Meet DEC2026 Opening Keynote Speaker Rev. Naomi Tutu
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
The Division for Early Childhood is delighted to announce Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu as the opening keynote speaker for DEC's 42nd Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families, taking place Monday, October 26th– Thursday, October 29th, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Across early intervention, early childhood special education, higher education, leadership, and family engagement, DEC members share a commitment to creating inclusive communities where every child and family is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Rev. Tutu's work challenges us to embrace our shared humanity, engage across differences, and strengthen the relationships that are the foundation of equitable and inclusive systems.
Striving for Justice: Searching for Common Ground with Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu
After the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple conflicts and wars happening, and the most controversial election in history, communities in the US and around the world are more polarized and divided than ever before. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, says the Rev. Naomi Tutu. The Human Rights Activist and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu says it gives us the chance to create a brighter future, where everyone can thrive. In this keynote, Naomi shares the challenges she faced growing up Black and female in apartheid South Africa and the lessons we can learn from it. You’ll also learn how our differences are just opportunities and how the foundation for a just society is where we accept others and recognize the potential for greatness in each of us. Whether in the workplace, university or school or just your community, these are tools we can all use to help build a just world.
Join colleagues from around the world as we gather to learn, connect, and advance the future of early intervention and early childhood special education together.
