The Spring 2027 Leadership Institute
Apr 11, 2027
– Apr 16, 2027
Atlanta, Georgia
$2550 Early Bird Rate (More Details Below)
Details
Join us in Atlanta, a hub of civil rights activism, to connect with field leaders, like you, who work to advance the rights and dignity of people with disabilities each day. The Leadership Institute brings together IDD sector professionals from across the country to build practical skills, deepen their thinking, and connect with a network of peers who understand the work.
This flagship weeklong intensive program combines presentations with expert speakers, interactive exercises, leadership assessments, and a structured leadership challenge. You’ll gain clarity on your leadership strengths and style, build actionable plans with practical tools, and join a community of practice that provides ongoing support long after the program ends.
- 93% of graduates report that attending the Leadership Institute contributed to their personal impact as a leader
- 91% report that attending contributed to changes that improve their organizations and the lives of people with disabilities
Dates
April 11-16, 2027
Starting 4:30 pm ET on Sunday, April 11th
Ending 12:30 pm ET on Friday, April 16th
Cost
Tuition (includes all training materials and supplies and most meals. It does not include travel or hotel accommodations)
- $2550 if application received prior to December 31, 2026
- $2750 if application received on or after January 1, 2027
If you belong to, work for, or your organization belongs to one of our national partnering organizations you have special rates!
- $2350 if application received prior to December 31, 2026
- $2550 if application received on or after January 1, 2027
Scholarships
We are proud to share that we have two scholarship opportunities available for this Institute:
- NLCDD Scholarships: One for a leader with a disability, and one for a current Direct Support Professional; cover tuition, hotel, and up to $500 travel reimbursement
Applicants can indicate interest when completing the Institute application
All scholarship applications share the same deadline of December 31st
Deadlines
Apply before December 31st to receive Early Bird pricing!
Applications are due March 31, 2027
The class is limited to a select group of emerging leaders offering opportunity for collaboration and an enduring network of support. Approximately 32 people will be accepted, with participation limited to four people max per organization. If you are interested in sending more than 4 people, please reach out to us (contactus@natleadership.org) and we can talk about options with you.
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Accommodation and Travel
Participants will be responsible for their travel, hotel reservations, and associated costs. The Institute will have a competitively priced room block close to the meeting space. Information will be provided to confirmed attendees.
Facilitators
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Caitlin Bailey, Ph.D.
Caitlin Bailey, PhD is Co-Director of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, where she has been a driving force since 2010. She leads research and evaluation efforts, oversees technical assistance, and supports organizations and leaders across the disability sector. Caitlin also co-guides NLCDD’s strategic planning initiatives with Kristen Loomis Greenidge.
With deep expertise in research, facilitation, and leadership development, Caitlin has supported the development of leaders in the disability service sector, federal government, and more. She is constantly exploring the intersection of what it means to be a leader and what it means to be human, and is passionate about supporting leaders to understand what makes them great at both.
Caitlin has had the honor to serve on the boards of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals and the Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports, and currently advises NAQ.
(Contact Caitlin Bailey at cbailey@natleadership.org)
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Kristen Loomis, MBA
Kristen Loomis Greenidge, MBA is the Co-Director of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. In partnership with Caitlin Bailey, Kristen leads and oversees the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of all NLCDD programs, services, products, and activities.
Kristen has worked with NLCDD since 2012. Her work has focused on developing and coordinating training and technical assistance for leaders across the intellectual and developmental disabilities field.
Kristen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services and her Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Leadership from the University of Delaware. (Contact Kristen Loomis at kloomis@natleadership.org)