2026 APA National Conference Schedule
Important Notices Regarding the Conference Schedule
All times for sessions, breaks, and events are listed in Central Time (CT). The schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or speaker adjustments. We recommend checking this page often for the most current information.
Courses marked with *** may be of particular interest to Registered Accessibility Specialists.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Tour of Q2 Stadium
Optional offsite activity with separate registration and extra fees required.
12:00 - 12:15 p.m.
Opening Welcome
Gene Boecker, 2025 APA President
12:15 - 1:15 pm
Featured Keynote Presentation
Accessibility as an Act of Empowerment
Speaker: Karen Braitmayer
Course Numbers: pending
Description: Since 1990, Karen L. Braitmayer, FAIA, founder and managing principal of Studio Pacifica, has deftly combined her lived experience as a member of the disabled community and her professional expertise in architecture to support project partners in the design, development, and construction community in creating beautiful, barrier-free spaces. In this keynote, Karen will reflect on how perceptions towards accessibility have evolved in her lifetime, how the work we collectively do influences that change, and the impact of environments that strive to truly welcome all. Through a wealth of experiences, some favorite examples, and her wry sense of humor, Karen will open your eyes to life at a different line of sight and encourage attendees to consider how we might better serve our communities.
1:25 - 3:25 p.m.
Accessible Means of Egress ***
Speaker: Kimberly Paarlberg
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #159 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 345 2 LU|HSW, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #48953 .20 CEU
Description: This seminar explores the provisions for Accessible Means of Egress (AMOE)systems provisions in the International Building Code (IBC), explaining how these systems must comply with ICC A117.1 and the 2010 ADA Standards.
Level: Intermediate
3:40 - 5:10 p.m.
Lived Experience: Lessons from Above the Standard
Panelists: Kori Allen, Karen Braitmayer, Joshua Klyber (moderator), Marsha Mazz, and Sarah Presley
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #156 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #341 1.5 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #48949 .15 CEU
Description: This panel discussion features accessibility experts who will share their lived experiences (including mobility, blindness, stature, and neurodivergency) to offer unique insights. The informal format aims to go beyond minimum standards by exploring the rationale and design provisions that truly improve accessibility.
Level: Intermediate
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Speed Networking
Thursday, January 22, 2026
IMPORTANT: Thursday is dedicated entirely to Breakout Sessions.
Two different classes will occur simultaneously during every time slot. Please pay close attention to the schedule and conflicting times as you plan your day and select your sessions.
Breakout #1
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Overview of PROWAG Integration into TAS ***
Speaker: Jonathan Sparks
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #163 1 CEU, AIA/CES #350 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48956 .10 CEU
Description: This course will go over the details proposed in the 2025 TAS incorporation of the federal Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines. You will learn the difference between curb ramp requirements in right-of-way projects and non-right-of-way projects. We will discuss exceptions and learn about pedestrian elements.
Level: Intermediate
10:05 - 11:05 a.m.
Tech Talks: Texas Caucus 2026 ***
Discussion Leader: Corey Credeur, 2026 APA Texas Chapter President
Course Numbers: 1 HR, AIA/CES #342 1 LU, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48950 .10 CEU
Course participants will engage in a discussion session on topics that RASs frequently encounter.
Level: Intermediate
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Accessibility and Historic Buildings: Conflicts and Opportunities
Speaker: Gina Hilberry
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #155 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 340 2 LU|HSW, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #48948 .20 CEU
Description: Historic buildings present unique compliance and access challenges. Using case studies, we will look at creative solutions to the conflicting requirements that are common to this work.
Level: Intermediate
Breakout #2
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
2017 A117.1 Significant Changes ***
Speaker: Kimberly Paarlberg
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #158 1 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 344 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48952 .10 CEU
Description: This course offers an overview of the major changes from the 2009 to the 2017 A117.1 Accessibility Standard. It identifies important revisions to the organization of the standard, including changes and new technical provisions for accessible elements, as well as the applicability of these requirements to design, plan review, and inspection.
Level: Intermediate
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Alterations: A Review of Requirements in the ADA Standards
Speaker: Sarah Presley
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #157 1 CEU, AIA/CES #343 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48951 .10 CEU
Description: This presentation will outline the requirements in the 2010 Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) Standards for alterations to existing facilities.
Level: Introductory
12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Lunch and networking
12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
APA Annual Meeting
Breakout #3
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Starting Your Own Business: Best Practices and Lessons Learned ***
Panelists: Kimberly Goss, Nanette Odell (moderator), James Terry, John Torkelson, and Shannon Black from SCORE
Course Numbers: pending
Description: If you've just started or want to start your own business, you don't want to miss this panel discussion from entrepreneur experts. Come prepared to hear how they started, what they would have done differently, what they've learned, and best practices for getting started.
Level: Introductory
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Inspector Skills (Part 1)
Speaker: Tim Ryan
Course Numbers: pending
Description: This course addresses the soft skills essential for construction inspectors to excel in their mission to ensure safe, code-compliant buildings for the public.
Level: Introductory
3:10 - 3:40 p.m.
APA Committee Meetings
Breakout #4
3:40 - 5:40 p.m.
