2026 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Dual Diagnosis Conference
The Brain and Body Connection: Understanding the Vagus Nerve
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
A program to introduce professionals to Polyvagal Theory and its applications to therapies.
- Trauma-Informed Behavior Support Through a Polyvagal Lens: Practical Tools for Safety, Regulation and Connection Ellen A. Black, LCSW and Lynn Haller, MSW, LCSW 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- The Auditory Portal: Accessing the Vagus Nerve Through Sound
Rebecca Knowles, Unyte 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Healing with the Brain in Mind – An Introduction to the Neurosequential Model Michelle Maikoetter, MA, NCC, LPC-S, NCC 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Connection-Centered Trauma Therapies Hela Baer, LCSW, E-RYT 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Thursday, May 7, 2026: Dual Diagnosis Conference
Technology and Mental Health
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
A program for individuals and families to explore the intersection of technology, independence and mental health.
- Is Virtual Therapy Right For Me? Exploring The Benefits And Challenges of Therapy Through Telehealth Dr. Keely Hirsch 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
- Internet, Social Media, and Communication
Erin Sass, Provider Educator, Acentra 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Promoting Independence Through Technology (Panel Discussion) Facilitated by Shea Tanis, Ph.D., FAAIDD 12:30 - 1:30 PM Panelists: Dylan Bacon, Self-Advocate; Robert Zoytnia, Self-Advocate; Jeremy Yale, ODP Bureau of Policy & Quality Management, Director
- You Are Not Alone - Let's Talk About Mental Health Gretchen Laudenslager and Joe Chandler, Self Advocates United as 1 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2026: Everyday Lives Conference
Accessibility in the Digital Age
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
A clear-eyed look at how technology affects our everyday lives and how we may harness it for good.
- An Inclusive Everyday Future Robin Christopherson, MBE 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Mindful Content Consumption: Cyberspace Resiliency Imani Barbarin 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Building a Cyber Strong America Derek Mueller, Cyber Security Advisor 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Artificial Intelligence: Risks, Benefits, and Recommendations for People with Disabilities Amy Nieves, AGSD, MHR Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Access Board 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Everyday Lives Conference
Person-Centered Approaches
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Presentations highlighting the importance of person-centered planning throughout every step of the journey--from systems changes to individual support plans
- Introductory Remarks/The Why Behind Performance-Based Contracting Kristin Ahrens, ODP Deputy Secretary 9:00 AM
- The Road Less Taken is Under Construction: Building the Highway from Goals to Outcomes Bob Sattler, Partner, Support Development Associates 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
- Communication Tips for Speaking with your Support Team (Panel Discussion) Facilitated by Tim Greusel, Director, Quality Enhancement Support Team; Panelists: Jane Gonzalez, Family Member; Harold Gordon, Self Advocate; Cherron Garland, Advocate; Nicholas Smith, Direct Support Professional; Mary Kate Parsons, Supports Coordinator 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Start With The Person: Rethinking Support Through Technology Arc Human Services and SPIN, Inc. 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Improving Individual Outcomes Through Data: Turning Person-Centered Values Into Measurable Practice Scott Bachik, CEO, The BI Collaborative 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Thursday, May 14, 2026: Everyday Lives Conference
Everyday Lives for Everyone
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Discussions of advocacy, resilience, and building networks of natural supports in your community
- From Lived Experience to Collective Leadership: Building Everyday Lives for Everyone (Panel Discussion) Facilitated by Dr. Josie Badger, DHCE, CRC; Panelists: Shawn Aleong, Professional Self Advocate and Lead Power Coach, SAU1; Matt Smith, Self Advocate Peer Mentor, Lead Power Coach, SAU1 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Mindful Content Creation: Harness The Conversation For Good Imani Barbarin 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Maintaining Medicaid: Keeping your Waiver Through Changes in Policy Lynn Pascoa, Director of the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations; Jenelle Oberholtzer, ODP Functional Architect; Marcia Mikos, Office of Income Maintenance Program Specialist 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- All of Us...All The Time Pastor Sally Jo Snyder, Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Post-Conference Workshop for Individuals and Families
Finding Your Power
9:00 AM - Noon
An opportunity for individuals and family members to discuss Everyday Lives Conference presentation materials and form connections.
- Introductory Remarks Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, ODP
- What is your ‘Why’? Lisa Tessler, Executive Director, PA Developmental Disabilities Council; Matt Smith, SAU1 Power Coach; Sonny Callaghan, SAU1 Power Coach; Francine Hogan, Director, PA Family Network Discussions about your purpose and passion 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- No Cape Needed: Finding your Power Exploring your individual power led by Sally Jo Snyder, Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Even Supergirl Gets Rocks In Her Boots: Stronger Together Led by Sally Jo Snyder, Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community 11:00 AM – 12 PM