Program Overview
The Bridge Conference is the Opportunity & Equity Foundation's flagship annual educational conference designed to connect individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, service providers, employers, advocates, government agencies, and community organizations with education, resources, and practical tools that promote independence, self-sufficiency, inclusion, and lifelong success. The Foundation created The Bridge Conference to address the lack of centralized, comprehensive educational resources available to individuals with disabilities and their families. Many families face challenges navigating available services, educational rights, transition planning, employment opportunities, financial management, independent living, and community resources. The conference brings educational presentations, community resources, and service providers together in one accessible location.
Goals
To become Arkansas's premier annual educational conference connecting individuals with disabilities and their families to information, education, community resources, and opportunities that support lifelong success from diagnosis through adulthood.
Eligibility
Open to the public. Financial assistance and fee waivers are available for those experiencing hardship.
Who This Serves
Individuals of all ages with disabilities (intellectual, developmental, physical, sensory, learning, and other disabilities), parents, family members, caregivers, self-advocates, educators, paraprofessionals, school administrators, therapists, medical professionals, employers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, students, volunteers, and community members interested in disability inclusion.
Benefits
Education on IEPs, transition planning, financial literacy, independent living, employment readiness, entrepreneurship, government benefits, mental health, self-advocacy, agriculture education, and community inclusion. As funding permits, accommodations include ADA-accessible facilities, sensory-friendly spaces, sign language interpreters, captioning, and more.
Services Provided
Keynote presentations, workshops, breakout sessions, demonstrations, panel discussions, interactive learning experiences, resource-sharing opportunities, and a community resource fair connecting attendees with organizations, employers, healthcare providers, and businesses that serve individuals with disabilities.
Schedule
Held annually, preferably during late July before the school year begins.
Location
Central Arkansas — accessible venues such as the Benton Event Center, local community centers, or hotel conference facilities depending on attendance, funding, and venue availability.
Cost
$20 individual registration fee (fee waivers and scholarships available). Vendor fees: $100 for businesses, $75 for nonprofits. Sponsorship opportunities available.
Application Deadline
Rolling admission
Contact
Contact us at info@opportunityequityfoundation.org for sponsorship, vendor, or registration inquiries.
The Bridge Conference
Our flagship annual educational conference connecting individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, and community organizations with resources, education, and practical tools for lifelong success.
Questions? Contact us