Tools of the Trade: Accessibility Review Platforms ***
Speaker: Joshua Kuphal and Leah Schoelles
Course Numbers: 2 HR, APAC-BE #124 2 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 305 2 LU, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #41533 .20 CEU
Description: This presentation will familiarize attendees with the unique characteristics of BlueBeam Revu and its practical application in reviewing drawings as part of providing accessibility consulting services. The course will also explore the features of Autodesk Construction Cloud’s (ACC) software, Build, and its potential for recording site observations and issuing field reports.
Level: Intermediate
Important Note: This course was previously offered as a webinar by APA. Depending on the rules of your licensing agency, credit may not be available for repeated courses.
3:40 - 5:10 p.m.
Inspector Skills (Part 2)
Speaker: Tim Ryan
Course Numbers: pending
Description: This course addresses the soft skills essential for construction inspectors to excel in their mission to ensure safe, code-compliant buildings for the public.
Level: Introductory
5:45 - 7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour with Cash Bar / JBMS Raffle Winners Announced
TXC Chapter Dinner
Join your fellow chapter members for an informal networking dinner. Location TBD.
Attendees are responsible for their own meal and beverage charges.
Friday, January 23, 2026
IMPORTANT: Friday has two breakout sessions.
Two different classes will occur simultaneously during these time slots. Please pay close attention to the schedule and conflicting times as you plan your day and select your sessions.
7:40 - 8:40 a.m.
Tech Talk: Thorny Accessibility Issues: Apartment ProjectsÂ
Speaker: Jim Safranek, APA Tech Standards Committee
Course Numbers: 1 HR, APAC-BE #164 1 CEU, AIA/CES #351 1 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1 Elective, ICC #48959 .10 CEU
Description: The presentation will address a handful of highly challenging accessibility issues (with unique attributes) that accessibility consultants often encounter when reviewing privately funded apartment projects. Presentation attendees will be encouraged to engage on the various issues and participate in a discussion, sharing their related knowledge and experience, to provide a broader, richer perspective on the matter.
Level: Advanced
8:40 - 8:50 a.m.
Closing Remarks
Walter Qualls, 2026 APA President
Breakout #5
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Exploring with Accessibility ***
Speaker: Marsha Godeaux
Course Numbers: 2 HR, AIA/CES #APA 349 2 LU|HSW, ACTCP 2 Elective, ICC #48957 .20 CEU
Description: Texas is a great vacation destination, offering everything from beautiful state parks to relaxing resorts and beach locations. Texas continues to be a hub for travel and development. When constructing these types of facilities, it is important to know the accessibility requirements. This course will go over electric vehicle and recreational vehicle requirements. We will continue with resort, spa and pool requirements. The course will conclude with an overview of upcoming construction standards for those with accessibility needs.
Level: Intermediate
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
The Accessible Accreditation Program: Critical Re-direction in Designer Education
Speaker: Richard Sternadori
Course Numbers: pending
Description: The Accessible Accreditation Program (AAP) is a long-overdue initiative proposing that architectural schools and their national accreditation agencies incorporate learning objectives based on the foundational principles of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, the International Code Council model codes, and the ICC/ANSI A117.1. The AAP aims to better educate future architects by ensuring educational outcomes emphasizing the core philosophies of accessible design, and that the national accreditation systems recognize the codes and the ADA regulations as essential texts. The participants learn and discuss the AAP Essential Strategies Tutorial, a study guide for academic curricula, accreditation protocols, and relevant examinations.
Level: Advanced
Breakout #6
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
When Firmness and Stability Count: Adopting a Field Test Method for 302
Speaker: William Botten and Jennifer Skulski
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #161 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES #APA 347 1.5 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #48955 .15 CEU
Description: How do you really know if the surface material for an exterior accessible route, a pedestrian trail, shared use path, within a pedestrian access route, picnic area, or playground really is firm and stable as required by the accessibility standards? In this session, leading national experts on park and recreation access, Bill and Jennifer will present the RESNA proposed standard and field test protocol to measure the firmness and stability of ground surfaces.
Level: Intermediate
11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Universal Design of Airports: Beyond the ADA
Speaker: Joshua Klyber
Course Numbers: 1.5 HR, APAC-BE #160 1.5 CEU, AIA/CES. #APA 346 1.5 LU|HSW, ACTCP 1.5 Elective, ICC #48954 .15 CEU
Description: Airports are coming under additional scrutiny regarding inclusionary practices, and their design now requires them to go above and beyond ADA compliance. This presentation details many of the current universal design best practices in airport design using Portland, SeaTac, and others as examples. Addressing wayfinding, ticketing, lounges, sensory and multi-faith rooms, we will address critical elements to incorporate and pitfalls to avoid. Additionally, there will be a brief introduction to the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) and how it is being applied at airports.
Level: Introductory
Continuing Education: APA is a registered provider with the American Institute of Architects (AIA/CES Provider #G583), the APA Certification Program (APAC Preferred Provider #101), the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR Provider #0007855 / License #PVD312), and the International Code Council (ICC Preferred Provider #1321), and it offers pre-verified credits for the ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP). Numerous organizations, including the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, accept APA training for CE requirements; attendees are responsible for confirming course requirements for their licenses and certifications.