2026 START National Training Institute

Sponsor information coming soon 

Registration is expected to open in January. 

Content Strands coming soon 

Terminology 

• START Team Member: actively serving on a START Program
• START Network Partner: affiliated with the National Center for START Services® or a local START program through committees, research, training, professional development, or other involvement
• IDD-MH: Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs

General Information / What You Need to Know

Proposals will be selected to ensure the 2026 SNTI features a comprehensive, relevant, and diverse program. Priority will be given to proposals that clearly describe innovative and creative work, and those that integrate the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience of IDD-MH. We believe collaborative knowledge-sharing builds capacity at the highest level.

Through presentations, discussions, and collaborative learning, we will explore innovative strategies, evidence-informed practices, and stories of transformation that demonstrate how our shared values are applied in real-world settings. Sessions are expected to demonstrate advanced expertise, foster innovation, and incorporate diverse perspectives while remaining grounded in START’s guiding principles of collaboration, positive psychology, and person-centered practice.

Proposals Due: Friday November 7, 2025 at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT

Need help or have questions? Contact the SNTI Planning Team at ncss.training.iod@unh.edu. 

Session Format Options

• Standard Sessions: 60 minutes. Select proposals may be invited to expand to 90 minutes. Presenters may decline the extension.
• Roundtable Discussions: 60 minutes. Facilitated, informal topic-based discussions that emphasize engagement and peer learning.
• Keynotes/Plenaries: 60 minutes. Exceptional proposals may be considered for keynote or plenary sessions.  

General Submission Guidelines

All Proposals must be received by the indicated deadline. Late submissions may be considered after timely submissions have been reviewed.

• Submit one proposal form per presentation team.
• Group presentations will require the identification of a lead presenter who will be the primary recipient of SNTI communications.
• Content Level: Applicants will be asked to specify the level of knowledge or experience attendees should have before joining their session.
  • Content levels include introductory, intermediate, and advanced  
• Engagement: All proposals must describe planned interactive elements (e.g., demonstrations, vignette examples, role-play, participant activities, etc.). Consider how you will engage the virtual audience.
• Lived Experience: Sessions that include the voice and perspective of people with lived experience and/or their families will receive priority consideration.
• Expertise Requirement: Proposals must include a brief summary of the training, experience, and/or expertise that qualifies presenters to cover the proposed content.
• START Programs Only: START program proposals must be reviewed/approved by the team’s Clinical and/or Program Director.

Proposal Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by members of the SNTI Content Planning Committee and peer reviewers using the following criteria:

• Relevance & Alignment – Does the topic align with the 2026 theme Values in Action: Holding Hope, Building Belonging and address priority needs of the START network and IDD-MH community?
• Depth & Level – Does the session move beyond foundational content and offer intermediate/advanced expertise, strategies, or applications?
• Presenter Expertise – Do the presenters have training and/or experience that qualifies them to deliver the proposed content?
• Engagement – Are interactive methods clearly described and feasible within the session format?
• Inclusive Practices – Does the proposal reflect the range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs? Does it meaningfully include, elevate, or center the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience of IDD-MH?
• Quality of Submission – Is the proposal clear, well-written, and feasible to accomplish within the 60-minute session timeframe? 

Proposal Submission

Proposals must be submitted through the link below no later than end of day Friday November 7, 2025. The portal will close at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT.

You can use this optional guide to preview the submission form survey. 

Submit Proposal 

Proposal Review Process

By Friday, November 21, 2025, presenters will receive an email with their proposal status. The lead presenter for group presentation submissions is responsible for notifying their co-presenters.

By Friday December 12, 2025, accepted proposals must confirm their intent to present. Details will be provided in subsequent communication.

Proposal status notifications include:

1. Accepted – The proposal is approved as submitted.
2. Accepted with Feedback – The proposal is approved with input provided to help refine or adapt the session.
3. Not Accepted at This Time – The proposal is not moving forward this year, though we encourage resubmission in the future.

If accepted, the presenter will be connected to an NCSS content coach.  Your NCSS Content Coach will:

• honor your subject matter expertise
• offer feedback & insight based on NCSS/SNTI training standards
• provide timely reminders as submission deadlines draw near
• serve as a resource for any questions that arise

The NCSS Content Coach is not a co-presenter.