University to host groundbreaking Disability Inclusive TIESA Conference 2026

The International Education Studies Association (TIESA)21st Annual Research Conference

A Tapestry of Voices: Weaving Inclusivity into Education and Conferences 

The University of Wolverhampton will host the 2026 International Education Studies Association (TIESA) Conference this July, an event distinguished by its pioneering approach to inclusion. 

In a sector where conferences can often feel overwhelming or inaccessible to those who think, communicate, or process information differently, this year’s TIESA conference aims to set a new benchmark. The event is being designed from the ground up to recognise and remove barriers commonly faced by disabled academics, students, practitioners, and researchers.

• City Campus and online 
• 7-8  July 2026

Register here

University of Wolverhampton staff and students can attend online free of charge as the host institution this year. 

About the conference

The conference aims to provide a differing space to present and network than traditional conferences. We are aiming to disrupt traditional conference practices, creating a space where we can all be ourselves and disseminate our research in ways that best suit us.

The conference includes traditional presentations, workshops, roundtables and creative dissemination, including an art gallery and film. It has been designed to include spaces for quiet, movement, creativity and re-regulation. We are aiming to disrupt traditional practice at this event - Read more about it

Keynote speakers include:

• Ben Kingston-Hughes, Inspired Children ‘Anxiety, ADHD and thriving’ keynote. Plus, a ‘Practical inclusion- belonging not attending’ workshop.
• Prof. Ben Simmons, Bath Spa University. What can inclusive education learn from research co-production? Methodological lessons from the “We Are The People” project keynote and workshop.
• Emma Storey, Nottingham Trent University. “The Hidden Work of NT-Passing: Rethinking Inclusion for Neurodivergent People in Education and Conferences” keynote.

 If you have any queries, please contact: Zeta.Williams-Brown@wlv.ac.uk