ʻIke Insider | April 2026

ʻIke Insider | April 2026. Monthly Updates. 41st Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability.

ʻIke Insider

41st Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability

Unbreakable Threads: Communities of Resilience and Continuity

Headshot of person smiling

Aloha,

As we enter the month of April, we extend our deepest mahalo to everyone who reached out with care and concern following the recent heavy rains here in Hawaiʻi. Your messages, prayers, and support are a true reflection of the unbreakable threads that connect our global community. We are grateful to share that we are safe—and moving forward with strength and purpose.

The conference will go on. We continue.

We are now just weeks away from gathering together for the 41st Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability, taking place May 27–30, 2026, in Honolulu.

This year’s theme, “Unbreakable Threads: Communities of Resilience and Continuity,” is more than a message—it is a lived experience. In moments like these, we are reminded that our shared commitment, connection, and resilience carry us forward.

There is still time—but not much.

Now is the moment to act. Whether you choose to volunteer, exhibit, or sponsor, your presence and participation matter. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this powerful and transformative gathering.

For lodging details, updates, and event information, please visit our conference website and plan your time with us at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center.

Be sure to check the Whova app for updates and start networking with fellow attendees.

The conference dates are fast approaching, and we can’t wait to see everyone.

With gratitude and anticipation,
Pacific Rim Conference Team

We Continue with #PacRim2026

Image of textile.
Image of textile

Attendees

LAST CALL 4/18


Sponsorships 

CLOSED


Exhibitors

CLOSED


Image of textile.
Image of textile.

Volunteers

CLOSED


Scholarships

CLOSED


Presenters

 UPDATE


Watch the Record Videos: Presenters

Ready to watch the first set of recorded videos in our Whova App??

If so, login into Whova through your web browser or download the Whova app [iOS] [Android].

Two images of people, male and female, smiling.

Building Anti-Ableist Institutions: What a 50-State Policy Analysis Reveals About Higher Education

Jessica Lopez & Fletcher Grey

(In)visibility: A Critical Disability Studies Approach to Disability in Higher Education

Dr. Alfiya Battalova

Woman smiling.

The impact of ableism on the health and wellbeing of children and youth with disabilities: A systematic review

Dr. Sally Lindsay

Woman smiling.

Beyond the Label: Examining Instructor Perceptions and Instructional Equity for Students with Disabilities in Urban CTE and General Education

Elizbeth Cautela

Woman smiling.

Intersectionality in Education: Understanding Disability, Culture, and Identity

Lynn Nguyen

Two photos of cartoon character and man smiling.

Enhancing Reporting, Contacting, and Consulting Skills of Students with Intellectual Disabilities through a Metaverse-Based Learning Environment

Dr. Asuka Yamaguchi & Dr. Kazuaki Maebara

Check Event Schedule: Presenters

The tentative schedule is out!! Please double check to ensure your presentations are listed. All listed presenters have paid and registered.

  • NEW Hybrid Presentations – These presentations will be available in-person and online. This is marked with HYBRID.
  • Photo and Biography Change – An email has been sent to all incomplete profiles.

If you have a challenge, (presenters, description, etc.) please contact Genesis Leong at prcall@hawaii.edu.

Questions? Contact Us!!

Headshot of person smiling
Headshot of person smiling.
Headshot of person smiling.

Sponsor Inquiries

Jared Galeai
galeaij@hawaii.edu

Conference Inquiries

Dr. Emma Lepore
elepore@hawaii.edu

Exhibitor Inquiries

Dr. Manca Sustarsic
msustars@hawaii.edu

Headshot of person smiling.
person smiling
Person smiling

Registration Inquiries

Lori Lum
prreg@hawaii.edu

Marketing Inquires

Dr. Raphael Raphael
rraphael@hawaii.edu

Technology & Website Inquiries

Davin Takahashi
davint@hawaii.edu

Image of person smiling
Image of women smiling
Image of women smiling

Accessibility Inquiries

Dr. Frank Jumawan
fjumawan@hawaii.edu

Administrative Inquiries

Lisa Eng
lctam@hawaii.edu

Volunteer Inquires

Roxanne Bristol
bristolr@hawaii.edu

Image of women smiling
person smiling
Headshot of person smiling.

Volunteer Inquires

Kristiann Miyamoto
kdsm@hawaii.edu

Poster Inquiries

Dr. Naomi Rombaoa Tanaka
nrombaoa@hawaii.edu

Scholarship & Evaluation Inquiries

Dr. Nicole Schlaack
schlaack@hawaii.edu

Headshot of person smiling.

Presenter and Social Media Inquiries

Genesis Leong
prcall@hawaii.edu

In its 41st year, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability is the premier global gathering for people committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Since 1988, it has been organized by the Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.