C.A.R.E. Summit
Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources & Education
Supporting Families, Educators and Professionals Across the Lifespan
Sponsored By: University of Alabama Regional Autism Network
September 28, 2026 | Bryant Conference Center | Virtual Attendance Option Available
Overview
The University of Alabama Regional Autism Network presents the C.A.R.E. Summit (Caregiving, Advocacy, Resources & Education). This one-day summit is designed to empower parents, caregivers, educators, professionals and family members with practical tools, real-world strategies and meaningful support they can use immediately. Supporting individuals with diverse needs across the lifespan, the summit brings together families, service providers, educators, advocates and community organizations to share resources, evidence-based approaches and strategies that create meaningful impact.
Sponsored By:
| Date | September 28, 2026 |
| Location | Bryant Conference Center 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 |
| Sponsored By | University of Alabama Regional Autism Network |
Who Should Attend
- Parents, caregivers and family members supporting individuals across the lifespan
- Educators and early intervention professionals
- Service providers and nonprofit organizations
- Community advocates and support staff
- Professionals and community partners seeking practical strategies and meaningful connections
Conference Goals
- Increase awareness of statewide and local resources available to caregivers and families
- Provide practical, real-world strategies that can be used immediately across a range of needs and life stages
- Strengthen caregiver confidence, resilience and advocacy skills
- Create meaningful connections between families and trusted service providers
- Promote inclusive, person-centered approaches that improve outcomes across Alabama
Agenda
Coming Soon!
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kathryn F. Hecht Ph.D., L.P.
Dr. Kathryn Hecht is a licensed child and adolescent clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety.
Specific areas of expertise include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and difficulties that commonly present with anxiety, including sleep problems and food selectivity.
Dr. Hecht sees children and families as a member of Anxiety Treatment Resources, a specialty group of licensed psychologists in the greater Twin Cities area that provide individualized, evidence-based treatment of anxiety and related issues.
Summit Location
The summit will be held at the Bryant Conference Center located in the heart of Tuscaloosa on The University of Alabama campus and online.
Directions
Parking Your Vehicle
Attendees can park at the Capstone Parking Deck, which is located across the street from the Bryant Conference Center. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in front of the Conference Center. Approximately one week prior to the conference start date, you will receive a parking permit. The parking permit will only be valid for the Capstone Parking Deck and the handicap spaces in front of the Bryant Conference Center.
Registration Pricing
Parent/Caregiver Registration (Non-CEU Earning)
- Early Bird Registration (ends Aug. 31): $50
- Standard Registration (after early bird deadline): $75
Professional Registration (CEU Earning)
- Early Bird Registration (ends Aug. 31): $150
- Standard Registration (after early bird deadline): $199
Please Note: Early bird registration closes four weeks prior to the conference date.
Register Online
You will be taken to our online registration area. The screen will look different from this part of our website and will open in a new window. You will click on the year that you wish to register for. If you register more than one person, each must have an individual email address to utilize the online registration system.
Register By Mail
Navigate to a printable version of the form.
Register by Phone
Our Registration Services Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. To register by phone or for inquiries regarding your registration, please call 205-348-3000.
Special Accommodation Requests
The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.
A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Any changes to the session registration type (example: in-person to virtual or virtual to in-person) within seven (7) calendar days of the program will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee. Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections, to limit registration or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Exhibitor Booth – $400
- One exhibit booth (1 booth attendant)
- Organization name and logo recognized in the conference program
- Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
Scholarship Supporter – $900
- One exhibit booth (1 booth attendant)
- Sponsorship of three conference scholarships for parents or caregivers
- Organization name and logo recognized in the conference program
- Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
- b Recognition on social media
Contributing Supporter – $1,400
- One exhibit booth (1 booth attendant)
- Three complimentary general conference registrations
- Organization name and logo recognized in the conference program
- Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
- Recognition on social media and website
- Recognition and signage during refreshment breaks
- Company name included in conference communications and emails
Premier Supporter – $1,900
- One exhibit booth in standard location (1 booth attendant)
- Three complimentary general conference registrations
- Organization name and logo recognized in the conference program
- Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal
- Recognition on social media and website
- Company name included in conference communications and emails
- Recognition and signage during refreshment breaks
- One tote bag insert
- Logo featured on select event signage
Crimson Supporter – $2,400
- One exhibit booth in prime location (priority placement; up to two booth attendants)
- Five complimentary general conference registrations
- Organization name and logo recognized in the conference program (premium placement)
- Logo/virtual booth in online conference portal (featured placement)
- Recognition on social media and website (premium placement)
- Company name included in conference communications and emails (priority mention)
- Recognition and signage during lunch and all major breaks
- One tote bag insert (premium placement)
- Post-conference attendee contact list
- Exclusive recognition during opening or closing remarks
Questions about the conference?
Contact Valerie Tisdale for more information.
