2026 Unity Conference: Future in Focus

Join us for the 36th annual gathering of vision professionals from Tennessee and beyond!
About this Event

Welcome to the 2026 Unity Conference!

Date: November 19-20, 2026 (half-day Thursday, full-day Friday)

Location: Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville, TN

Who: Educators and families of students who are blind and low vision

Registration: FREE with on-campus lodging available

Theme: Future in Focus

Registration Deadline: Friday November 6, 2026

The Tennessee School for the Blind invites you to the 2026 Unity Conference, consisting of two days of professional learning on best practices for educating students who are blind and low vision. Unity is the one opportunity each year for Tennessee vision professionals and all others teaching BLV students, to gather together in-person as a community of practice. Conference sessions are engaging and interactive, designed to advance attendees' knowledge, skills, and belief that they can provide the instruction and support that their students need to be successful in life.

Whether you're a seasoned vision professional or just starting out, Unity is the perfect place to connect, learn, and grow together; we call it the Unity Conference because it is our chance to rally around the shared goal of providing the best BLV services and supports possible for Tennessee students, no matter where they live.

This year's Unity Conference theme is Future in Focus. With this theme we are challenging attendees to consider all facets of their instruction and support, including how families are supported, beginning with the end of our students' educational journeys in mind. That is, are we growing our students with intentionality, developing Expanded Core Curriculum skills for the greatest possible success and outcomes in life?

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of a true community dedicated to making a difference for individuals who are blind and low vision. See you there!

PRE-CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:

Pre-Conference Workshops will take place on Thursday morning (11/19) before the conference begins. Pre-Conference Registration Form

• Orientation and Mobility Specialists Workshop for O&Ms working with school-age students. Refresher opportunity for real-world practice of O&M techniques with fellow O&Ms.
• Orientation and Mobility for TVIs Workshop. Opportunity for TVIs to understand fundamental principals and objectives of O&M and how they can support O&M skills with their blind and low vision students.
• Braillists Workgroup. Opportunity for Braillists providing braille production and materials adaptation support to gather together and share strategies with each other.
• Pre-Conference registration deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS:

• Unity Conference session proposals are OPEN!
• Call for Session Proposals form
• Proposals Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026.

EXHIBITORS:

• Organizations, Vendors, and Agencies should complete the separate Exhibitor Application form to request a table display space. Only one Exhibitor Application should be submitted per organization.
• The point of contact who completes the exhibitor application form will be contacted by TSB staff to confirm a full roster of expected participants. Exhibitors DO NOT complete this Eventbrite registration.
• Exhibitor Application Form
• Exhibitor Applications deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026

Agenda

🕑: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Unity Pre-Conference: Orientation and Mobility Specialists Workshop

Info: This session is reserved for O&M Specialists serving in this capacity with school-aged students. See link above for separate Pre-Conference registration.

🕑: 12:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Day 1 Check-In (Thursday 11/19)

Info: Attendee Check-In will be outside the Auditorium Lobby. NOTE: Exhibitors should arrive at 1pm and proceed to the School Cafeteria (Exhibit Hall) and check-in there and set up displays. Exhibitors do not need to visit the General Attendee Check-In table.

🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Unity Conference Welcome and Opening Remarks
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Day 1 Conference Sessions (Concurrent A)
🕑: 07:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Day 2 Check-In (Friday 11/20)

Info: Check-In will be outside the Auditorium Lobby

🕑: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Day 2 Conference Sessions (Concurrent B, C, D & E)