POWER OF PLAY

Virtual Conference

$75

Nov 3rd-7th, 2025

On-Demand through next Summer

Join our Power of Play Virtual Conference Nov 3rd-7th and get ready to LEARN, ADAPT, INCLUDE and (NEW THIS YEAR!) EMPOWER! Sessions provide participants with the strategies, resources, and best practices needed to make inclusion possible across all settings, in all activities, for children with and without disabilities.

Power of Play participants will have access to all sessions On-Demand through summer of 2026. There will be traditional LEARN presentations full of information aligned to the Standards for Inclusive Recreation Programs, brief recorded ADAPT sessions with tips and tricks to add to your toolbox, live INCLUDE Q&A sessions from the presenters answering YOUR questions after watching their sessions, and NEW FOR 2025 live EMPOWER panels featuring veteran professionals and field experts who will dive deeply into crucial topics impacting inclusive practice.

"The content of each session was engaging, and it shows the serious, yet playful side of inclusion which is what is needed to make inclusion successful. The speakers were all incredibly knowledgeable, and being able to watch on my own time was invaluable." - POP Participant and Inclusion Manager

LEARN

Starting Mon, Nov 3rd are traditional LEARN presentations in which speakers share content, information, research, strategies, etc. via slide presentations. These are recorded for asynchronous learning at your own pace with handouts available for download to supplement the video and use for reference.

ADAPT

Starting Mon., Nov 3rd are the ADAPT mini-sessions demonstrating an inclusion strategy, inclusive game, creative craft, accessible activity or adaptation tip recorded for learning on your own schedule. These are hands-on and practical recorded sessions designed to provide resources you can add to your “bag of tricks”.

INCLUDE

The INCLUDE Q&A sessions are LIVE on Wed., Nov 5th & Thurs., Nov 6th with our LEARN and ADAPT presenters. This is a chance for participants to get all of their questions answered about the presentations they've watched, or share their own experiences with the topics. These sessions will be recorded for on-demand viewing.

EMPOWER

LIVE on Fri, Nov 7th will be EMPOWER panels featuring veteran professionals & field experts who will dive deeply into topics impacting inclusive practice. These will be recorded and include high-level content with challenging discussions to unpack important issues, answer thought-provoking questions, & broaden viewpoints.

WHO SHOULD REGISTER?

Recreation Professionals
Teachers & Educators
Parents & Advocates
Therapists & Clinicians
Recreation & Community Organization Directors
Afterschool Program Staff
Camp Counselors
Teaching Assistants
Inclusion Specialists
Anyone passionate about inclusion & the power of play!

Click Here to Register

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

All are virtual sessions that you can watch from anywhere! No need to worry with flights, hotels, mileage, etc

Unlimited access thru Summer 2026 to all conference presentations and sessions
Downloadable session materials, activity guides, games, & tip sheets, etc. to add to your repertoire
Direct connections to all speakers through email

PRESENTATIONS & SPEAKERS

Speakers from across the world have prepared sessions just for YOU! Speaker backgrounds include Arts Programs, Camps, Non-profit Organizations, Parks & Recreation Departments, Community Programs, Consultants, Universities, Research Centers, Museums, Families & Advocates, Afterschool Programs, Policymakers, Past POP presenters, New POP presenters, NIP Inclusive Recreation Specialists and more! There's something for everyone and you're not going to want to miss out. See session descriptions and speakers below. Details subject to change. Keep checking as we get closer, more sessions may be added.

LEARN PRESENTATIONS

Enhancing Program Access for Youth with Disabilities: Practical Strategies and Supportive Resources for Recreation Professionals

This session equips recreation and youth development professionals with practical strategies and resources to design accessible programs and welcome youth with disabilities to participate. Participants will explore activity accommodations across functional domains and identify evidence-based supports to better serve individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to enhance accessible program design and strengthen communication and partnerships with youth and their families.

Erin Fogarty, MS, CTRS serves as Disability Community Coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. With 20 years’ experience as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, she advances health and recreation access for people with disabilities, blending professional expertise and personal insight as a parent advocate.

Everyone’s Welcome: Inclusion without Inclusion Specialists

Everyone’s welcome at Wake County Parks! Explore strategies to enhance accessibility without inclusion specialists on staff. This session highlights practical, staff-driven approaches to foster inclusive experiences for all, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness to make parks more welcoming and engaging for diverse communities of park visitors.

Sarah Kraemer is the Assistant Park Manager of Operation at Lake Crabtree County Park - Part of the Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space and Chair of Wake County PROS DEI Committee

Emily Catherman Fryar is the Park Manager at Historic Oak View County Park - Part of the Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space and Chair of Wake County PROS Marketing Committee

Exploring Parallels Inclusion and Humane Education

Humane education is an approach to teaching that invites people to consider the deep interconnections that exist between people, animals and the environment, and the intrinsic value of each of these.

As a part of our vision to see animals and people thriving together, The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) offers youth camps and workshops in our animal shelters, and programs in schools. Programs are designed to promote empathy, compassion, responsibility and kindness.

We invite participants to consider the needs, feelings and experiences of both people and animals who live in community together. Empathy, compassion and the ability to experience the world through different perspectives are key to meaningful inclusion, and are at the heart of our humane education programs.

Keigan Hollefriend (she/her), B.A. has been the Okanagan’s Regional Humane Educator since 2020, after starting out as a volunteer dog walker. With a background in youth work and inclusion, she brings energy and passion to everything she does. Off the clock, she’s adventuring with her pup Sage or chilling with her cat, Prynne.

Paige Quinn (she/her), B.A. is the Regional Humane Educator for the BC SPCA in Central Vancouver Island, where she began working in June 2025, and volunteering over two years ago. With a background in inclusive recreation, she’s excited to blend her passions for animals and inclusion. Outside work, Paige enjoys trail adventures with her pup, Soda!

Bailey Murphy (she/her), B.A., B.Ed. - When she’s not walking her dog, Poppy, or playing with her cat, Max, Bailey works as the Regional Humane Educator for the Fraser Valley Region, a role she’s held since 2022. A certified teacher, she brings years of experience working with children and youth in recreation and education settings.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Step-by-Step Strategies for Building Inclusive Camp

Camps are welcoming more campers with diverse abilities, yet staff often feel unprepared to provide the support these campers need. This gap can lead to stress, frustration, and missed opportunities for inclusion. This interactive session offers a step-by-step framework and hands-on tools to build inclusive camp communities from day one. Participants will leave with resources for staff training, ongoing coaching, and strategies to foster a culture where every camper belongs.

Drew McNamara, Assistant Day Camp Director at Keshet, holds a Master’s in Social Work and brings 18+ years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He specializes in creating engaging and supportive camp environments, developing staff skills, and fostering belonging, growth, and fun for campers of all abilities.

Polly Cheeseman, Assistant Director of Overnight Camp & Trips at Keshet, brings over 20 years of experience leading inclusive camp programs for campers of all abilities. With a background in education, she designs adaptive travel experiences nationwide and vocational programs, while strengthening overnight camp teams, staff retention, and overall program quality.

Scott Harris is Keshet’s Adaptive PE Teacher and Recreation Sports Program Manager. He grew up at an inclusive overnight camp and has worked as a 1:1 counselor and site director, creating fun, inclusive summers for campers. He also teaches adaptive PE and runs sports programs, building skills, confidence, and family connections.

From Reaction to Readiness: Proactive Inclusion and Organizational Buy-In

Learn how to move from reactive to proactive inclusion in parks and recreation. This session covers key support strategies, ADA basics, and how to ensure your organization is prepared with the right staffing and resources. Discover how to foster a culture where inclusion is a shared responsibility across all staff.

Sally Krull, MA, CTRS, is the Director of Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion at Reach for Resources. With a background in therapeutic recreation and nonprofit development, she brings over a decade of experience in adaptive programming, staff supervision, and inclusion support, specializing in individualized plans and community training for inclusive recreation.

Brienna Max is the Assistant Director of Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion at Reach for Resources. With over five years of experience, she specializes in inclusive programming, staff training, and individualized support. She holds a B.S. in Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation from Winona State University, with a focus on community and non-profit recreation.

StoryWalk, Stroll, & Roll: Partnering With Libraries for Inclusive Family Play

Public spaces like libraries are powerful entry points for inclusion, yet stories of disabled individuals are often underrepresented in family literacy activities. This session highlights how one community partnered with a local library to feature Nick Springer on the Move in a StoryWalk, centering the story of a disabled athlete in an engaging, accessible format. Participants will explore strategies for intentionally elevating disabled voices in children’s literature, fostering inclusive play and learning opportunities. Attendees will leave with concrete approaches to collaborate with libraries and create welcoming, family-friendly activities that celebrate diverse abilities and experiences.

