PA Technology Summit: Pittsburgh Details and Agenda

Pennsylvania Technology Summit: Pittsburgh
Thursday, March 13, 2025

Registration and more information about the 2025 Pennsylvania Technology Summit.

Summit Location

Carlow University

  • Heyl Theater-Antonian Hall
    (registration, opening, and closing events)
    3333 Fifth Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  • AJ Palumbo Science and Technology Center
    3305 Fifth Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Parking

  • Public parking is available at the Forbes Semple Garage (0.5 miles / 11 minute walk to Heyl Theater/Antonian Hall):
    Forbes Semple Garage
    210 Meyran Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  • For speakers, vendors, and Summit staff: Parking is available in Lot A.

Dining

Lunch and light refreshments provided in the AJP Atrium.

Please note: Carlow University does not allow food in the classrooms or the theater. Food is allowed in Heyl Lobby and the AJP Atrium and hallways.

Event Contact

Kristy Crocetto
Email: kristy.crocetto@temple.edu 

Program Schedule

  • 8 a.m. Registration Opens (Heyl Lobby), Exhibit Hall Opens (AJP Atrium)
  • 9 a.m.
    Welcome Remarks
    (Heyl Theater), Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long-Term Living
  • 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
    Keynote
    (Heyl Theater), Rebekah Taussig, PhD
  • 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. Break with Refreshments, Transition to Session 1
  • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
    Session 1
  • 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. Lunch (AJP Atrium)
  • 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
    Session 2
  • 1:30 - 1:45 p.m. Transition time to Session 3
  • 1:45 - 2:45 p.m.
    Session 3
  • 2:45 - 3:15 p.m. Break
  • 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
    Closing Panel
    : Real Stories from AT Users (Heyl Theater)
  • 4:15 - 4:30 p.m.
    Closing Remarks
    (Heyl Theater), Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long-Term Living

 

Session Details

Session 1 — 10:30 a.m.

Session 1 Strands

From Advocacy to Action: Policies and Funding for Assistive Technology (AJP117)

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

  • Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Associate Director of Policy, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
  • Ella Schaltenbrand, Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Pennsylvania  

Innovative Remote Supports for Everyday Living (AJP 113)

Remote Supports: Key Considerations

  • Mike Marotta, ATP

Technology for Access and Community Living (Heyl Theater)

Question & Answer

  • Rebekah Taussig, PhD

Technology Accelerator: Into the Future (AJP 115)

Technology Solutions Specialists: Learning from the Experts

  • Facilitator: Lisa Tesler
  • Panelists: Matt Smith, Gretchen Laudenslager, Quinn Crispell, Joseph Reisner, Bobby Evans, Nae Vallegos, Andre Rhone, Christopher Moore
Session 2 — 12:30 p.m.

Session 2 Strands

From Advocacy to Action: Policies and Funding for Assistive Technology (AJP117)

Access to Technology for Aging in Place

  • Monique Chabot, OTD, OTR/L, SCEM, Associate Director, Assistive Technology, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University

Innovative Remote Supports for Everyday Living (AJP113)

Fostering Independence and Safety Using Technology

  • Diana Petschauer, M.Ed., ATP, Director, Assistive Technology, Lifesteps

Technology for Access and Community Living (Heyl Theater)

Smart Home and Home Modifications: A Team Approach

  • Kara Yost, MS, OTR/L
  • Lynn Stewart-Krieger, ECHM, CEAC, CAPS, Environmental Accessibility Specialist, Inglis

Technology Accelerator: Into the Future (AJP 115)

Leveling Up: The Pennsylvania Technology Accelerator

  • Patrick DeMico, Executive Director of The Provider Alliance 
  • Shea Tanis, PhD, Associate Research Professor, Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas
  • Kaley Day, Grants Projects Coordinator,  Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas
Session 3 — 1:45 p.m.

Session 3 Strands

From Advocacy to Action: Policies and Funding for Assistive Technology (AJP117)

Funding Your Assistive Technology  

  • Will Hall  

Innovative Remote Supports for Everyday Living (AJP113)

Thousands of People, Millions of Hours of Consistent, Person-Centered Support

  • Don Shirley

Technology for Access and Community Living (Heyl Theater)

Tips for a Successful Smart Home Technology Installation

  • Jeff Ruffing, MS, ATP, RET, CAPS, Assistive Technology Development Specialist, Inglis Community Services
  • Gina Novario, OTD, OTR/L, Advanced Rehabilitation Research and Training Fellow, University of Pittsburgh
  • Jack Fried, MS, ATP, Clinical and Research Engineer, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Center for Assistive Technology

Technology Accelerator: Into the Future (AJP115)

Technology First: Policy, Practice, and Innovation

  • Shea Tanis, PhD, Associate Research Professor, Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas
  • Kaley Day, Grants Projects Coordinator, Kansas University Center on Disabilities, Life Span Institute, University of Kansas

About the Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator

The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education and Human Development is partnering with the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long-Term Living, Department of Human Services, and the University of Kansas Center on Disabilities' State of the States team on a statewide initiative called PA Tech Accelerator.  

The goal of the program is to expand the awareness of, and access to, assistive technology (AT), to build capacity of AT users and to measure effectiveness around AT use, access and service across the Commonwealth.

This project is made possible by Pennsylvania's Department Human Services through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Logos of partner organizations: PA Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Long Term Living, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University College of Education and Human Development, University of Kansas Center on Disabilities, and State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities