Keynote Presenter:

Smart Homes to Support Functional Independence

Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L FAOTA

Professor Emeritus, Occupational Therapy Department – Virginia Commonwealth University  

Special Guest:

Director Kim Hauck

Director of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Breakout Presenters:

Amanda Brooks

Regional Support Facilitator, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Omar Chirinos

Director of Innovative Services, The Charles Lea Center

Bill Darling, PhD

Director, Assistive Technology of Ohio – Integrated Systems of Engineering, The Ohio State University

Katalin Daigle

AngelSense

Mary Allen

Director of QA Solutions Management, Toward Independence

Matthew Kaufman, MD

CEO, StationMD

Eric Robinson

Assistive Technology Director, Wynn-Reeth

Melissa Scheifelbein

CEO, Bloomhealth

Mark Schlater

CEO, Toward Independence

Anne Tapia, LISW

Community Life Engagement Project Manager for Southwest Ohio, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Jordan Wagner

Project Manager, Technology Projects – The Ohio State University Nisonger Center

Jennifer White

CEO, Able Opportunities, Inc.

Panelists:

James Finley

Executive Vice President, THS Remote Support Services

Ken Smith

President/Founder, Ability Tech LLC

Brian Hart

COO, LADD

Moderator:

Kelly Schuck

Community Life Engagement Project Manager for Northwest Ohio, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Smart Homes to Support Functional Independence 

Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L FAOTA (Virginia Commonwealth University)

Your home should be a safe haven and support for your everyday activities, not an obstacle to function. If you have cognitive, sensory or mobility difficulties, home-based assistive technologies can help. From low-tech grab bars to high-tech smart appliances, an individualized suite of tools can help you manage your everyday tasks, while conserving energy and living safely at home. This talk will survey up-to-date and affordable assistive technologies, informational resources, and funding options for making your house or apartment a smarter, safer, more enabling home, and will include a walk-through video of a smart home solution for a couple with intellectual disability.

PLENARY SESSION

Off the Shelf Technology Accommodations

Jennifer White (Able Opportunities, Inc.)

Smart home devices, smart phones and tablets, these off the shelf tech tools have radically changed accommodation. As a tool of the masses, these devices allow for very strong and affective incidental learning. Immersed in a life where tech is modeled everywhere, lessons, fixes, cool new apps and demonstration of use to navigate the world abound.

With one smart device, a person can access literally millions of apps for a plethora of uses; expressive and receptive communication, focus, self-care, health, organization, travel, access, safety, networking, production, reporting, education, participation, independent living, entertainment and self-advocacy, to name a few. These tools increase choices at home, access in the community and success in employment.

Join us, to learn more about working models in this revolution!

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Innovation: The New Normal for Job Seekers

Omar Chirinos (The Charles Lea Center) 

Diversifying supports to job seekers and employees with disabilities will be key factors in obtaining and maintaining successful competitive integrated employment. This presentation will demonstrate a roadmap for providers to embrace innovation and technology. From the basics to advanced implementation, providers will take a critical view of the challenges associated with traditional supports while exploring the opportunities innovation and technology offered to both the employee and the employer.

Panel Presentation: Use of Technology to Enhance Health and Safety
James Finley (THS Remote Support) | Ken Smith (AblityTech, NextGen) | Brian Hart (LADD) | Moderated by Kelly Schuck (DODD)

A panel of three technology experts will discuss ways that technology can enhance health and safety.

StationMD Pilot: Feedback from Enrollees and Provider Organizations

Matthew Kaufman, MD (StationMD) | Mark Schlater (Toward Independence) | Jordan Wagner (OSU Nisonger Center) 

Through fiscal year 2022, StationMD services were provided to 5000 people in Ohio. Surveys and focus groups were conducted to collect feedback. Join this session to hear from Toward Independence about the impact StationMD had with enrollees and in their organization. Then The Ohio State University Nisonger Center will provide insights based on feedback from those enrolled and provider organizations.

Technology Demonstrations – AngelSense: Assistive Technology for Safety and Independence + Smart Medication Dispensation: Tools for Medication Adherence

Melissa Sheifelbein (Bloomhealth) | Katalin Daigle (AngelSense) | Eric Robinson (Wynn-Reeth)

In this session, see demonstrations of how 2 different technologies can help someone to be more independent and have enhanced accountability

Technology to Aid in Employment

Bill Darling, PhD (Assistive Technology of Ohio – Integrated Systems of Engineering The Ohio State University)

One of the most important areas for the utilization of assistive technology is employment. Assistive technology opens up vocational opportunities for people with disabilities and helps employers not only hire workers with disabilities but also keep valuable employees on the job. This presentation will look at the types of technologies in the A.T. field that are used in the world of work, and take a peek at technologies currently in development, and how A.T. continues to increase career opportunities for people with disabilities in the workplace.

What the tech?! Assessing and Planning for Assistive Tech and Remote Supports

Anne Tapia, LISW (DODD) | Amanda Brooks (DODD)

Do you have questions about the state of Ohio being a Technology First state? Are you questioning how technology can support someone? Or maybe you think technology could help but are not sure where to start. If so, this training is for you! Ohio offers several resources to support people using technology. This training is not about making you an expert in technology, it is about including technology in the conversation, exploring the possibilities, and knowing how to access available resources and technology experts.

SCHEDULE

VENDORS

SPACE IS LIMITED – REGISTER TODAY!

AngelSense

BoundaryCare

Family Resource Network of Ohio

I am Boundless

Magnifiers & More

Medforall

MPower Me

Mullaney’s/Guardian Pharmacy

NextGenAT, Inc.

Rest Assured

SafeInHome

StationMD

THS Remote Support Services

TruCare Provider Services

VRI

TechSummit Archive

For previous year’s session descriptions, presenter bios, and presentation slides, follow the links below.

TechSummit 2018

TechSummit 2.0: 

TechSummit 2021:

TechSummit 2022:

Keynote: 

Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L FOATA

Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L FAOTA is professor emeritus in the occupational therapy department at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. A graduate of Harvard College (BA), New York University (MA OT) and the University of Virginia (PhD), Dr. Gentry is a specialist in neurological rehabilitation whose research career has focused on assistive technology for cognition. An internationally recognized pioneer in this field, he founded the Assistive Technology for Cognition laboratory at VCU, conducting research into the development and utilization of personal health technologies, including mobile devices, apps, smart homes, and computer games to support individuals with cognitive-behavioral challenges. He has delivered courses and workshops on these strategies in 37 states and 7 foreign countries. Dr. Gentry and his wife Christine own and operate a home-based rehabilitation therapy company Neurological Expert Therapies. As a creative writer, Dr. Gentry has published a novel The Coal Tower, a story collection, a poetry collection and five young adult biographies. He blogs at tonygentry.com.

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Special Guest: 

Director Kim Hauck

Kimberly Hauck was appointed as director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities in January of 2022 by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Hauck previously served four years as Chief Policy Officer at DODD and four years as the Assistant Deputy Director for the state’s Early Intervention system. She began her career as a direct support professional providing services for people with developmental disabilities. Hauck then joined the Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a special education teacher and early intervention specialist. She also served in various other positions throughout her 22 years with the board including Director of Children’s Services and Director of Program Services.

Throughout her career, Hauck has been an advocate for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families. She received a Bachelor of Science in Special Education at the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Educational Administration from Xavier University.

