SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:*
9:00AM- 9:15AM: Welcome Address
9:15AM - 10:15AM: Behind the Curtain: A Practical Guide to Implementing & Integrating Remote Supports & Other Technology Into Your Organization with Neal Meltzer
10:15AM - 10:30AM: Break
10:30AM - 11:30AM: Real-Life Stories: Using Smart Home Technology for Independence with Susan Tachau, Michael Anderson, Alexa Brill, and George Russo
11:30AM - 11:45AM: Break
11:45AM - 12:45PM The World of 3D Printing with Tammy Murner
12:45PM - 1:00PM: Prize Announcements
*This schedule is subject to adjustments and should only be used as a general guide in planning your participation in the event.
SESSION AND SPEAKER INFORMATION:
Session Title: Behind the Curtain: A Practical Guide to Implementing & Integrating Remote Supports & Other Technology Into Your Organization
Session Description: Introducing and implementing new ways to provide services can be a daunting task. Even if you are convinced that the new model will address multiple issues that you and or your organization are facing, just that conviction is not enough. So many key stakeholders, both internal and external, have questions, doubts, and reservations that must all be identified and addressed in order for any different service model to stand any chance of success. Looking through the programmatic and organizational lens, this session will focus on and share real life experience in identifying all the various stakeholders, ways to address their concerns, techniques in building momentum, how to move forward in constructive and positive ways, and key “lessons learned”. No matter where you sit on the organizational chart in your social service or state agency or if you are a self-advocate, guardian, or family member, the presentation will be informative and provide “take-aways” that will be beneficial and of interest.
Speaker Bio: Neal Meltzer is the former Executive Director of Waban, an organization in Maine that provides a broad spectrum of comprehensive services for children and adults with intellectual and other disabilities. During his 15-year tenure in that role, he leveraged technology and innovation to increase the quality of care, broaden program offerings, enhance communication, increase organizational efficiency, and address unmet needs by doubling the number of individuals served. Prior to this, Neal was a senior administrator for Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services where he had responsibility for Intellectual Disability and Mental Health services in Maine’s two most populated counties, comprised of half the state’s population. In addition, he also participated in many state-wide initiatives including helping to develop and implement the Department’s first IDD and Mental Health Management Information System and co-authoring Maine’s Strategic Plan to End Homelessness. Since retiring, he has continued his advocacy efforts by providing consultative and advisory services to various organizations.
Session Title: Real-Life Stories: Using Smart Home Technology for Independence
Session Description: Amazon Echo, Ring doorbell, smart cameras, and smart lighting… there is a lot of buzz around smart home devices, but how do you know which ones will work for you? Hear from three people with disabilities as they discuss how smart home technology is helping them to live safer and more independently. They will be talking about:
• How they identified which smart home devices to get.
• Who assisted them in the process of identifying the devices.
• How they funded the purchase of those devices.
• How were the devices installed.
• What is working for them.
• What problems have they encountered.
• What devices they plan to add next.
This webinar will provide valuable information for individuals with disabilities, their families and supporting professionals on how to best support people with disabilities in implementing smart home technology for safer and more independent living.
Speaker Bio: Michael Anderson has been a legislative advocate for The ARC of Philadelphia since 2015. He meets with lawmakers from the Philadelphia area at local, state, and federal levels to make the case for legislative changes that will improve the lives of people with disabilities. Mr. Anderson is also a member of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation’s (PATF’s) Smart Home advisory committee. In a previous life, Mr. Anderson worked for three years as a statistician for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has also worked on several political campaigns. Mr. Anderson is a proud graduate of Lower Merion High School and received an associate degree with a concentration in journalism from Edinboro University. Currently, he is co-owner of a home in Merion Station, PA. Mr. Anderson has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user.
Speaker Bio: Alexa Brill graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2013. She has worked for The Arc of Pennsylvania since 2014 as their Social Media and Website Manager. Alexa serves as the President on the Board of Self Advocates United As 1 (SAU1). She also serves on the Smart Home Advisory Committee through the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF). Alexa is very passionate about advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, as well as helping to make sure they have access to the right technology. She wants to help people learn about and access the technology they need to be as independent as possible.
Speaker Bio: George Russo is an assistive technology assistant at Easterseals. George has been a part of Easterseals since 1996 as a client, a volunteer, an ambassador for PRC, and now as an employee. He has an associate degree in Computer Science from Miami Dade Community College. For the past year, he has served on the Smart Home Advisory Committee through the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation.
Speaker Bio: Susan Tachau is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), a statewide non-profit organization. PATF has helped more than 4,400 individuals with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians finance the assistive technology they need with loans of $44 million. Susan serves on the Boards of Directors for the National Disability Institute, the National Disability Finance Coalition, the PA Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Technology Subcommittee of the National Council on Independent Living. In 2021, Susan was awarded both the AARP Purpose Prize and the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance from the Opportunity Finance Network. Ms. Tachau received a B.A. from Colorado College, a M.A. from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Colorado College. Ms. Tachau and her husband are the parents of three adult children, one of whom has cerebral palsy.
Session Title: The World of 3D Printing
Session Description: Ever wondered if you could take an idea or design and have it made to try right in front of your eyes? Well, you are in the right place. 3D printing is a technology that has more recently become less expensive as well as easier to use! In this session we will be talking about the pros and cons of 3D printing to give a better idea of what you can make as well as some of the limitations that exist. We will also be discussing the cost and difficulty of getting into 3D printing (Hint: It is much less costly and difficult than you are likely thinking!) There will also be time to answer any questions you may have about 3D printing.
Speaker Bio: Tammy Murner is the Director of Innovation and Assistive Technology at Black Hills works. In her 30 years with the company, she has fulfilled a variety of roles ranging from residential support to job coaching to maintenance assistance. Her wide-ranging experience allows her to view every challenge from multiple perspectives, leading to well thought out plans and decisions that directly impact the attainment of personal outcomes for people she supports. Tammy believes that an assumption of competence and focus on abilities is critical to helping people achieve their dreams.
Speaker Bio: Tyler Drey is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineer at the prestigious South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. A self-professed lover of 3D printing, Tyler believes in pushing the boundaries of what is possible. His experience working with 3D printers ranges from designing parts for a robotics team to rapid prototyping at 3M. In his current role as an intern with a provider agency, he develops products for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities