Visit our Official 2026 APRIL Conference Website Here

We are excited to invite you to the 32nd Annual APRIL National Conference, taking place October 23–25, 2026 (with Pre-Conference and Youth Conference activities on October 23) in Niagara Falls, New York. This year's theme, "FALL into APRIL: Facilitate • Advocate • Learn • Lead," promises another outstanding opportunity to learn, network, and strengthen the Independent Living movement together.

Register for the APRIL Conference

Standard Registration will run September 1 through September 30 at 11:59 pm EST

The 2026 APRIL Conference Agenda is Now Available

Check out our fantastic line-up of presenters and see what the schedule looks like for our 2026 Conference and the Youth Conferences by clicking on the links below.

Click Here to View the Tentative 2026 Conference Agenda (Accessible PDF Version)

Click Here to View the Tentative 2026 Youth Conference Agenda (Accessible PDF Version)

Please note that these agendas are TENTATIVE.  Youth Conference Agenda was updated September 1, 2026. Conference Agenda was updated September 16, 2026. Some dates/times and presentations may continue to shift as we get closer to the Conference dates.

Planning Your Trip to Niagara Falls

The conference will be held at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, conveniently located directly across the street from the Sheraton Niagara Falls, our official conference hotel. A special APRIL room block has been reserved with discounted rates available through September 21, 2026. Additional accessible room blocks are also available at nearby hotels if needed.

Location:
Niagara Falls, NY
Sheraton Niagara Falls
300 Third Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303

Click Here to secure a room with the APRIL room rate

For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), approximately 25 miles from the conference hotel. Transportation options include taxis, rideshare services, paratransit, and accessible transportation providers.

Conference and Hotel Information

Link to book a room with the APRIL room rate

Map of the Niagara Falls Area

2026 APRIL Conference: Updated Information for Accessible Transportation Options in Niagara Falls, NY

From Western New York Independent Living, Inc.:

If you are paratransit eligible where you live, you can schedule with Paratransit Access Line (PAL) in Buffalo, but you need to set it up in advance. 

The phone number is 716-855-7268. This is one of the least expensive options.

Transit buses are accessible and there are some that are available at the airport. People will need to look up the route that they are taking, but when you exit the airport, turn left and you will see buses a short way down. This is the least expensive option.

WNYIL has accessible transportation, also. However, we are currently extremely short staffed. Depending on the time that people get in, we may be able to help. Our number is 716-836-0822 ext. 108 to schedule a ride with Christian. He will take the request and get back to them to let them know if we have a driver available. Our fee is $20 plus $.50 per mile for a one-way trip. We will bill the individual; they do not need to pay in advance.

There are private companies that provide accessible transportation. Cedar Bus 716-898-7900. Aries transportation 716-362-9701. This is the most expensive option. The prices vary, so they would need to be contacted ahead of time. These companies collect payment at the time of booking.

For those who are driving to the APRIL Conference in Niagara Falls or will have a rental car:

The Convention Center validates parking at a drastically reduced rate of $5!  Please check the parking map for the closest area. 

$5.00 city parking is available for your commuters; the tickets must be brought in the building to be validated. I will put the validator at main registration, and they can scan their ticket there. They are city lots, so if a ticket is lost, we cannot reissue a ticket and the normal rate of $30.00 would apply.

Parking Map

To help organizations budget, APRIL has also developed an estimated travel cost worksheet. Depending on travel arrangements, attendees should plan for approximately $1,900–$2,250 to attend, including registration, airfare, lodging, transportation, meals, and optional Pre-Conference activities.

Budget and Travel Breakdown

Become an Exhibitor

Conference exhibitors play an important role in connecting attendees with innovative programs, services, products, and resources that support people with disabilities and the Independent Living movement.

Exhibit booths are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include:

• One 6-foot skirted table
• Two chairs
• Electrical access (when available)
• Prime location near conference registration

Exhibitor fees are:

• $500 for nonprofit organizations
• $750 for corporate exhibitors

Organizations wishing to dine with conference attendees may also purchase an optional meal ticket.

Accessible Exhibitor Information

Sponsor the APRIL Conference

Support the Independent Living movement while gaining visibility for your organization through conference sponsorship opportunities.

APRIL offers sponsorship opportunities ranging from general conference support to sponsoring key events such as:

• ASL & CART services
• Youth programming
• Conference meals
• Networking events
• Advertising opportunities
• General conference support

A variety of sponsorship levels are available to meet organizations of all sizes.

Click Here to Learn More about Sponsorship Options

Nominate an Outstanding Rural Advocate

Do you know someone who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities living in rural communities?

The APRIL Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Advocacy recognizes an individual or organizational member whose work has advanced the Independent Living movement and strengthened rural communities. The recipient will be honored during the Annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening and will receive a $500 award along with an engraved recognition. Nominations are due September 18, 2026.

Click Here to Nominate Someone (or Yourself!)

Accessible Advocacy Award Information

Nominate an Outstanding Rural Youth Leader

The Linda Gonzales Award for Outstanding Rural Youth honors an exceptional young leader who exemplifies the future of the Independent Living movement through advocacy, leadership, and service to rural communities.

The recipient will also be recognized during the Sunday evening Awards Ceremony and receive a $500 award and engraved recognition. Nominations are due September 18, 2026.

Click Here to Nominate Someone (or Yourself!)

Accessible Linda Gonzales Award Information

We look forward to welcoming advocates, Centers for Independent Living, SILCs, youth leaders, partners, exhibitors, and sponsors from across the country to Niagara Falls this October. Thank you for being part of APRIL and for your continued commitment to advancing Independent Living in rural America.

We hope to see you there!