Ms. Ray-Leonetti is the Associate Director of Policy at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, Pennsylvania's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. She oversees the Institute’s self-direction and Family Leadership work.  Before joining the Institute, Ms. Ray-Leonetti spent the first 20 years of her professional career advocating for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. She has a BA in Humanities from York College of Pennsylvania and a JD from Temple University School of Law.

Session Title: Getting AT Funded and Using it to Self-Direct Your Best Life

Sherrie joined Disability Rights Pennsylvania in 2021. Her areas of focus include access to Assistive Technology in various settings, advocacy on behalf of people with Traumatic Brain Injury, and monitoring and investigation of abuse and neglect in facilities throughout Pennsylvania.  Sherrie received her B.S. in Pharmacy from Purdue University, and J.D. from Loyola University Chicago.

Session Title: Getting AT Funded and Using it to Self-Direct Your Best Life

Mike is a RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional and the 2017 ISTE Inclusive Learning Network Outstanding Educator. Mike is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter providing practical training to professionals interested in assistive and inclusive technology and the Director of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center. In addition, Mike is an adjunct professor at Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ) teaching Masters level educators in Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning and one of the co-authors of the book Inclusive Learning 365: Edtech Strategies for Every Day of the Year.

Session Title: Remote Supports: Key Considerations

Rebekah Taussig is a Kansas City writer who lives in a house full of half-finished art projects, loud music, and a fussy family of tenderhearted snugglers. She writes to understand, to reclaim, and to participate in changing the cultural narratives we have around disability, motherhood, and what it means to live in a human body. She believes storytelling can change the world. Literally.

She earned her PhD from the University of Kansas, runs the Instagram platform @sitting_pretty, and authored the bestselling memoir Sitting Pretty.

After almost a decade of teaching in the traditional classroom, she has pivoted to full time writing and speaking. You can find her writing regularly on her substack, This Too.

Session Title: Question & Answer (Technology for Access and Community Living strand)

For over twenty years, Ms. Tesler has been a passionate advocate and visionary who supports inclusion and meaningful lives for people with developmental disabilities. She is a graduate of Lafayette College, Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (C2P2) through Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities, The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities through the University of Delaware, and the Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador training through the University of Missouri – Kansas City Institute for Human Development. From 2005 to 2019, Ms. Tesler worked for Vision for Equality providing training and mentoring for family members and self-advocates, most recently as the director of the PA Family Network. Her work also included systems advocacy to end the waiting list for services and to promote public policy to support all people to live self-determined lives in their communities. Ms. Tesler began her tenure as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council in October 2019.

Session Title: Technology Solutions Specialists: Learning from the Experts

Session Title: Technology Solutions Specialists: Learning from the Experts

Matt Smith

Hey, I'm Matt Smith, a 34-year-old resident of Western PA with autism. I have worked for 8 years with Self Advocates United as 1, serving the disability community in Pennsylvania. My position includes peer-to-peer mentoring, encouragement of self-empowerment, and promotion of inclusive practices.  I enjoy volunteering in leadership roles in the community. Last year, I was honored to be asked to introduce keynote speakers at the Everyday Lives Conference and facilitated engagement among attendees with developmental disabilities. More recently, I was an active participant in the Statewide Advocates Influencing Leadership (SAIL) program, working with other stakeholders to impact disability friendly legislation. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors with the Autism Society of Northeastern PA. Last month I was selected to be involved in the Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policy Making program at the Temple University Institute on Disabilities. I am always eager to learn new things, and I am really excited to have the opportunity to serve as a Technology Solutions Specialist.

Technology is a part of everybody's life, whether it be something as simple as a refrigerator or a pair of glasses. Technologies are critical for people with disabilities, as assistive tech can elevate a person's quality of life and can enable them to participate in things that they otherwise would have difficulties with. Technology can also be fun! I am grateful to get to spread the word about assistive technologies and increase accessibility.

