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During the Reimagining Quality Conference in Baltimore in October 2026, ICI's Julie Bershadsky explored how statewide policies relate to workforce outcomes.

Reimagining Quality: Connecting Ideas to Action and a Better Life

For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, quality means having choices, building meaningful relationships, participating in community life, and shaping one’s own future. Ever since it began in 1991, the Reimagining Quality Conference has helped turn ideas into action so people can live the lives they want. ICI co-sponsors this conference, and Institute staff, such as Julie Bershadsky (pictured), have been prominent speakers.

Learn more about Reimagining Quality.

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Mary Hauff, Director of the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium, spoke from the podium during the conference.

MIHEC Conference Explores Employment Data, College, and Career Paths for Students with IDD

ICI's Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (MIHEC) aims to improve educational opportunities in Minnesota for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (IDD). MIHEC's recent conference looked a step beyond that and discussed preparing people with IDD to enter the workforce. Their pathways include attending college classes, gaining work experience, earning meaningful credentials, and eventually, their own pay.

One attendee was a special educator from rural Minnesota. The conference inspired her to organize field trips to local colleges that welcome students with IDD. "I think this information will open doors for some families," she said.

Learn more about the conference.

Five panels, mounted on the wall in ICI's lobby, show news clippings and images from disability history.

Road to Belonging: Decades of Disability Advocacy and Innovation

An 11-panel visual timeline in ICI’s lobby traces the disability movement from isolation, segregation, and institutionalization toward inclusion, self-determination, and community belonging. It highlights the people, advocacy, policies, and innovations that have transformed opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the Institute’s contributions to this movement. Visitors are welcome during regular office hours.

Learn more about the exhibit.