Schedule & Sessions
The conference welcomes agencies, professionals, families, and self-advocates. Please note the breakout sessions with Tom Pomeranz are geared specifically for people with disabilities and/or their families who are attending the conference.
Do you need accommodations while attending? Please let us know.
Day 1 – Monday, July 18
8:00am – 9:00am
Main Entry
Registration and Check In
8:30am – 8:50am
Schooner Ballroom
Welcome Remarks, Introductions & Breakfast
Pam Fields, CEO, ATECH; Doris Maldonado Mendez, Vice Chair, Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities; Jordan Scheff, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Developmental Services
8:50am – 9:50am
Schooner Ballroom
Keynote Presentation – Enhancing Independence and Facilitating Inclusion Through Innovation and Best Practice Supports
In this thought-provoking keynote, Dr. Tom Pomeranz, through lecture and storytelling, will discuss the influence of technology in facilitating independence and promoting inclusionary lives for people with disabilities. Tom details how those we support can achieve valued and meaningful relationships through the application of creative supports and innovative best practice support strategies. Further Tom will inspire the audience to promote independence by embracing the maxim “nothing about me without me“. When placed in the right hands the tools of technology will overcome the forces of ignorance, arrogance, prejudice and fear which have stolen the lives of so many individuals with disabilities.
Keynote Speaker: Tom Pomeranz, Universal LifeStIles, LLC
Two Attendee Tracks – Mix & Match!
Set up your conference schedule by choosing from the sessions offered in the Independent Living Track or the Employment & Community Life Track.
10:00am – 10:50am
Blue Track
Independent Living
Purple Track
Employment & Community Life
10:00am – 10:50am
Breakout Session 1:
All About Remote Monitoring: Part 1
Come learn all about remote monitoring from two different companies in this Part 1 of two remote monitoring sessions. You will learn about the ATECH Remote Monitoring Service and SafeinHome. Be ready to learn and have your questions answered.
Speakers: Pam Fields, President & CEO, ATECH; Robert Mule, President, Mule Security; Amy Rubin Mindell, Director of Community Outreach & Assistive Technology, ATECH; Marisol DeJesus, Assistive Technology Coordinator, ATECH; Kyle Corbin, Director of Business Development, SafeinHome
Schooner 2
10:00am – 10:50am
Breakout Session 1:
Independent Living and Employment – LifeCourse/Person Centered Planning
Speaker: Amy Blazawski, Director of Services Development & Support – Self Determination/Assistive Technology, State of CT, Department of Developmental Services
Schooner 3
10:00am – 10:50am
Breakout Session 1:
Innovations In Independent Living
Come learn about exciting innovations in independent living from the people making these models happen in their own agencies.
Speakers: Heather LaTorra, President and CEO, Marrakech, Inc.; Steve Morris, Executive Director, The Arc of the Farmington Valley, Inc., (FAVARH); Kathryn Wood, Director of Community Integration, MidState Arc
Schooner 1
10:00am – 10:50am
Breakout Session 1:
AT In Your Pocket – Using Your SmartPhone For Independence & Success
With so many apps and software tools available for technology today, it is sometimes difficult to know what might work for an individual with a disability. But what about utilizing the most important AT tool each of us owns: our Smartphone! Have your phone handy as we explore ways to utilize tools & accessibility features already built into your phone to support individuals in the areas of reading, writing and executive function.
Speaker: Mike Marotta, ATP, Inclusive Technology Solutions
Cutter Ballroom
11:00am – 11:50am
Blue Track
Independent Living
Purple Track
Employment & Community Life
11:00am – 11:50am
Breakout Session 2:
Your Role In The Assistive Technology Assessment Process
Effective Assistive Technology services are MUCH more than just knowing the latest apps. Are you effectively and consistently considering AT for each individual? Does your AT Team include all stakeholders including individuals with disabilities and their family members? This session will dive deep into these questions and more.
Speaker: Mike Marotta, ATP, Inclusive Technology Solutions
Cutter Ballroom
11:00am – 11:50am
Breakout Session 2:
Employment & Literacy – How to Access Text At Work & In The Community
This session will discuss Assistive Technology available for accessing text in the workplace and in the community for all. Discussion will focus on print based and electronic text.