Gretchen Laudenslager

I am Gretchen Laudenslager from Quakertown, PA which is in Bucks County. I have been employed as a Power Coach with Self Advocates United as 1 since 2016. I help develop and present various topics that are important to people with disabilities. I also work for IM4Q. We collect information from people with disabilities with a goal of making their lives better.

I use a lot of technology in my daily life but I know there is a lot more to learn. I'm excited to be a part of Technology Solutions and share what I've learned with other people with disabilities.

Quinn Crispell

My name is Quinn Crispell. I am a 21-year-old female who has Down syndrome. I am a junior professional studies major at Misericordia University. I am a member of the cross-country team and I made the Dean’s List and the Middle Atlantic Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Last year, I received the MAC Giant Steps award for competing in athletics while overcoming adversity.

My main interest in technology is to help with schoolwork. I use Kurzweil and Glean to help with reading. I use a Livescribe Echo 2 pen to help with notes.

Joseph Reisner

I am Joseph Reisner, a resident of Philadelphia. I am an autistic disability rights advocate with a passion for telling stories through the use of computers. This has come naturally throughout my life, and I started creating an animated web series titled "Josh & Kevin" when I was in high school. The series is still running and can be found on YouTube. In 2023, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I am planning episodes of the show that will focus on disability advocacy.

I am currently in a part-time graphic design internship for my career coach, Rich Davis, at Comfort Career Connections. In my internship, I enhanced the user interface on Rich’s website and helped him write two Canva slide decks. This experience helped me to explore myself, use my skills, and help tell a story of how invisibly disabled individuals can create a comfortable workplace for themselves.

I have learned that I enjoy being helpful, enthusiastic, innovative, and motivated to help society. I look forward to using my strengths and Technology Solutions Specialist skills to make today’s technology easier to use for disabled individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

Bobby Evans

I'm Bobby Evans, and with the assistance of technology, I was able to defy the odds to achieve what many thought was impossible. I was diagnosed with significant disabilities when I was only four months old. Doctors once predicted I would never walk, talk, see, or have typical developmental milestones due to Cerebral Palsy caused at birth. Today, because of technology, I am not only speaking and walking, but I’ve also overcome every challenge that was assigned to me using technology, like my AAC device to turn challenges into opportunities.

Through the power of technology, I communicate effectively, work as an improv actor, and serve as an Ambassador for Best Buddies, an organization that fosters inclusion and empowerment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, I've have been a volunteer with the Red Cross for over two years, contributing to my community in meaningful ways. I could not have achieved everything that I have today without the power of technology.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a passion for using technology to enhance lives and break down barriers. I'm excited to bring these experiences, along with my skills and perspective, to this new role.

Nae Vallejo (they/them)

Nae Vallejo, Project Director at Art-Reach, is disabled, neurodivergent, autistic, HOH and a service dog handler. They are dedicated to anti-oppression work, body, land and labor liberation, disability justice and thinking of ways to support themselves and their communities. Some of Nae's passions are community need assessment projects through the lens of community based participatory research and cross organizational collaboration. They are a community connector and a Title II ADA Coordinator. Nae's fiery passion for technology is a vast experience from accessibility and independence, to advocacy and self-expression, career opportunities and remote work, sensory friendly solutions to social connection and support and much more.

Andre Rhone

My name is Andre Rhone. I am a member of the Sun Collaborative, which advocates for the support of inclusivity for neurodivergent teens and adults in classrooms. I also volunteered for Special Olympics Basketball. I am also a member of PAARCC, which stands for Pittsburgh Adult Autism Research Community Collaborative. I am also an adult life scout in troop 7004 in Munhall. I am a Black individual with a diagnosis of autism and psychosis. I joined technology solutions because I mainly want to advocate for technology for all disabled individuals. My favorite part about this program is that I have a role in helping those in my community. I look at it as family helping out family. My belief is that I can relate on a more personal level because I live with a disability.

Christopher Moore

My name is Christopher Moore. I am a lead power coach and ambassador for Self Advocates United As 1. I have a diagnosis of autism and seizure disorder. With my work as a power coach I present and teach information on a variety of topics important to the disability community including using technology. As an ambassador I am a member of the communities of practice committee. I presented on a disability panel at the national LifeCourse Nexus conference where I shared my experience with advocating for myself and others. I served as a member of the information sharing and advisory committee.

