AHEAD in Texas Spring Conference
March 31 – April 2, 2025
University of Texas El Paso
Register Online
Early Bird Registration Ends March 5th
Join Us in El Paso!
The AHEAD in Texas Spring Conference is your opportunity to connect with disability services professionals from across the state, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies to enhance access, inclusion, and student success in higher education.
This year’s conference will feature engaging sessions, expert presenters, hands-on learning opportunities, and plenty of time to network with peers who share your commitment to serving students with disabilities. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.
Keynote Speaker
Shawn P. Saladin, Ph.D., CRC, CPM, is a person with a congenital progressive sensorineural hearing loss. He will describe his experiences as they relate to his educational journey from elementary through the doctoral program. He will also discuss his experiences as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with schools and colleges and the improvements he has seen over the years. He draws on his personal and professional experiences which include 11 years in public rehabilitation and 20 years in higher education. He is currently the Director of Student Accessibility Services at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Professor in Rehabilitation. His service includes twenty years of continuous gubernatorial appointments such as the Rehabilitation Council of Texas, The Texas Governors Committee on Persons with Disabilities and is the president of the Governing Board for the Texas School for the Deaf. Awards include various university level teaching, research, service, recognition from the community as Distinguished Community Leader for his work with the Deaf Community and the Texas Rehabilitation Associations Promethean Award and the McCay Vernon Outstanding JADARA Article. Click to view Bio and learn more interesting facts about Dr. Saladin!
Conference Hotels
HAMPTON INN & SUITES WEST El Paso West
In El Paso (Borderland) With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites El Paso West in El Paso (Borderland), you’ll be within a 15-minute drive of Sunland Park Mall and University of Texas at El Paso. This hotel is 18.7 mi (30.1 km) from Fort Bliss and 12.6 mi (20.3 km) from Paso del Norte International Bridge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Address: 6411 S Desert Blvd, El Paso, TX 79932
Click to Book or call Hilton Reservations at 1-800-HILTONS and mention AHEAD in Texas or code 901 to receive the group rate.
Rate: $168 Cut-off Date: 3/10/2025
*After that date, all rooms will be released, and the best rate will apply.
HILTON GARDEN INN UNIVERSITY
Group Name: AHEAD IN TEXAS
Group Code: ANT25
Rate: $139.00
Check In: 3/31/2025*
Check Out: 4/2/2025
Reservations: Please call 915.351.2121 and reference the above Group Code to receive the Group Rate OR online at www.elpaso.stayhgi.com enter the Group Code as well.
Rate: $139.00 Cut-off Date: 2/28/2025
*After that date, all rooms will be released, and the best rate will apply.
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES WEST
Here your hotel experience will be what you want – a clean comfortable guest room and superior customer service. Enjoy the complimentary HOT Breakfast featuring options like scrambled eggs and sausage, hardboiled eggs, fresh cut fruit and fresh waffles.
Address: 7514 Remcon Circle El Paso, TX 79912
Click to Book (The link works best on Microsoft Edge or Chrome Incognito browsers)
Rate: $122 Cut-Off Date: 3/16/2025
*After that date, all rooms will be released, and the best rate will apply.
Conference Schedule
The AHEAD in Texas Spring Conference offers 15 total hours of professional development, spread across 2.5 days.
🗓️ Monday, March 31 & Tuesday, April 1
Breakfast Session: 8:30AM – 10:00AM
Break: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Sessions: 10:30AM – 11:30AM
Lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sessions: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Break: 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Sessions: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
🗓️ Wednesday, April 2
Sessions: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Break: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Sessions: 10:30AM – 12:00PM
Lunch: 12:00PM – 1:00 PM
Networking Opportunities are Built In!
At AHEAD in Texas, we know that some of the most valuable moments at any conference happen when you’re connecting with fellow attendees — sharing ideas, swapping stories, and building relationships that last long after the event ends. That’s why we’ve intentionally designed this Spring Conference with networking opportunities woven throughout the schedule.
Welcome Social – Monday Evening
Kick off your time in El Paso by joining us for a relaxed evening social with light refreshments and drinks. Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new to AHEAD in Texas, this is a perfect chance to meet your fellow attendees, reconnect with colleagues, and start building connections that will enhance your conference experience — and your professional network for years to come.
Sessions Designed for Collaboration
We know no one wants to sit through hours of lectures. That’s why our sessions are designed with interaction in mind. From roundtable discussions to collaborative workshops, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage with presenters and fellow attendees, share your insights, and brainstorm solutions together.
Whether you’re joining us to learn new strategies, refresh your knowledge, or find inspiration, you’ll leave with more than just great ideas — you’ll leave with a community.
Support Our Silent Auction
The AHEAD in Texas Silent Auction is back! Bid on fun items, unique gifts, and professional resources — all while supporting our student scholarship fund. Every bid helps us continue to invest in the future of students with disabilities.
Have something to donate? We’d love to feature your contributions in the auction! Contact us here to arrange a donation.
Exhibitor & Vendor Opportunities
Are you a vendor, organization, or service provider looking to connect with disability services professionals from across Texas? Showcase your products, services, and innovations to our engaged audience at the AHEAD in Texas Spring Conference.
Secure your spot today and build valuable relationships with the professionals who support students with disabilities every day.
🔗 Sign Up to Exhibit
Questions? Contact us at contact@txahead.org.