Noted and Keynote Speakers
Accessible Worlds
Thomas H. & Megan A. Conway—This presentation will explore the promise of distance education and related technology in the international development of disability studies and disability awareness. The presentation will outline technological applications and design considerations for enhancing distance education as a valuable tool in the disability arena. Because distance education has the potential to bridge barriers of distance, cost, and environmental access, it can be utilized to bring together students, professionals, and stakeholders from diverse locations and cultures. Learn More...
Early Intervention
Patrick B. Donohue is the Founder and President of the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation (SJBF) which is a non-profit organization based in New York City named after his five-year-old daughter. Sarah Jane was violently shaken by her baby nurse when she was just five days old, breaking four ribs, both collarbones and causing a severe brain injury. Learn More...
Ending Poverty
Gary E. Shaheen, M.P.A. is a nationally recognized expert in the field of mental health rehabilitation, homelessness and systems change. For over twenty-six years in both the public and private sector he has been instrumental in shaping policy and programs at both the state and federal levels that help people with mental illnesses, co-occurring substance abuse disorders and those who are homeless fully integrate into their communities. Learn More...
Hidden Disabilities
As a child, LeDerick Horne believed he did not have much of a future. But despite being classified as neurologically impaired in the third grade, LeDerick has become a successful spoken word poet, playwright, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and advocate. Learn More...
Independent Living
A noted panel of “Living Treasures,” individuals involved in Independent Living for decades will discuss where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we’re going. These individuals have been pioneers in Independent Living in various parts of the country and the world and will share their experiences and expertise about the disability rights movement... Learn more
Intellectual Disabilities and Transition to Postsecondary Education and Employment
Debra Hart and Cate Weir—Noted researchers and national speakers from Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts will discuss innovative and inclusive college programs for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and other developmental disabilities. Speakers will discuss how current federal legislation supports individuals with ID in postsecondary education and emerging programs that support these students. Learn more
Dr. Olivia Raynor will discuss the development of a network of support built for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities participating in postsecondary education (PSE) in the State of California. The growth of PSE programs in California community colleges and universities has been supported by the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and other state agencies, making it possible for numerous youth to access and participate successfully in PSE programs. Learn more
Dr. Meg Grigal is a Senior Research Fellow at University of Massachusetts Boston at the Institute for Community Inclusion. Dr. Grigal is the Co-Principal Investigator for the NIDRR funded Center on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Dr. Grigal previously directed On-Campus Outreach (OCO), an OSEP funded outreach project at the University of Maryland. She has conducted and published research in the areas of, transition planning, postsecondary access, self-determination, inclusion, and the use of person centered planning techniques. Learn more
International Human Rights
Aaron Bishop joined the NCD staff in November 2010 as its Executive Director. He was a Professional Staff Member for the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee for Senator Mike Enzi. He has almost 20 years of experience working with and for individuals with disabilities in both the direct practice and public policy sectors. In his capacity as Professional Staff Member, Aaron handles disability related issues. Most recently he was a legislative assistant for the HELP Committee when the committee was chaired by Senator Judd Gregg. Learn more
Rangita de Silva de Alwis is the Director of International Human Rights Policy at the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College. She has worked with a vast network of civil society and government organizations to develop innovative women’s rights and human rights initiatives around the world including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Georgia and Egypt. Her work and teaching have focused on using international human rights norms to guide law reform initiatives. Learn more
Living Healthy Aging Well
Dr. Paul Glassman is Professor of Dental Practice and Director of Community Oral Health at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni, School of Dentistry in San Francisco. In addition, he is a former President of the Special Care Dentistry Association, a national organization of oral health and other professionals dedicated to improving oral health for people with special needs and older adults. He is also Director of the Pacific Center for Special Care and Director of the California Statewide Task Force on Oral Health for People with Disabilities and Aging Californians. Learn more
Caroline E. Sakai, PhD is a clinical psychologist and social worker in private practice. Previously, she was Chief Psychologist at Kaiser Hawai‘i Behavioral Health Services where she served for 31 years. She works with adults and children, with challenges ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, anger, pain, and health concerns. Learn more
Mental Health and Youth
Biracial and bicultural, Dr. C. Kimo Alameda grew up on the Big Island, a living example of multicultural Hawaii. His Portuguese and Hawaiian ancestry meant he grew up in two different cultural traditions. These childhood experiences prepared him for his early work as a school counselor and special education teacher. Learn More...
STEM & Environment and Health
A world renowned biologist and prolific speaker, Tyrone B. Hayes is a Professor of Integrative Biology at the University of California-Berkeley. He was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina where he developed an interest in amphibian biology and the influences that environmental changes have on their development, growth, and reproduction. Learn More...
Sustainable and Green Futures
Marcie Roth was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington, DC in June 2009. She serves as Senior Advisor to Administrator Fugate and Director of the FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, leading the Agency’s commitment to meet the access and functional needs of children and adults with disabilities in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Learn More...
Teach to Reach all Learners
Bonnie Utley has been an educator for over thirty years. Her work has included teaching learners from pre-school age to adulthood, as well as service in parent education, technical assistance, professional development, and teacher preparation in both general and special education. Her teacher licensure and Master’s degree are from the University of Kansas; her Ph.D. is from the University of Pittsburgh. Current research interests include examining the impact of performance assessment in teacher education, data driven decision-making, and Positive Behavior Support. Learn More...
Human Rights and Disability Studies
Bethany Stevens is a faculty member and policy analyst with the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD—a GA UCEDD) in the Institute of Public Health. Before joining the faculty at Georgia State University, Stevens served as a Center of Excellence for Sexual Health Scholar under former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher at Morehouse School of Medicine. She earned a B.A. in Art History and a J.D. at the University of Florida, as well as a M.A. in Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University. Learn More...
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