As the Planning Manager for Philadelphia Corportation for Aging, Katie conducts and manages policy, planning, and program development; agency and community capacity building and grant writing; advocacy; and relationship building activities in support of PCA's efforts to respond to the needs of the elderly in Philadelphia. Katie holds a master's degree in Gerontology and has developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses on aging studies.

Session Title: Accessing services for older adults

Nathan Gerhard serves as the Associate Executive Director of Intellectual Disabilities Services at Keystone Human Services in Pennsylvania. With over two decades of experience in the field of Intellectual Disabilities in both Pennsylvania and Maryland, Nathan is currently concentrating on expanding the use of enabling technology and remote supports throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. Since 2018, he has been spearheading the initiative to incorporate independent living technology into conventional service models beginning with two residential homes in North Central Pennsylvania. By 2024, Keystone expanded its reach to more than 130 locations, aiding over 250 people with independent living technologies embedded within their natural support systems in their service delivery models.

Jennifer Hsu, OTR/L, CAPS is an occupational therapist and accessibility specialist who is passionate about helping clients of all ages flourish in their daily activities. She is experienced in providing evidence-informed occupational therapy and accessibility services in acute care, home, and community settings. Jennifer currently works with the Inglis Home Modifications Team, serving primarily older adults to address their aging-in-place needs.

Session Title: Smart Home and Home Modifications: A Team Approach

Katherine Griffiths, CTRS, ATP graduated from Temple University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist since January 2010. Additionally, she received her Assistive Technology Professional certification through RESNA in 2015. Katherine has been working with clients with complex physical disabilities and specializing in Assistive Technology at Inglis in Philadelphia, PA, where she currently serves as an AT Educator for the Inglis Assistive Technology Solutions program. This program serves the community of Philadelphia and surrounding areas in their technology needs and desires.

Session Title: Smart Home and Home Modifications: A Team Approach

Patrick DeMico is Executive Director of The Provider Alliance (TPA), a Pennsylvania association dedicated exclusively to supporting community services for individuals & families with intellectual disability and autism (ID/A). DeMico has worked in the ID/A field for over 40 years, beginning his service as a Direct Support Professional in 1982. He has held leadership positions in the provider community, consulted for human services organizations on financial management and strategy, and represented the ID/A community in its advocacy and policy development. He has served The Provider Alliance and its membership in his current role since 2017. DeMico completed his undergraduate studies at Duquesne University, subsequently earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and is currently enrolled at the Duquesne University Kline School of Law.

Session Title: Leveling Up: The Pennsylvania Technology Accelerator

Shea Tanis, PhD, is currently an Associate Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas. She has published articles and investigated the definition of intellectual disability, the measurement of adaptive behavior and support need, the construct of self-determination, federally funded supports and services for people with IDD and their families, and self-directed employment strategies. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in applied technology solutions, Technology First Systems Change, cognitive accessibility, and advancing the rights of people with cognitive disabilities to technology and information access.

She also serves as PI for the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Longitudinal Data Project of National Significance funded by the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For over 40 years, the project has investigated determinants of public spending for Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services and Supports in the United States. Dr. Tanis has been a co-author on The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Monograph since 2011. She is the sibling of a man with a traumatic brain injury and is past chair of the National Sibling Leadership Network and co-founder of the Colorado Sibling Leadership Network Chapter. She received her PhD from the University of Kansas, Department of Special Education and BA from Brown University in Psychology.

Session Title: Leveling Up: The Pennsylvania Technology Accelerator

Kaley Day brings her passion to improve quality of life and access for people with disabilities in her current role as a Grant Projects Coordinator for the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Longitudinal Data Project of National Significance (Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas). Kaley graduated from the University of Denver with her bachelor’s degree in strategic communications in 2012. She spent 13 years with AdvocacyDenver, the Denver county chapter of the Arc, serving as Coordinator for Communications and Grant Development and Advocate for Adults assisting clients and families in navigating life, home- and community-based services, and the legal system in Denver. Kaley has a sibling with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs, and is a founding member of Rocky Mountain Sibs, the Colorado chapter of the Sibling Leadership Network.