Speakers: Amy Norton, Coordinator of Assistive Technology, EASTCONN; Shannon Taber, Director of Inclusion & Accessibility Services, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT
Schooner 2
11:00am – 11:50am
Breakout Session 2:
Independent Living Success Stories
Join this panel to learn how the people they support have made the move to independent living, Come hear this panel talk about how it all happened and tell you how it is going.
Speakers: Kathryn Wood, Director of Community Integration, MidState Arc; Danielle Epperson, Director of Clinical Services, Aspire Living & Learning; Jennifer Keatley, Executive Director, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT
Schooner 1
11:00am – 11:50am
Breakout Session 2:
Employment Options – Project Search, Customized Employment & Individualized Employment Options
Employment options galore! Come hear from these providers about a variety of innovative employment models.
Speakers: Sandra Finnimore, Project SEARCH Manager, The Arc of the Farmington Valley, Inc., (FAVARH); Beth Fisher, Chief Executive Officer, Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.; Ellen Econs, Employment Systems Manager, DMHAS/BRS; Trever Medeiros Rogers, Transition Advisor, CT Department of Developmental Services
Schooner 3
12:15pm – 1:30pm
Schooner Ballroom – Luncheon State Department Panel Discussion
State departments will discuss assistive technology service access within their departments.
Speakers: Dawn Lambert, Co-leader, Community Options Unit Division of Health Services, CT Department of Social Services; Laura Spencer, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, CT Bureau of Rehabilitation Services; Krista Ostaszewski, Health Management Administrator, CT Department of Developmental Services; Jennifer Petersen, Director of Supportive Technology, MA Department of Developmental Services
Cutter Ballroom – Luncheon Assistive Tech Smackdown!
Sharing is everything right? Wouldn’t it be nice if a group of people could just sit down and share different technology tools that can be used to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities? If you answered ‘yes,’ then this session is for you! Join us for lunch & this interactive Tech Smackdown where we all share with each other different technology tools that can be used with and/or by individuals with disabilities. This is a session fast-paced for practitioners led by practitioners. Bring your devices with you to share because this session is all about YOU!! The facilitators will compile a list of shared tools for future reference.
Speakers: Arlene Lugo, CT State Tech Act Coordinator; Mike Marotta, ATP, Inclusive Technology Solutions & NJ State Tech Act Coordinator
1:40pm – 2:30pm
Blue Track
Independent Living
Purple Track
Employment & Community Life
1:40pm – 2:30pm
Breakout Session 3:
Smart Home Living Technology From Scheduling To Digital Assistants: Managing Everyday Tasks
Have you ever wanted a tiny assistant to help you manage life? Today’s Digital Assistants do just that. Turn your home into a Smart Home with the help of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible technology that connects with an Amazon Alexa or Apple’s Home App. Don’t have any Wi-Fi/Bluetooth compatible technology? Learn about the wonderful ways to use Smart Plugs. Allow Alexa and Siri help you manage everyday tasks.
Speaker: Ramon Hernandez, Assistive Technology Specialist, NEAT Center at Oak Hill
Cutter Ballroom
1:40pm – 2:30pm
Breakout Session 3:
All About Executive Function Apps At Work, Remote Job Coaching & More
This session will cover Assistive Technology currently used for consumers to assist with executive functioning in vocational settings. Discussion will review strategies to increase consumer success with using features in apps and devices.
Speakers: Amy Norton, Coordinator of Assistive Technology, EASTCONN; Shannon Taber, Director of Inclusion & Accessibility Services, United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT
Schooner 2
1:40pm – 2:30pm
Breakout Session 3:
All About Remote Monitoring: Part 2
Part 2! Learn about remote monitoring options from Simply Home and Assisted Living Technologies – more options and more opportunities to ask questions about remote supports.
Speakers: Emily Danciu-Grosso, Marketing & Sales Coordinator, Simply Home; Nick D’Aquila, Vice President, Assisted Living Technologies & Chief Information Officer, Assisted Living Services
Schooner 1
1:40pm – 2:30pm
Breakout Session 3:
How Virtual Reality Can Assist You & Promote Independence
This presentation will introduce and discuss different aspects of virtual reality (VR) that assist and promotes the independence and quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities. New advances in VR, brain-computer interface (BCI), and artificial intelligence (AI) will be reviewed, and the use and advantages of each device or application will be explained. The discussion will also explain the concept, history, benefits, and future of BCI, AI, and VR.
