September 16-17, 2026
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center | 2100 Green Hills Dr, Ames, IA 50014
This year's event is the 13th annual Make Your Mark! Conference. The last 12 conferences have brought Iowans with disabilities, direct care support professionals, parents and family members, and other disability advocates together to increase civic engagement, advocacy and leadership skills.
Step into the spotlight and share your story! This year’s theme celebrates the power of visibility, voice, and action in advocacy. Just like a powerful film, every story has the ability to inspire change, influence others, and leave a lasting impact.
We encourage Iowans with disabilities to take center stage—amplifying their voices, building confidence, and advocating for more inclusive communities. Whether you're behind the scenes or in the spotlight, your role matters.
NEED HELP REGISTERING?
The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council wants everyone to be able to register for the conference. If you cannot register online because of an accessibility need, please call us. We will be happy to help you register by phone.
Please call 515-288-0463.
The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) Make Your Mark! Conference is geared toward Iowans with disabilities who want to be more involved in advocacy at a local, state, or federal level. Parents, family members, caregivers, direct support professionals, and other disability advocates are also expected to be in attendance.
Download our sponsor and exhibitor flyer for details about each available participation level!
Check out some of the excitement from last year's event.
Jackie Nau
Wednesday, September 16 | 9:30 AM
In this inspiring session, Jackie will share her personal journey of living with undiagnosed Tourette Syndrome, discovering self-acceptance, and finding the courage to advocate for herself.
Through heartfelt stories of resilience and growth, she'll explore how embracing who we are empowers us to speak up for our needs and advocate with confidence for ourselves and others.
Cody Clark
Thursday, September | 9:00 AM
In this session, Revealing the Secrets Behind Essential Skills, attendees will develop essential life skills in self-management, interpersonal communication, and emotional regulation that support success in the workplace and everyday life.
Cody will also host an entertaining blend of magic, comedy, and personal storytelling during his headlining set to cap off our Wednesday evening talent show!
2100 Green Hills Dr.
Ames, IA 50014
The conference will be held at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center. A block of guest rooms has also been reserved at the rate of $129 per night, plus taxes and fees.
Booking deadline: August 25
BY PHONE
Call 800-FOR-AMES (800-367-2637) and let the reservation specialist know that you're calling to book your hotel room for the Make Your Mark! Conference - special rate under Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council.
ONLINE
Visit www.gatewayames.com/book/dates-of-stay?groupID=5082816.
Please note that rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. If all rooms in our room block are reserved before this date, this price is not guaranteed. Room fees are not covered by the Iowa DD Council.
Mia Peterson was a self-advocate who dedicated her life to advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Through her ongoing efforts, she successfully helped make meaningful changes within the disability community. After Mia passed away in 2021, we created the Mia Peterson Self-Advocacy Award in her honor, to recognize an Iowan with a disability who embodies Mia’s legacy and works to advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities.
Rik Shannon dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of Iowans with disabilities during his 23 years as the Public Policy Manager at the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council.
After starting his retirement adventure, Rik enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and of course cycling. Rik unfortunately passed away in 2025. The Iowa DD Council wants to honor Rik’s legacy by recognizing disability champions who have devoted their careers to creating a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities by raising awareness, implementing positive changes, and advocating for equal opportunities.
If you need to take a break from the conference and relax in a quiet space, head to our sensory-friendly calming room!
This is an area with low lighting and calming activities that will be available during the entire event.
Signs will be displayed to help you find the room.
SPONSORED BY
Get your 2026 conference t-shirt for just $15!
Select the "Add-On Conference T-Shirt" ticket when you register, and your shirt will be available for pickup when you arrive at the event.
This is a great way to advocate in style!
T-shirts must be purchased by July 31.
Check in, enjoy breakfast, visit exhibitors, and explore resources from organizations across Iowa.
Presenter: Jackie Nau
Session Description:
Hear Jackie’s story of self-acceptance, resilience, and self-advocacy.
Visit exhibitors, ask questions, and connect with other attendees.
Learn how advocates from the blind community worked together to create meaningful change through legislation and public policy.
Moderated by Dave Price
Enjoy lunch and connect with advocates, professionals, families, and friends from across Iowa.
Explore resources before the afternoon breakout sessions begin.
You can attend one breakout session per time slot.
Make Your Job Work for You! Accommodations and Setting Yourself Up for Success - Kate Thompson & Rachel Bussan
Drumming for Life - Annie Mielke, Joe Parrish & Josiah Mielke
College Without Walls - Bill Loyd & a UI REACH Student
Center Stage: Bringing Supported Decision-Making into the Spotlight - Jayna Grauerholz, Jennifer Donovan & Pilot Participants
Refresh, recharge, and visit exhibitors.
You can attend one breakout session per time slot.
IAble Jeopardy: Putting Financial Empowerment in the Winning Category - Jessica Graves-Butler
Lights, Camera, Impact: Using Storytelling to Advocate for Yourself and Your Community - D’Tresean Burge & Wanda Johnson
Social Security: Working While Disabled - Kirsten Goodwin, Social Security Administration
Communication Without Barriers: How to Communicate with People Who Have Difficulty Communicating with Others - Edward Esbeck and Advocacy Panel
Final afternoon opportunity to visit exhibitors.
Take a short break before dinner and evening entertainment.
Enjoy dinner, cheer on fellow attendees during the talent show, and close the evening with Cody Clark’s blend of magic, comedy, and storytelling.
Start the day with breakfast and one more chance to connect with exhibitors and resource providers.
Hear from leaders working on services and supports for Iowans with disabilities.
Presenter: Cody Clark
Session Description:
Explore essential life skills like communication, emotional regulation, and self-management.
Visit exhibitors and make final resource connections before the last breakout sessions.
You can attend one breakout session per time slot.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting Your Advocacy Story - Lori Trujillo R. Roush, Sarah Baebler & Facilitators
Lights, Camera, WORK!!! - Judy Warth & Edward Esbeck
Is Your Dog a Service Animal or a Pet? - Catherine E. Johnson & Gloria Soto, J.D.
True Inclusion: Advocacy in Action for Individuals with Special Needs - Dr. Andrea Loutsch
Celebrate advocacy champions, recognize changemakers, enjoy lunch, and close the conference with energy and inspiration.
Spotlight Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Leading Role Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Director Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Lodging Support
700 2nd Avenue Suite 101
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
P (800) 452-1936
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $774,176 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