Session Title: Leveling Up: The Pennsylvania Technology Accelerator

Will Hall joined PATF as their CEO in August 2024. Prior to joining PATF, Will was the Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Programs at the City of Philadelphia's Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity. Will had been with the City since 2017 and has had many roles overseeing Economic Mobility programs and initiatives. Will also spent a number of years as the Senior Housing Program Manager at Clarifi and as a consumer litigation attorney. Will is an adjunct professor of business law and public policy at Drexel University. Will graduated from Temple University with a JD/MBA. Will lives in the Brewerytown neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife, Jen, and their dog, Didi.

Session Title: Funding your Assistive Technology

Don Shirley is a seasoned leader dedicated to advancing inclusion and accessibility in human services and healthcare technology. As President of SafeinHome since 2017, he has spearheaded initiatives to support the independence and self-determination of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under his leadership, SafeinHome has delivered over 5 million user hours and served more than 2,000 individuals, ensuring they live safely and independently while delivering peace of mind and dignity to the community it serves.

Session Title: Thousands of People, Millions of Hours of Consistent, Person-Centered Support

Fred is the Chief Accessibility Officer at Verizon. Fred's experience includes over 24 years at Verizon in multiple strategic & leadership roles, including the last 9+ years building Verizon’s Accessibility Program from the ground up. Fred’s mission is to provide continued leadership that incorporates Accessibility by Design in all aspects of Verizon that will provide exceptional experiences for all Employees and Customers. Fred and his team work daily to engage everyone and reimagine accessibility. In addition to his daily responsibilities, he serves on the Board for Disability Rights New Jersey.

Session Title: Importance of Accessibility by Design

State Rep. Joe Hohenstein was elected to the Pennsylvania House on Nov. 6, 2018, representing the 177th Legislative District in Philadelphia.

Prior to being elected state representative, Hohenstein was an attorney and small business owner. In his professional career, he's been dedicated to helping the community and fighting for justice as a nationally renowned lawyer on immigration rights and keeping families united. He has served for years on the National Amicus Committee of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). When President Donald Trump signed the Travel Ban in early 2017, Hohenstein was part of the legal team that successfully sued the President to reunite a Syrian Christian family who was legally immigrating to our country, but was ruled ineligible mid-flight.

Hohenstein's leadership spans into the non-profit sector and education as a faculty member at Temple University Beasley School of Law. He worked to develop the school's first immigration law clinic, and continues to receive awards and recognition for his guidance of students and colleagues in this particular area of U.S. law.

For over 15 years, Hohenstein previously served on the board of Frankford Friends School. As the Chair of that Board, he helped lead a three-phase expansion project that included constructing a new building and outdoor learning area, and repurposing an abandoned neighboring church for the school’s gym and music programs.

He is currently on the board of directors for Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team. ACCT Philly is the region’s largest animal care and control service provider, serving the City of Philadelphia by contract. ACCT Philly offers adoption, foster and volunteer programs as well as owner surrender prevention resources. Located in North Philadelphia, it takes in nearly 18,000 animals annually.

Hohenstein's top priorities include full fair funding for Philadelphia schools, solutions to the drug crisis that make everyone in the community safer, and tax structures that are fair to working families and make corporations pay their fair share. He supports women's rights and pay equality, a clean environment, sensible laws to curb gun violence, protecting workers and raising the minimum wage, and fair districts to provide everyone an equal voice in government. He currently serves as the Secretary of the Pa. House Philadelphia Delegation.

Hohenstein grew up in a union household, and lives just blocks away from his childhood home with his wife Brandi. They have two children, Emma and Mars. His mother was a shop steward with AFSCME DC 47 and his father was a member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.

Hohenstein graduated from Earlham College with a degree in International Studies in 1989, and then attended law school at the University of Minnesota, where he received his J.D. in 1993 and passed the bar the same year.

