    Culturally Relevant Services

•    Difficult Cases/Repeat Consumers

•    Fiscal Management/Overall Program Management

•    Transition Services

•    Self-Employment Topics

•    TVR Policies and Procedures

•    Job Development/Placement

•    Mental Health Topics

•    AI

Deadline for a Submission is

October 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT

Call for Presenters Link:

https://form.jotform.com/261756638532162

Join the National Council on Disability and the U.S. Access Board for a Tribal and Rural Community Town Hall in Phoenix, Arizona.

Date: Nov. 9, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Location: Ability 360, 5025 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85034

Provide your public comments on Housing, Employment, Education, Independent Living, Healthcare, and Transportation. Virtual attendance is also available. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees.

Space is limited so register today.

NSEN Kickoff: Key Components of Successful Self-Employment Initiatives

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

November is National Entrepreneurship Month, and DETAC is celebrating the unique and valuable opportunities that self-employment presents for people with disabilities. Addressing challenges that entrepreneurs with disabilities face requires collaboration among disability, workforce, business development, and entrepreneurial support partners. Join the NSEN as we bring together national, state, and local stakeholders to explore the key components of successful self-employment initiatives to strengthen self-employment pathways for people with disabilities.

National self-employment experts from NSEN conveners will share resources, promising practices, and scalable strategies for launching, growing, and sustaining successful businesses. The NSEN’s Entrepreneur Advisors from John’s Crazy Socks will share lessons learned from their business journey, highlighting key elements that have contributed to their success. Attendees will leave with practical insights, resources, and connections to strengthen self-employment pathways in their own states and local communities.

Join the brain injury community in the Washington, DC, area March 8–11 for four days of learning, connection, and advocacy in recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month.

These events offer an opportunity to connect across states, organizations, and disciplines and to bring the experiences and needs of people with brain injury into the national conversation.

March 8–9 | BIAA Annual Conference

The Brain Injury Association of America’s annual conference will be held March 8-9 at the Hilton Arlington National Landing in Arlington, VA. To learn more, you can visit their website.

March 10 | Brain Injury Awareness Day

March 11 | NASHIA Focus Forum: Advancing Responses to 

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Brain Injury

Hosted by the NASHIA IPV Special Interest Group

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

Continue the week with a national workshop exploring the intersection of IPV and brain injury. Participants will gain practical strategies and tools while exploring work involving children and youth, Indigenous communities, and people experiencing human or labor trafficking.

All events outside of the Hill Day and ACL meeting will take place at the Hilton Arlington National Landing. A room block at the hotel is available. We encourage participants to book their hotel as soon as they are able as space is limited.

Links to recent editions of the AIVRTTAC Weekly Update are now available

on the AIVRTTAC.org website.

The contents of this newsletter were developed under a grant from the Department of Education (PR/Award #H250Z150002). However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474)