Dr. Jennifer Stratton has taught learners from kindergarten to the Ph.D. level. At all levels, she is committed to creating inclusive learning environments that integrate culturally relevant pedagogy and Universal Design for Learning to promote success for all students. As a certified reading specialist, former district literacy coach, and early literacy expert, Jennifer focuses on preparing the next generation of educators with research-based best practices that are centered on how the brain learns to read.

Success Looks Different for Everyone, and That’s OK!

This presentation will look at what success looks like for individuals, as well as whole groups, within our programs. We will look at fostering an inclusive environment, discuss various attention types and how to work with individuals to meet them where they are, and discuss how we define success.

Lyn Durant is the Director of Inclusion in the Foxborough, MA branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA, working with youth members, their families, and the instructors teaching those programs. Lyn joined the team nearly 5 years ago with experience as a leader of various youth and family programs, and with a passion for working with individuals with neurodiversities.

Sarah Henesey is the Senior Director of Inclusion and Diversity for the Hockomock Area YMCA and works directly with participants, families, and staff at the Franklin, MA branch as well as supporting teams and individuals across the association. Sarah is an Occupational Therapist with a background in pediatric and adult rehab and joined the inclusion team 6 years ago. She loves helping participants of all ages access recreation in their community.

The RAD Way: Reframing Adult Disability Programming Through the Lens of Lifelong Learning

The RAD Way is our philosophy and mindset within the Recreational Adult Day (RAD) Program. Our adult participants are treated as lifelong learners and thrive in environments that emphasize growth, choice and community connections. The RAD Way shapes our daily programming, staff roles and expectations, program goals and community engagement. This session will encourage you and hopefully inspire you to shift your program mindset from care to learning!

Katie Lindgren serves as the Adaptive Recreation & Inclusion Specialist for the West Allis–West Milwaukee Recreation & Community Services Department. She believes in inclusion, connection, and community. Her work creates meaningful opportunities where every participant can learn, grow, and belong. Outside of work, she enjoys good coffee and time outdoors.

ADAPT SESSIONS

8 Great Inclusion Strategies

Wish you could be in your staff’s back pocket to remind them to include? Now you can! Together we’ll discuss 8 effective and easy-to-implement inclusion strategies that staff can implement anywhere and everywhere. Then, we’ll transform these strategies into a handy (and adorable) mini book that is a literal pocket-guide to belonging. Just download ...fold ...and include!

Dr. Amanda Kloo, PhD is NIP’s Director of Inclusive Recreation. She is an educator, a mom, a wife, and a life-long student. She is a veteran teacher, interventionist, and developmental specialist with over 20 years of experience teaching children of all ages, stages, and abilities. She is a frequent presenter, widely published author, and sought-after consultant. She is also a person with Cerebral Palsy who embraces life’s unique adventures filled with living, giving, learning, and growing. Above all, she is passional about all things inclusion and the power of play.

Creative Ways to Explain Inclusion

Inclusion is often seen as a difficult concept to teach and a challenging concept to put in place. What if I told you that understanding inclusion could be as simple as planting a garden? Or as beautiful as exploring the ocean? Or as exciting as studying the animal kingdom? Even as easy as playing a game? In this presentation I’ll demonstrate four simple activities that explain the core values of inclusion. I’ll also show examples of how inclusion improves self determination and self advocacy. All communities are made stronger by inclusion. Every individual, plant, fish, and animal has their own strengths and needs creating an environment full of different gifts, talents, belonging, and acceptance.

Brittany Ellis is a long time NIP supporter, A person with lived experience. She is an I/DD Peer Support Specialist at Johnston County Industries in NC. She is an NIP Inclusive Recreation Specialist passionate about inclusion and supporting those with lived experience to live self determined lives!

Debriefing: Let’s Talk About Talking

You’ve finished your activity, program, or class, and that’s it, right? NO! It is easy to think that once you finish a task, that nothing else is needed, but you might be missing out on one of the most important parts – the debrief! Knowing the basics of when and how to debrief successfully can make the difference in truly remembering and being able to apply the information in the future. Debriefs also help culture a place of learning and growth by providing opportunities to speak up and to learn from one another.

Ashley Bordenet, M.S. is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) with the City of Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreation Program and enjoys providing a safe, positive space. She has worked with individuals with a range of disabilities and ages in multiple settings including camps, early intervention, mental and behavioral health, and community-based.

Friendship Building and Bully Busting

Learn practical steps practitioners and programs can implement to help children of ALL abilities build meaningful friendships. Fostering positive relationships among youth is never “easy”, especially when a variety of developmental, social, and environmental variables come into play. Join Amanda to explore ways to nurture inclusive friendships and nix bullying behaviors to build strong connections for everyone. (And have fun in the process!)

