Conferences

Banner image for the 2026 Annual Disability Statistics Conference. The design features the event title in bold blue text on a textured white background. Below, four panelists sit at a conference table speaking on stage, lit by purple lighting. On the right side, abstract circular graphics with blue lines and green and gray shapes add a modern visual element.

Where disability data drives change.

This event is now complete, you can view recordings and other materials below. To view the Annual Disability Statistics Collection visit our Statistics Collection.

The Annual Disability Statistics Conference (ADSC) brings together policymakers, researchers, and advocates to explore the latest disability data and its role in shaping better outcomes for people and communities. Hosted by the Center for Research on Disability (CRD) at the University of New Hampshire, this annual event marks the release of the Annual Disability Statistics Collection—a comprehensive set of data tools and analyses that track trends, highlight disparities, and inform data-driven decision-making nationwide.

When: March 18, 2026, 11 am - 4:30 pm
Location (Hybrid Event): Holiday Inn Washington Capitol, 550 C St SW, Washington, DC 20024, and online via Zoom
Host: Center for Research on Disability, University of New Hampshire

Meet our presenters

Introduction and Session 1: Annual Disability Statistics Collection

Moderator: Andrew Houtenville (UNH)

Presentations:

Making the calls: Review of the Annual Report on People with Disability in America and Infographics — Stacia Kingsbury (University of New Hampshire)
The Annual Disability Statistics Compendium (ADSC) 2026 — Nate Thomas (University of New Hampshire)
Statistics on Older Americans with Vision Disabilities — Arielle Silverman and Sarahelizabeth Baguhn (American Foundation for the Blind)
Questions and Answers

Keynote Fireside Chat

Andrew Houtenville (University of New Hampshire) and Michael Gamel-McCormick, Senior Domestic Policy Advisor, Senator Shaheen (NH), chat about Disability Policy.

Session 2: Applications of Disability Employment Statistics

Moderator: Hyun Ju Kim (UNH)
Presentations

Vocational Rehabilitation Participation and Employment Outcomes Among Autistic Young Adults — Marisa Shenk (Mathematica Policy Research)
Employment Statistics for the Blind and Low Vision Population — Arielle Silverman (American Foundation for the Blind)
How the Elimination of Subminimum Wage Influences Disability Employment Trends — Xueting Sun (University of New Hampshire)
Questions and Answers

Session 3: Rural Policy and the Importance of Quality Disability Statistics and Closing Remarks

Moderator: Megan Henly
Presentations

We all do well when we all do well: Integrating rural and disability health policy — Kaitlin Bagley (Association of University Centers on Disabilities, AUCD)
Rural Disability Measurement and Trends — Catherine Ipsen (Rural RTC, University of Montana)
From Noisy Data to Reliable County Disability Estimates — Yonatan Ben-Shalom (Mathematica Policy Research)
Questions and Answers
Closing Comments and Adjourn
Andrew Houtenville, University of New Hampshire

Photo collage from the Annual Disability Statistics Conference showing attendees seated in a hotel conference room watching a presentation projected on large screens at the front. Inset on the left, a person speaks into a microphone during a discussion. The design includes torn paper textures and circular graphic elements overlaying the images.