ACEL Australia

Day 1 of the ACEL National Inclusion & Disability Conference has kicked off!

We are very excited to officially announce the start of Day 1 of the ACEL National Inclusion & Disability Conference, proudly sponsored by the Department for Education, South Australia.

Today, we welcome educators, leaders and inclusion advocates from across Australia as we embark on two inspiring days dedicated to strengthening inclusive education for every learner. Your passion, expertise and commitment are what make this gathering so powerful, and we’re honoured to have you with us.

Thank you for being here. Let’s make Day 1 meaningful, energising and full of possibility.

We Can’t Wait to See You in Adelaide!

The time has finally arrived, next week we welcome educators and leaders from across Australia to Hilton Adelaide for the ACEL National Inclusion & Disability Conference, proudly presented in partnership with the Department for Education, South Australia

Across two inspiring days, we’ll gather to learn, connect and re-imagine what inclusive education can look like. The conversations, collaboration and energy you bring are what make this event so powerful, and we can’t wait to share this experience with you.

If you haven’t secured your place yet, this is your last chance to register and be part of an unforgettable two days of learning and connection.

Dont miss out! Register now: https://www.acel.org.au/acel/ACELWEB/Active/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=26IDCONF&https%3a%2f%2fwww.acel.org.au%2facel%2fACELWEB%2fActive%2fEvent_Display.aspx%3fEventKey=26IDCONF

Just Two Weeks to Go!

In only a fortnight, educators and leaders from across Australia will come together at the Hilton Adelaide for the 2026 ACEL National Inclusion & Disability Conference, proudly delivered in partnership with the Department for Education, South Australia.

With the event fast approaching, excitement is building for two dynamic days of learning, insight and collaboration. This year’s program brings a powerful mix of keynotes, workshops, concurrent sessions and provocations designed to deepen understanding and elevate inclusive practice.

Attendees will also have the chance to meet leading organisations in our Exhibition Hall, explore new tools and resources, and engage with innovators shaping the future of inclusion.

There’s still time to secure your place — and your member discount or group booking savings.
Register now: acel.org.au/NIDC

⏰ Just Around the Corner!
ACEL WA: Leading Innovation in Education – Term 2 is happening this Thursday, 14 May, and you won’t want to miss it!

Join educational leaders from across sectors and learning stages as we dive into innovation, fresh ideas, and practical improvements shaping the future of education.

📅 Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
💸 Cost: Free
📍 Venue: Guildford Grammar School or Online

✨ Whether you're attending in person or tuning in virtually, it’s a perfect chance to connect, learn, and spark new ideas.

See you there! 🙌
https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/Active/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=26WALIENT2&WebsiteKey=20e11af7-b4d0-4ed8-b16e-21ea248da601

We are delighted to announce Professor Martin Westwell, Chief Executive of the Department for Education, South Australia, as a speaker at the 2026 ACEL National Inclusion and Disability Conference in Adelaide.

Martin will explore what it truly means for every child and young person to learn, thrive and belong — not just through access, but through experiences that help them feel respected, valued and supported to pursue their hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Drawing on his leadership of South Australia’s public education system, and his background in learning science, curriculum and assessment, Martin will share a purpose-driven and data-informed vision for inclusion that connects system strategy with the lived experiences of children, young people, educators and communities.

With less than a month to go, join us in Adelaide as we deepen our collective commitment to diversity, inclusion and meaningful participation for every learner.

Dont miss out and register today : https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/Active/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=26IDCONF

🌟 ACEL National Conference 2026 — Early Bird Registration & Call for Papers NOW OPEN!

The future of education leadership starts here. In partnership with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), we’re bringing together leaders from across Australia for three days of insight, inspiration, and bold thinking at the Rendezvous Hotel Perth from 30 September to 2 October 2026.

In a time of complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change, this conference is a space for courageous, connected, future-focused leadership. Join a national community shaping—not waiting for—the future of education.

🚀 Secure your place with early bird registration.
https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/PL/2026/Conference/About.aspx

📢 Share your work: our Call for Papers is now open for leaders driving innovation and reimagining education.
https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/PL/2026/Conference/Call_for_Papers.aspx

Only One Month to Go!

On 25–26 May, educators and leaders from across Australia will gather at the Hilton Adelaide for the 2026 ACEL National Inclusion & Disability Conference, proudly presented in partnership with the SA Department for Education.

Over two days, we’ll dive into the conversations that truly shape inclusive education — from system-wide design and curriculum-aligned assessment to scaling inclusive practice, universal design for learning, autism and DLD best practice, teacher assistant frameworks, student agency, and creating inclusive cultures from the classroom up.

Explore the full program online, including keynotes, concurrent sessions, workshops and provocations — each crafted to equip, challenge and inspire. Plus, connect with leading organisations in our Exhibition Hall and get hands-on with the latest tools, resources and innovations in the sector.

Register now at your discounted member rate, or save even more with group bookings! acel.org.au/NIDC

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Charlotte Forwood as a presenter at the ACEL National Inclusion and Disability Conference 2026.

Charlotte is a dually registered Primary/Secondary Teacher and Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with experience across government, independent and special schools in Australia and the UK. Her work focuses on vocabulary development, language and literacy, Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), the learning sciences, and curriculum design.

She is currently Director of Research and Design at Camberwell Girls Grammar School and Professor of Practice, Education and Impact at La Trobe University, where she teaches in the university’s renowned SOLAR Lab.

Join us to hear Charlotte share insights into how language, learning design and evidence-informed practice can support more inclusive learning environments.

LEARN MORE: https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/PL/2026/Inclusion%20and%20Disability%20Conference/Concurrents.aspx

This is the room you want to be in! 40 days to go!

On 25–26 May, educators and leaders from across Australia will come together at the Hilton Adelaide for the ACEL National Inclusion & Disability Conference, and the conversations happening in that room will matter. Proudly presented in partnership with the Department for Education, South Australia.

Across two days, sessions will explore system design for genuine inclusion, curriculum-aligned assessment, scaling inclusive practice in complex schools, universal design for learning, autism and DLD best practice, teacher assistant frameworks, student agency, and building inclusive cultures from the classroom up.

This is a major national gathering. The kind where you leave with ideas you actually use, connections that matter, and the energy to go back and do things differently.

Register today!
https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/Active/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=26IDCONF

⏳ Last chance to submit for the 2026 New Voice Scholarships!

With the release of the 2025 New Voice Perspectives, we’re celebrating the bold, thoughtful contributions of emerging leaders across Australia, and reminding you that there’s still time to add your voice to this national platform.

The New Voice Scholarships recognise educators who are leading with insight, courage and purpose. If you’re ready to share your thinking, influence the profession and contribute to shaping the future of educational leadership, this is your moment.

📘 Explore the newly released 2025 New Voice Perspectives—a showcase of ideas that challenge, inspire and push our collective thinking forward.
https://media.acel.org.au/Publications/2026/ACEL%20Perspectives%202025.pdf

✨ Submit your application for the 2026 New Voice Scholarships—before the final deadline passes.
https://www.acel.org.au/ACELWEB/New_Voice/About.aspx