The Collaborative IEP Experience
A two-day, in-person special education law and advocacy conference designed for parents/caregivers of students with IEPs and 504 Plans, as well as the professionals who support them.
Hosted by Meier & Barlow Law Firm and The Collaborative IEP at BB Riverboats in Newport, Kentucky — overlooking the Ohio River and the iconic Cincinnati skyline.
Focused on practical legal knowledge, collaborative advocacy, and meaningful connection among everyone who sits at — or supports those who sit at — the IEP table.
Two Days. Two Presenters. One Table.
Co-founder of Wrightslaw · nationally recognized special education attorney, author, and speaker
A full-day training focused on real-world application of the law, negotiation strategies, productive conflict, inclusion, data-driven decision-making, and empowering parents/caregivers to participate confidently and effectively in IEP and 504 processes.
Local special education attorney · advocate · host of the Collaborative IEP podcast
A full-day training focused on real-world application of the law, negotiation strategies, productive conflict, inclusion, data-driven decision-making, and empowering parents/caregivers to participate confidently and effectively in IEP and 504 processes.
This conference is for everyone at the IEP table.
- Parents & caregivers of students with IEPs and 504 Plans
- Special education advocates
- General and special education teachers
- School administrators
- Therapists and related service providers
- Healthcare professionals
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Anyone who sits at — or supports — the IEP table
BB Riverboats
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky
Scenic riverfront setting with panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River.
Easy access from both Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Early Bird registrants also receive the Wrightslaw: Legal Developments and Cases 2017 PDF.
Register – Early BirdYour conference fee includes a Wrightslaw highlighter pen and three Wrightslaw books delivered in both print and Adobe PDF format:
- Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 3rd Ed.
- Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Ed.
- Wrightslaw: All About IEPs
The three print and PDF books retail for $113.60 — included as part of your Day 1 registration.
Day 2 attendees receive: The Collaborative IEP: What to Say, What to Do, What Matters by Ashley Barlow, Esq. ($59 value)
Make It a Full Weekend
Join us for an unforgettable evening on the Ohio River aboard BB Riverboats. Boarding begins at 6:00 p.m. with a scenic cruise from 7:00–9:00 p.m. featuring panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline and Northern Kentucky riverfront.
Guests will enjoy a dinner buffet, cash bar, souvenir photos, and an inspirational keynote speaker — all in a relaxed, memorable setting designed for connection and renewal.
Kick off the weekend at Great American Ball Park as the Reds take on the Milwaukee Brewers. A classic Cincinnati experience — perfect for unwinding, meeting fellow attendees, and building community before the conference days begin.
Donation-based yoga classes and opportunities for movement and connection will be added to the schedule — check back often.
Everything You Need to Show Up Ready
Continuing Education Hours
CEUs and CLEs are provided for a variety of professions, including teaching. Credits are anticipated/pending while final details are confirmed.
- CEUs (anticipated) — 0.6 per day · $40 additional through Delta State University
- CLEs (anticipated) — 6.0 per day for attorneys in Kentucky and Ohio · $100 additional
- Certificates of Attendance provided to all attendees via email after the conference
- Happy to sign additional forms for therapists, social workers, and other professionals
Please note: specific credit amounts and submission details are pending. We are happy to answer questions as details are finalized.
- Vendor area with trusted organizations and service providers
- Networking and community-building opportunities
- Mindfulness and wellness moments woven in
- Hotel room block for out-of-town guests
- Discounts to select local restaurants
- Intentional reset and connection breaks
Stay Close to the Action
201 3rd Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071
Dates
June 24 (Wed) – June 27 (Sat), 2026
Rate
$179 per night
Availability
20 Queen/Queen · 15 Kings
Reservation Deadline
May 24, 2026 — rooms release back to the hotel after this date
This Conference is for Everyone
- A limited number of sponsored tickets are available for families experiencing financial hardship — apply here
- Accommodations available upon request — contact ashley@meierbarlow.com no later than June 1, 2026
- Designed to be welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of diverse experiences and perspectives
What You'll Walk Away With
A clear, practical understanding of special education law
Strengthened collaborative relationships among IEP team members
Advocacy skills rooted in strategy, data, and confidence
A connected community of families and professionals committed to improving outcomes for students with disabilities
More Than a Traditional Conference
Combines high-level legal education with collaborative strategy and real-world advocacy tools
Optional reset and wellness integration woven throughout both days
Brief guided grounding moments, accessible mindfulness sessions, and reset breaks
Intentional space for meaningful connection among parents/caregivers and professionals
Set against a scenic riverfront backdrop to encourage renewal, inspiration, and community
Designed to help attendees return to the IEP table equipped, steady, confident, and connected
Conference Agendas
- IDEA History and Book Overview
- Section 1400 — Findings & Purpose
- Section 1401 — Definitions: Disability, Special Education, Related Services, LD, and more
- Section 1412 — ESY, Child Find, LRE, Private Placements
- Understanding test data with the Bell Curve, Standard Scores, Scale Scores, Percentile Ranks
- Grade Equivalent, Age Equivalent, determining progress vs. regression using Bar Graphs
- Section 1414 — Evaluations and IEPs
- Section 1415 — Due Process, Rules of Procedure, Discipline
- Section 504, ADA, FERPA, ESSA
- Episodic Conditions, Allergies, Epilepsy, and more
- Recent cases + OCR and USDOJ
- 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
- SMART IEPs
- Tactics and Strategies
- Rules of Adverse Assumptions
- Private Evaluations
- The Letter to the Stranger
- 5 Ws + H + E
- Preparation for Meetings
Agendas are subject to change without notice to remain current with developments in IDEA, ESSA, and rulings from the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice, and U.S. Supreme Court.
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© ashley barlow co. 2026
Ashley Barlow Co.’s mission is to empower, inspire, and build confidence in IEP team members by providing free and paid resources to parents, advocates, and others in the disability community that join the legal principles of special education with the interests and values of everyone at the IEP table.
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