Integrating ASL at Zoo Camp

Integrating American Sign Language (ASL) in education programs can be beneficial for everyone. It allows children, who may be nonverbal or hard of hearing, to feel more welcome and it allows other children to be exposed to another form of communication and promotes empathy. Zoo Camp at Brookfield Zoo Chicago utilized ASL signs in its program to better serve one nonverbal participant and, in doing so, introduced ASL to all participants. In addition to helping one camper communicate and feel welcomed, it fostered friendships and demystified this language for campers.

Kelly Reina is the Manager of Early Childhood Education Programs at the Brookfield Zoo Chicago. She has been overseeing BZC Zoo Camp for three years. Kelly has a passion for promoting equity and accessibility in education programs (particularly in STEAM and conservation programs). Her favorite animal is the capuchin monkey!

Water Play Adaptations

This session will give details on a variety of water play adaptations used this summer at Camp Jaycee in San Diego. The session will cover accommodations offered for swim time, as well as water sensory bins and water balloon activities which can be applied in many different camp environments.

Molly Mattaini coordinates inclusion services for preschool and K-8 youth, including Camp Jaycee. Molly holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies with a doctoral minor in Special Education, where she studied arts programming created specifically for young people on the autism spectrum.

Zen Zone Kit: A Calming Space for Everyone

Need a creative way to help kids (and staff!) reset when emotions run high? Discover how to design your own Zen Zone Kit —a portable, customizable calming space that promotes self-regulation, mindfulness, and inclusion. In this interactive session, you’ll explore ready-to-use tools like “Chill Sheets,” breathing exercises, reflection prompts, and sensory-based activities that can be adapted for any program environment. Walk away with practical strategies and printable resources to create your own Zen Zone and support emotional wellness for everyone in your recreation programs.

Olivia Atkinson is the Director of Inclusive Partnerships with the National Inclusion Project. She leads initiatives that help organizations design programs where everyone belongs. With a passion for practical inclusion, Olivia equips recreation professionals with tools to create inclusive, empowering, and equitable experiences for all participants.

EMPOWER PANELS

Behind the Scenes of Inclusion: Administrative Models That Work

Beyond Buy-In: Strategies for Lasting Organizational Inclusion

Pathways to Inclusion: Supporting Families Through Transition

The Dual Lens: Practitioners and Parents Navigating Inclusion Realities

CEUs/CEs

CEUs/CEs will not be awarded or processed by NIP directly. However, we will provide documentation of conference attendance upon participant request. This completion certificate will include a brief description of the conference, dates of attendance, confirmation of contact hours, and signature/contact details from Dr. Amanda Kloo, NIP's Director of Inclusive Recreation. Participants should follow the guidelines established by their professional organization or licensing body for earning continuing education units/credits. Participants are individually responsible for understanding these guidelines, securing, and submitting relevant documentation.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Have questions about the conference? Have a group of 5 or more? Just want to talk through the logistics with someone to make sure it's the right fit for you? Give our Director of Inclusive Recreation Dr. Amanda Kloo a call @ 919-314-5540 or shoot her an email at amandakloo@inclusionproject.org.

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POWER OF PLAY

Virtual Conference

$75

"The content of each session was engaging, and it shows the serious, yet playful side of inclusion which is what is needed to make inclusion successful. The speakers were all incredibly knowledgeable, and being able to watch on my own time was invaluable." - POP Participant and Inclusion Manager

LEARN

ADAPT

INCLUDE

EMPOWER

WHO SHOULD REGISTER?

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

PRESENTATIONS & SPEAKERS

LEARN PRESENTATIONS

ADAPT SESSIONS

EMPOWER PANELS

CEUs/CEs

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Join Our Cause

Everybody Participates Everybody Belongs

About Us

Advocates & Families

Programs & Professionals

News & Events

Sign up for our newsletter:

POWER OF PLAY

Virtual Conference

$75

"The content of each session was engaging, and it shows the serious, yet playful side of inclusion which is what is needed to make inclusion successful. The speakers were all incredibly knowledgeable, and being able to watch on my own time was invaluable." - POP Participant and Inclusion Manager

LEARN

ADAPT

INCLUDE

EMPOWER

WHO SHOULD REGISTER?

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?

PRESENTATIONS & SPEAKERS

LEARN PRESENTATIONS

ADAPT SESSIONS

EMPOWER PANELS

CEUs/CEs

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Join Our Cause

Everybody Participates Everybody Belongs

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