International Association of Special Education
Fostering a Global Exchange of Ideas and Information
In collaboration with the Royal Thimphu College (RTC), Bhutan “Cultivating Inclusive Futures: Innovation in Special Education”
June 28-July 1, 2024 "Supporting Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Across The Life Span"
July 10-17, 2011 "Educating Every Learner, Every Day: A Global Responsibility."
In collaboration with the Royal Thimphu College (RTC), Bhutan “Cultivating Inclusive Futures: Innovation in Special Education”
Our journey is more than just a venue; it symbolizes our common dedication to promoting inclusive education via international cooperation, education, and connection. IASE is a thriving and expanding community (40 years) because of your presence and participation, whether you joined us in person or participated in spirit. We appreciate how you continue to guide, work together, and support our common goal.
We are so proud of our partners, The Royal Thimphu College (RTC) and The Bhutan Foundation in supporting the International Conference, “Cultivating Inclusive Futures: Innovation in Special Education,” from June 21–26, 2026. Without the local committees leadership at RTC, innumerable hours of preparation, hard work, volunteers, and perseverance, this conference would not have been possible.
This conference is especially meaningful to the Bhutan Foundation’s special education program, bringing together educators, experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen inclusive education in Bhutan. "Through this partnership, we are helping create a platform for learning, dialogue, and collaboration, where Special Educational Needs teachers and organizations working with persons with disabilities can gain exposure, build capacity, and share experiences that directly support their work in schools and communities."
As the 19th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education (IASE) concludes meaningfully at Royal Thimphu College, we reflect on an inspiring gathering of over 250 plus delegates from over 27 countries who are united by a shared commitment to advancing inclusive education in Bhutan and beyond. Delegates have gathered over the past several days as a global community, united by a common objective of enhancing inclusive education and making sure that every student, wherever, is acknowledged, empowered, and supported. Future generations will have more equitable futures thanks to the ideas, experiences, and relationships created here that will extend well beyond Bhutan.
The reflection of "𝙇𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙖: 𝘼 𝙔𝙖𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 (film), a vibrant auction, and the camaraderie served as a reminder that learning is only one aspect of education. We are very grateful for everyone's attendance, which showed how important our common aim is. We leave with a revitalized sense of purpose in addition to information. May the connections made here continue to grow, and may our dedication to diversity guide us in everything we do. We appreciate your participation in this amazing journey.
Our Journey is Far From Over!
Conference Schedule ..Our Official Conference Program, Proceedings and highlights will be loaded soon.
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Sponsorships
We are so proud of our IASE family! We have raised over $6000 USD to support local teachers, educators, students and support staff to attend this amazing event. Special thanks to the Bhutan Foundation along with the Ministry of Education in Bhutan for supporting one educator from each of the 20 regions within Bhutan.
Dr. Marg Csapo Scholarship Fund
We would especially want to thank Sandra Trevethan from Malawi for leading our auction and to Esther White from Australia for showcasing each item to our audience.
Additionally, thanks to Drs. Brenda Lazarus and Rachael Gonzales for helping with the live and silent auctions set up. We raised $2500 USD to support future delegates from developing countries.
Become a Member of IASE Today!
Dr Marg Csapo (featured above) founder of IASE
Enhancing the quality of life and service delivery for all individuals with exceptional needs is the vision of the International Association of Exceptional Education (IASE). Teachers, teacher trainers, professors, speech therapists, psychologists, medical professionals, social workers, counselors, family members, and people working in related fields make up IASE's membership, which was established in 1985 and has members in over 50 countries. Come along with us today to actively participate in this vital and enriching organization.
In 2005 the Board of the International Association of Special Education approved the establishment of the IASE Volunteer Service Committee. This committee focuses on supporting the Volunteer Service Projects (VSPs) at sites around the world.
These projects provide further assistance in the area of special education service to agencies, schools, and organizations by sharing professional expertise, materials, and tools for educators and students in developing countries. The volunteers who provide this nondenominational altruistic service are IASE members. All staff and volunteers receive no monetary remuneration.
The IASE GIVING Funds are used specifically to support our Volunteer Service Project sites. This allows each site to operate and transform over time into a change agent within their respective country.
IASE is an international organization working with people in more than 50 countries to create lasting solutions. IASE is a non-profit, tax-exempt association under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under the law. Our IASE Federal ID# is 43-1974089.
New VSP Site, Vimukti Sanstha, Jaipur, India, 2026
Our new VSP site, a recognized non-profit organization Vimukti Sanstha, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is dedicated to changing people's lives. They work to end the cycle of poverty by giving girls access to high-quality education, supporting their general growth, and offering vital assistance for job development. Giving these young ladies the tools they need to become self-sufficient and financially independent is their ultimate goal.
IASE VSP Outcomes
Featured VSP Site, Uganda
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- We now have 12 VSP sites in six developing countries;
- We have several VSP sites that are now sustaining themselves;
- We have collected data on the success of our VSP sites;
- We are in the process of writing and publishing a book on these VSP projects;
- Several of our sites have publications on research and best practice;
- Support for workshops between volunteers and youth;
- Support for workshops at VSP sites with local educators;
- Creation of a short documentary on the social impact of these projects;
- Biennial Conferences showcasing best practices and research around the world;
- Produce an annual refereed Journal;
- Publish quarterly newsletters;
- Provide opportunities for IASE members to network, collaborate, publish, and interact internationally.
- Provide information on our rich history, research and so much more!
For More Information Contact: IASE c/o P.O. Box 2159, Mesa, Arizona 85214 602-384-6051