Wrightslaw Special Education & Advocacy Conference, Buffalo, NY (July 7, 2026)

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference
with Pete Wright, Esq.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Conference, a Wrightslaw training program featuring Pete Wright, is being sponsored by Williams Syndrome Association. The Wrightslaw training program is part of the WSA Convention of 2026. The program will be held at the Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin Street in Buffalo, NY from July 7 to July 11, 2026.

The WSA Convention is the largest Williams syndrome event in the country bringing together the foremost experts on Williams syndrome and related characteristics to discuss the latest research findings, medical treatments, and educational strategies.

Wrightslaw programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates and attorneys who represent children with disabilities regarding special education. The program is not disability specific.

7:00-9:00	Early Registration for Wrightslaw attendees
9:00-10:30	Introductions IDEA History and Overview Section 1400 Findings, Purpose Section 1401 Definitions: Special Education, Related Services, LD, etc.
10:30-10:45	Break
10:45-12:00	Section 1412 Extended School Year, Child Find, Least Restrictive Environment/Mainstreaming/Inclusion, Private Placements, Statewide Assessments Understanding Tests and Measurements, and the Bell Curve, Standard Scores, Scale Scores, % ranks, Grade Equivalent, Age Equivalent
12:00-1:00	Lunch
1:00-2:30	Section 1414 Evaluations and IEPs Section 1415 Prior Written Notice, Procedural Safeguards Notice, Mediation, Due Process Hearing, Appeal, Discipline, Age of Majority Section 504, ADA, FERPA NCLB No Child Left Behind Litigation: Special Ed Caselaw S.M.A.R.T. IEPs Special Ed Advocacy for the Parent, Advocate, and Parent’s Attorney Legal, systemic and “school culture” obstacles to compliance with IDEA-04 The Parent as the Special Ed Manager and Expert Developing the Master Plan Knowing the Rules of the Game Recognizing and Avoiding the Fatal Obstacles How to Deal with Conflict, a Healthy and Normal event Crisis, Emergency, Help Organization of the Child’s File
2:30-2:45	Break
2:45-4:00	Tactics and Strategies Rule of Adverse Assumptions Private Evaluations Paper Trails The Letter to the Stranger 5 Ws + H + E Preparation for Meetings Meeting Strategies
4:00-4:30	Questions and Answers

Registration

Registration Fees Regular

Primary Parent/Caregiver $75

Additional Parent/Caregiver $35*

* The additional Parent/Caregiver will share the materials with the Primary Parent/Caregiver.

Registration fee includes three Wrightslaw books, Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 3rd Edition, Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition and Wrightslaw: All About IEPs.

Online Registration: Click here to register online.

Questions? Contact the sponsor by telephone at 1-248-688-0548 or email convention |at| williams-syndrome.org

Wrightslaw programs often fill up early - don't miss out!

Logistics, Directions, Accommodations

Directions

Click here for directions to the Buffalo Convention Center.

Parking

There is no parking at the Buffalo Convention Center. Click here for all the local parking lots in close proximity to the Buffalo Convention Center.

Airports

Buffalo-Niagara International Airport
(approximately 10 miles to venue)

We built the Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities so people can get reliable information and support.

The State Yellow Pages has many useful resources - evaluators, educational consultants, academic tutors, support groups, grassroots organizations, advocates, attorneys and others who help parents get services for their children.

If you provide a service, sign up to be listed on the Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities - this is a free service from Wrightslaw.


Law Advocacy Topics A-Z Training Wrights' Blog Wrightslaw Store Yellow Pages for Kids