Speaker: Patricia Cymbala, Transition Advisor Assistive Technology, State of CT, Department of Developmental Services
Schooner 3
2:40pm – 3:30pm
Blue Track
Independent Living
Purple Track
Employment & Community Life
2:40pm – 3:30pm
Breakout Session 4: Staying Well In Independence: What AT Can Do To Help You Stay Well
Maintaining independence is a goal on everyone’s mind. This session will highlight the various assistive technologies that help promote safety and independence in home or community-based settings. Some product categories that will be discussed include Medication Management, Emergency Response Systems, Home & Fire Safety, Remote Monitoring, Fall and Wander Prevention.
Speaker: Nick D’Aquila, Vice President, Assisted Living Technologies & Chief Information Officer, Assisted Living Services
Schooner 1
2:40pm – 3:30pm
Breakout Session 4: Planning For Transportation Independence
Transportation can be a challenge. We can help you. The CT Department of Transportation provides grants which help cover gaps and barriers in transportation for individuals with disabilities and seniors. Regional Mobility Managers are part of those grants. They have the answers that can help you build your transportation plan. This session will provide you with a host of valuable travel-related information to help you access your community with more than one transportation option. Not all communities are created the same.
Plan ahead. Learn what paperwork is needed. Build a relationship with a regional mobility manager, travel trainer, and an ADA Coordinator. Learn transportation contact information, application support, transit, travel training, social services, non-profit grants and other programs that exist.
Speakers: Laurie McElwee, South-Central Regional Mobility Manager, State of Connecticut; April Chaplin. Northwest CT Regional Mobility Manager, The Kennedy Center, Inc.; John Wardzala, Director of Mobility Services, The Kennedy Center, Inc.
Schooner 2
2:40pm – 3:30pm
Breakout Session 4: Enhancing The Independence Experience With Smart Voice Technologies & More
Unfortunately Laurie Dale could not be here today as planned. However, we have pulled together a group of power techies to talk about voice technologies and more! We will discuss the good, the bad, and the best of different types of mainstream technology and how any person can use the devices for greater access to their environment. An Ability Beyond TIP Squad member will be co-presenting this discussion. He will share what technologies have assisted him in increasing his own independence.
Speakers: Mike Marotta, Pam Fields, Marisol DeJesus, Amy Rubin Mindell
Cutter Ballroom
2:40pm – 3:30pm
Breakout Session 4: Let’s Get To Work! Know Your Employment Rights Under The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Did you know that you or the people you support have rights as a person with a disability under the ADA? Learn about the definition of disability, what should be expected from the employer and how to request an accommodation.
Speaker: Gretchen Knauff, Director, Office of Services for Persons with Disabilities, City of New Haven
Schooner 3
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Schooner Ballroom
Keynote Session & Closing Remarks – What Does The Future Hold For Smart Home Technology? A Growing Opportunity For Care.
Healthcare shifted to the home during the pandemic, advancing the connected health market dramatically. Consumers can now expect to access care at home through ambient awareness services, telehealth services, remote patient monitoring solutions, connected fitness devices and even hospital-at-home models. This session highlights the sensor technologies available today as well as the drastic changes in the connected health market over the past two years and the impacts these changes will have on the smart home and connected health markets. These technologies have increasing potential for enabling greater efficiency in delivering care in senior living or home care, as well as helping to preserve independence for as long as possible. Retailers, service providers, and device manufacturers are expanding the market of technology solutions that help support smarter and safer independent living.
Speakers: Lainie Muller, Alarm.com; Austin Kennedy, Alarm.com
4:45pm – 6:00pm
Clipper (Exhibit Hall) & Prefunction Hallway
Cocktail & Networking Reception
Sponsored by Hancocks Pharmacy
Day 2 – Half Day Workshop, Tuesday, July 19
9:00am - 12:00pm
Shift Happens: Transform Your Way To Excellence
Presenter: Kathleen Stauffer, MPA
1. PART I: OUTCOMES.
Setting Goals and creating winning strategies for large scale change. (What has to happen?)
2. PART II: SUCCESS.
Defining excellence for your organization and creating your blueprint for organizational change. (What will success look like when you make it happen?)
3. PART III: EXCELLENCE AS HABIT.
Making excellence a habit for your team. (Learn practical strategies and tips for leading any team to excellence and to excellent outcomes – i.e., “making it happen”.)
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