The 2018 TechSummit
JUNE 15, 2018
9AM – 4PM
From tablet and phone apps to in-home remote support systems, this one-day event offers attendees a chance to learn about different kinds of technology available to support people with developmental disabilities who want more independence in their lives.
People with disabilities, their families, advocates, and professionals will hear from experts in the disability field from across the country. Advocates and family members will talk about the technology that has influenced their lives.
This event is $50 for professionals and free for adults with DD and family members.
For more information, contact:
Coordinator, Technology Project
Tel: (614-688-3155)
For full bios, select an image below
Manager of Applied Research
Transportation Research Center, Inc.
Dr. Every leads efforts in TRC Inc.’s growing research operation including the refinement of comprehensive resources for testing, validation and development of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV). Dr. Every Received his PhD from The Ohio State University with Research supported by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in prototyping and assessment of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) utilizing Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) simulation. Upon Graduation, he joined TRC to lead NHTSA’s Automated Vehicle testing and evaluation program at VRTC. This program led to the creation of test procedures and advanced performance metrics for Automated Driving Systems (ADS).
In 2017 Dr. Every transitioned to TRC Inc.’s Applied Research division to lead the expansion of ADAS and AV related capabilities, in conjunction with the construction of TRC’s SMART (Smart Mobility Advanced Research and Test) Center. His current work is focused on creating testing methods for vehicle automation systems, and developing procedures to ensure the safety of controlled environment testing and on-road deployments.
Nathanael “Nate” Johnston graduated from NW High School 2013. He attends KENT State University and is currently in a work/ study Program in Medical Records at a Local Hospital.
Nate’s interests include: Movies, Theater, Acting, Bicycling, & Swimming.
Devika Rao is the Vice President, Account Services for O’Neill Communications, a full-service interactive marketing agency in Atlanta, GA.
She leads and manages interactive and impactful marketing, communications and public relations strategies for nonprofits and government agencies, which include statewide disability councils and other disability community-focused organizations. She has also written, Doing Good, a successful weekly column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper that allowed her to expand her communications reach by sharing stories about thoughtful acts of kindness and community stewardship.
Her passion and love for communicating through the medium of storytelling have allowed her to share her expertise on personal branding, social media, and content marketing to universities, professional organizations, and national conferences. Devika is a proud alumna of Penn State University, and currently resides in Atlanta, GA.
CEO and President of SimplyHome, LLC and CMI, Inc.; BS MTE University of Alabama 1982; Licensed PE (1988-1998); Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) in 2009; Since 1988, owned and operated several companies throughout the midwest and south dedicated to serving the elderly, veterans, physically disabled as well as children and adults with IDD, TBI, MH, MI. Mr. Ray’s companies have been dedicated to serving individuals requiring supports, services and facilities through Vocational Opportunities, Supported Home Care, Adult Family Homes, Community-Based-Residential Facilities, ICFs/MR, Assisted-living facilities, Skilled Nursing facilities and various independent living supports. Since 2004, SimplyHome has designed, engineered, developed and used assistive technology to increase independence and lower costs for seniors and people with disabilities or special needs. SimplyHome was the first company to receive national accreditation (CARF) using technology in support of independent living and aging in place and was the AT advisor for Extreme Makeover Home Edition for 2011; Mr. Ray is a national speaker, presenter and instructor on the use of assistive technology to international associations, state agencies, provider groups as well as US Senate Committee on Aging; former appointee by NC Governor to NC Health Reform Commission and NCDD Managed Care Policy Group; former Board member and officer of NC AAIDD and other trade associations; active member of several state associations; national member of ANCOR, ARC, NAIPC, AAIDD.
Shea Tanis, PhD – State of the States in Technology Use
Technology is ubiquitous in the routines and rhythms of our American culture, however, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have not had adequate opportunities to engage meaningfully with technologies in their daily lives. Dr. Tanis will present on a variety of innovative solutions that service delivery systems and states across the nation are using to responding to this great need and forecast future trends in technology use by people with intellectual and
Allen Ray – Empowering Independence: How Enabling Technology Creates Outcomes
What’s your “Why” for using technology? Where do you start? The what, how, where and why in utilizing technology should be more about achieving a person’s success and less about “Final Rules”, monitoring, EVV or which shiny objects to use. Attendees will hear how families, providers and funders from across the country are taking uniquely different approaches in creating more efficient outcomes where a person lives, works and plays.
Director John Martin
Director John Martin will give a presentation during lunch about Ohio’s use of technology
Alice Brouhard – How readily available technologies have promoted a self-directed life
Alice as a confirmed “appaholic” will share how the use of an iPad, two apps and now Amazon Alexa has given her daughter Kara an opportunity to live a self-directed life.
Susan and Nate Johnston – A family’s experience with remote support
Susan Johnston and her son, Nate Johnston, will share their experience transitioning to remote support (also known as remote monitoring). The session will explore the ways that the service has promoted independence and increased privacy for Nate.
Devika Rao – Social Media and Building Community
This session will guide individuals on accessing social media, engaging with local organizations and building your communities. The session will also cover managing online personas while engaging with your favorite organizations, brands, and people.
Ali Rahimi – Smart Community Support
Learn about how Intelligent Assistive Technology developed by Medforall can provide higher degrees of autonomy to individuals with physical and cognitive disability, promoting independence and safety in the community. Ali will also discuss the many future applications of assistive technology in the expanding field of at home healthcare
Dan Davies – Travel support technologies for individuals with cognitive disabilities
This session will highlight new developments in travel support technologies for individuals with cognitive disabilities resulting from partnership between AbleLink Smart Living Technologies and the Accessible Transportation Technologies Research Initiative (ATTRI), a program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office. These emerging technologies are designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the area of independent community access and the use of public transportation. The latest advances in associated smart living technologies for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will also be presented.
Joshua Every, PhD – The future of transportation
Full vehicle automation offers substantial promise through improvements in mobility and independence, but the timeline for availability of this technology remains to be seen. Additionally, various systems are available currently which are designed to augment the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, while stopping short of full automation. A discussion of current state of the art in driving automation and advanced driver assistance systems will be presented including a discussion of potential near and long term benefits.
409 Altair Parkway
Westerville, OH 43082
The Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris hotel is a brand new space near the Polaris Mall in Westerville, Ohio. The venue includes a large parking area on the West side of the hotel with direct access to the conference venue. Just a short drive to the Polaris shopping center (which boasts 190 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options) or the Tanger Outlet mall and walking distance to restaurants, parks, and the Westerville recreation center; the Polaris Renaissance Hotel offers a meeting space close to many activities.
Reserve your room before June 2nd to receive a discounted rate for attending the 2018 Techsummit. You may reserve a room at the discounted rate by selecting this link or calling 614-882-6800.