USH2026

If cost is an obstacle, please reach out to Julia at j.dunning@usher-syndrome.org.

At USH2024, the Usher Syndrome Coalition welcomed 482 total participants from 20 countries. This included 396 in-person attendees and 86 virtual attendees. We also worked with 92 Access Providers - interpreters, SSPs/Co-Navigators, captioners, etc - meaning this gathering touched a total of 574 lives! If you missed it, you can check out the USH2024 recap and recordings. For information on past USH Connections Conferences, click here.

Attendees describe this conference as "life-changing," an event with a positive atmosphere and a genuine sense of community. At the USH Connections Conference, hundreds of people who "get it" can connect while discovering valuable resources and learning the latest on developing treatments from leading Usher syndrome researchers. 

We can't wait to gather the global Usher syndrome community again. The USH2026 event will be held near Minneapolis, Minnesota, and live-streamed for those who prefer to attend online. USH2026 participants have the choice to register for IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL access. Learn more.

USH2026 participants have the choice to register for VIRTUAL or IN-PERSON access:

• Virtual attendance provides access to live General Session presentations (Saturday Only), and engagement and connection opportunities through the Whova event app at the USH2026 hybrid event.
• In-person registration is ALL-INCLUSIVE, providing access to Friday afternoon Meet & Greet opportunities, Saturday full-day conference (breakfast, refreshment break, lunch, and dinner included), plus Sunday morning breakout sessions. 

USHangouts for Children and Youth
USHangouts is an in-person opportunity for children with Usher syndrome, their siblings, and youth family members of individuals with Usher syndrome, to make connections during the annual USH Connections Conference. The USHangouts Program is facilitated by Ava’s Voice Inc., a partner of the Usher Syndrome Coalition. The mission of Ava’s Voice is to Connect USHearts Around the World through direct programming to connect families, peers, mentors, and role models with Usher syndrome.

• USHlittles program is specifically designed for children (birth to 7 years)
• USHyouth program is for children and teens (ages 8-17 years)
• Trained mentors with Usher syndrome are (18-25 years)

There is something extraordinary about meeting someone who just gets it. USHangouts creates that moment, a safe place where lived experiences are shared, not explained. Here, children and siblings gain a sense of identity and support that only peers can offer. This is where friendships begin, self-advocacy strengthens, and community roots grow deeper.

USHangouts is just the beginning! It offers a fun preview of USHthis Summer Youth Camp, where kids and teens with Usher syndrome come together each summer for accessible adventures, peer bonding, and memories that last a lifetime. Families get to see the magic of camp and feel the excitement of what’s ahead.

Prices

In-person tickets are all-inclusive, providing access to Friday afternoon Meet & Greet opportunities, Saturday full-day conference (breakfast, refreshment break, lunch, and dinner included), plus Sunday morning breakout sessions. 

If you need assistance registering online, you can call the Usher Syndrome Coalition at (800) 946-9203 or email Julia at j.dunning@usher-syndrome.org.

Inclusion and Accessibility

The Usher Syndrome Coalition strives to ensure that everyone has equitable access to our programs and events. We will make every reasonable effort to provide requested accommodations based on available resources and technology.

Communication Access Provided

General sessions will include ASL interpreters and live English captions (CART), displayed on the big screen and available through live-streaming to your device. Real-time AI translation and captioning will also be available in 50+ languages, provided by Wordly. Conference materials will be available in a digital format designed for screen reader-braille display and low vision. The final conference agenda will be available two weeks before the conference on the event website and app.

During registration, we will ask if you require special accommodations (e.g. Close Vision or Tactile Interpreters, Assistive Listening Devices, etc). If you say "Yes," we will follow up with a Google Form to specify your accommodations.

PLEASE NOTE: We suggest you request accessibility needs by June 1, 2026, so we can best accommodate you. After that time, we may not be able to guarantee accommodations.

IN-PERSON LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Radisson Blu at Mall of America
2100 Killebrew Dr
Bloomington, MN 55425

The Usher Syndrome Coalition has secured a reduced rate of $199/night at the Radisson Blu at Mall of America. Our in-person events take place on the afternoon of Friday, July 17 (optional), all day Saturday, July 18, and the morning of Sunday, July 19.

Click here to reserve your room by June 10, 2026, to ensure rate and availability. 

REGISTER

USH2026 IMPORTANT DATES

• April 10, 2026: USH2026 Connections Conference Scholarship Application Deadline. Limited scholarships are available. Learn more about the USH2026 Scholarship Program. 
• June 1, 2026: We suggest you request accessibility needs by June 1st so we can best accommodate you. After that time, we may not be able to guarantee accommodations. 
• June 10, 2026: Hotel Reservations Deadline. Reserve your room at the Radisson Blu Mall of America (the conference venue) at the reduced rate of $199/night: https://bit.ly/USH2026hotel (Please Note: Only indicate one guest when you book your reservation to avoid extra fees. Additional guest information can be added at a later date.)
• June 30, 2026: Registration Deadline. (Late Registration Fees apply after this date)

USH2026 REFUND POLICY
Written cancellations received by June 30th will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued after June 30, 2026. All refund requests must be submitted in writing to Julia at j.dunning@usher-syndrome.org.

QUESTIONS? Call us at (800) 946-9203 or email Julia at j.dunning@usher-syndrome.org