Session Title: Technology First: Policy, Practice, and Innovation

Shea Tanis, PhD, is currently an Associate Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas. She has published articles and investigated the definition of intellectual disability, the measurement of adaptive behavior and support need, the construct of self-determination, federally funded supports and services for people with IDD and their families, and self-directed employment strategies. She is nationally recognized for her expertise in applied technology solutions, Technology First Systems Change, cognitive accessibility, and advancing the rights of people with cognitive disabilities to technology and information access.

She also serves as PI for the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Longitudinal Data Project of National Significance funded by the Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For over 40 years, the project has investigated determinants of public spending for Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services and Supports in the United States. Dr. Tanis has been a co-author on The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Monograph since 2011. She is the sibling of a man with a traumatic brain injury and is past chair of the National Sibling Leadership Network and co-founder of the Colorado Sibling Leadership Network Chapter. She received her PhD from the University of Kansas, Department of Special Education and BA from Brown University in Psychology.

Session Title: Technology First: Policy, Practice, and Innovation

Kaley Day brings her passion to improve quality of life and access for people with disabilities in her current role as a Grant Projects Coordinator for the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities Longitudinal Data Project of National Significance (Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas). Kaley graduated from the University of Denver with her bachelor’s degree in strategic communications in 2012. She spent 13 years with AdvocacyDenver, the Denver County chapter of the Arc, serving as Coordinator for Communications and Grant Development and Advocate for Adults assisting clients and families in navigating life, home- and community-based services, and the legal system in Colorado. Kaley has a sibling with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs, and is a founding member of Rocky Mountain Sibs, the Colorado chapter of the Sibling Leadership Network.

Session Title: Technology First: Policy, Practice, and Innovation

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 Manager. Alexa currently serves as the President on the Board of Self Advocates United As 1 (SAU1). She has also served on the Smart Home Advisory Committee through the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), as well as the Wireless RERC Advisory Committee through the University of Pittsburgh. Most recently, she is a participant in the Assistive Technology Champions Program through Temple University. Alexa has Cerebral Palsy and 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 as many people learn about, and access the technology they need to be as independent as possible.

Yvonne Hughes was 26 when she was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an incurable genetic eye disease that leads to vision loss. Though the diagnosis altered her path, it also opened doors—leading her to become one of Philadelphia’s most dedicated advocates for people with disabilities, those in recovery, and individuals seeking housing, food, and education. Over the years, Hughes has advised city and state officials, led community initiatives, and helped countless individuals access critical resources. Now Vice Chair of the Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities, she continues to push for systemic change while empowering others to advocate for themselves.

Liam Holland graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and minors in Disability Studies, Mathematics, Irish Studies, and Peace and Justice. His experiences with Cerebral Palsy have shaped my adaptability and resilience. Currently, he is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Liberal Studies at Villanova University while participating in the Pennsylvania C2P2 Program and completing the AAPD Disability Advocacy Certificate Program. Through the AAPD program, he was placed at TechOWL as an intern, where he contributed to accessible gaming and assistive technology initiatives. He is dedicated to creating systemic change and empowering marginalized communities through advocacy, education, and technology.

Suzanne Erb has dedicated her career to self-advocacy and inclusion, becoming the first totally blind student at her local public high school in 1971. With a Master's in Counseling Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, she has over 30 years of experience in direct service, case management supervision, and training in the disabilities field. As an Accessibility Consultant, she advises public and private entities on creating welcoming, accessible spaces and provides disability etiquette training for various organizations. She has also served on multiple boards and commissions, including Disability Rights Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, while also being an accomplished musician in her spare time.

Victoria Nedza is an advocate for the Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy community and has been afforded the opportunity to share her voice in front of Congress and various graduate schools providing occupational and physical therapy students a personal look into a progressive neuromuscular condition in an effort to curtail some of the burdens faced in healthcare today. As a person with a disability, she specifically uses assistive technology and adaptive products to assist in activities of daily living and to maintain independence at home.