As the opening keynote for the Council for Exceptional Children's convention was about to begin March 12, attendees batted around beach balls in the large auditorium space of the Baltimore Convention Center.

CEC President Julie Bost tied the beach ball game to the "game changer" that the nearly 50-year-old Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has been in the lives of students with disabilities. Bost, in her speech, told the more than 4,300 attendees that they continue to be "game changers" for these students.

"We have come a long way, but our work is not done," Bost said. She called for attendees to advocate for better funding and inclusive practices so "every child has an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of abilities."

"Together, we are changing the game," Bost added.

Over the next three days, special education professionals, researchers, teachers in training and others attended more than 400 sessions on topics and classroom best practices in special and gifted education.

Starting April 9, CEC is offering access to its virtual convention content of more than 40 on-demand sessions and several live sessions.

We’ve gathered our coverage from the convention below.