Exciting News! Keynote Speaker Announced.
Ashley Barlow, founder of "The Collaborative IEP" is bringing her engaging and vital keynote, "Belonging Beyond Inclusion" to PEAL's #NextGen Capitol Region Conference!
Ashley Barlow’s passion for special education advocacy stems from her experiences as a general education teacher and from advocating for a more inclusive educational placement for her son, Jack, who has Down syndrome. She has attended and presented at many national conferences for special education attorneys and advocates, including the Institute of Special Education (faculty in 2020, 2021). She also holds an Advanced Advocacy Certificate from the Council of Parents Attorneys and Advocates. Ashley is also on the State Advisory Board for Exceptional Children in Kentucky.
Ashley owns a law firm, Meier & Barlow Law Firm, that focuses on special education and special needs estate planning, as well as an on-line business, Ashley Barlow Co., which was established to empower IEP team members via a podcast, on-line courses, many other resources. Prior to practicing law, Ashley was a teacher in Jefferson County and Cincinnati Public school systems and a professor at her alma mater, Miami University. Ashley attended Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
When not working, Ashley is normally at the pool with her husband and two sons or grabbing a coffee in her 1975 Volkswagon bus.
Register Now: Saturday, October 24, 2026
The PEAL Center is excited to announce the #NextGen Capitol Region Conference, a full-day event focused on advancing inclusive education and student success.
Families, educators, administrators, advocates, service providers, and community partners will come together to explore strategies, supports, and practical solutions that help children and youth with disabilities thrive.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center
1150 Camp Hill Bypass
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Travel Support
PEAL may be able to support a limited amount of mileage/travel reimbursement and/or lodging for families to attend the conference. If this is something you are interested in, please email: [email protected]
Exhibitor Tabling Is Now Open!
Organizations interested in exhibiting at our event are invited to reserve a table. Space is limited, so submit your request before September 25, 2026.