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Breakout Presenters: 

Amanda Brooks, Regional Support Facilitator

Amanda Brooks serves as a Regional Support Facilitator (RSF) in the Division of Policy and Strategic Direction at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). In this role, she provides personalized support to Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs) and Service and Support Administrators (SSAs) in the Southwest Region of Ohio in all areas of the person-centered planning process including promotion and implementation of one plan across Ohio, the OhioISP. Through making connections, listening and learning the needs of the region, she assists by providing resources, education and conversation facilitation to ultimately fulfill the mission of DODD’s Office of Quality & Innovation which is to ensure that Ohioans eligible for developmental disability services have increased opportunities to live, love, learn, work, and pursue their own life aspirations through state-of-the-art planning, innovative technology, and integrated supports that focus on their talents, interests, and skills. Amanda recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary with DODD. Prior to working as an RSF, Amanda served as a Compliance Reviewer with DODD. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Ohio Northern University and a Master of Science Degree in Business and Organizational Management Counseling from Wright State University. Amanda’s lifelong objective is to support and encourage ALL people to maximize their potential using innovation and resourcefulness. 

Omar Chirinos, Director Of Innovative Services

Omar Chirinos, Director of Innovative Services for the Charles Lea Center, specializes in creating new innovative ways to use Assistive Technology.  He has an Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Science with a Concentration in Cyber and Information Security Technology. To stay abreast of new technology, he regularly attends technology conferences to implement new technology trends within the Charles Lea Center and partnering agencies. Omar is a strong believer of empowering and enriching people with the use of technology.  

Previously, Omar worked as a Quality Analyst at Walmart Distribution where he was employed with the distribution for fifteen years. During his tenure with Walmart Distribution, he was one of the first to help initiate and implement Wal-mart.com shopping experience. He also led the Quality Analyst team while ensuring customers received quality products. 

Katalin Daigle

Katalin Daigle is passionate about helping individuals with autism and disabilities reach their full potential. Following her graduation from SVSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology she went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Leadership where she focused her research on Neuroscience at the Brain Research Lab. She began her career as a Behavior Technician working in ABA therapy with young children diagnosed with ASD and later joined a national ABA company to help families access services throughout the country. Since 2021, she has been working with AngelSense assistive technology to expand their impact throughout the US.

Mary Allen, Director of QA Solutions Management

Mary Allen has a long history of advocating for people with developmental disabilities. Her experiences as a ward of the state equipped her with a passion for service and a desire to help those in need. With a long history in the DD field, unique experiences and a diverse skill set, Mary now provides support in an administrative role by ensuring that our individuals receive the highest quality of care.

Matthew Kaufman, MD, Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Matthew Kaufman is CEO of StationMD- a telemedicine company designed to improve access to medical care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and underserved populations.  His team currently serves over 30,000 people across 12 states.

Dr. Kaufman has spent his career seeking to meet the needs of underserved populations through innovation. He received his MD at SUNY-Downstate and trained in emergency and internal medicine, hematology and oncology at Northwell Health.  He has served as medical director of emergency departments and continues to practice emergency medicine in the New York City area.  He was honored to be given the 2022 AAIDD Leadership Award and one of 2019’s Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Healthcare Innovators.

Eric Robinson

Armed with a degree in Communication from the University of Toledo, Eric has spent several years in the world of corporate management where he has honed his skills in team leadership and project management.  He himself, having a daughter with special needs, has taken a particular interest in Ohio’s field of Developmental Disability services and ultimately came to Wynn-Reeth where he began adding technology services to his list of specialized skills.   

Fast forwarding to today, Eric is the Assistive Technology Director where he specializes in creating customized solutions for each person Wynn-Reeth serves.  As the single point of contact for all things technology, Eric is responsible for creating Remote Support solutions, Assistive Technology solutions, and for assisting support teams to seamlessly integrate them into the lives of each person served. 

Melissa Shiefelbein, Chief Executive Officer

My name is Melissa Schiefelbein. I began my journey as a teacher, specializing in Early Childhood education and development. When my son was diagnosed with autism, everything changed. I quit my job in teaching to focus on him and navigate through the world of  providing the services he needed. As I sat with him in all of his therapies, I was drawn to Applied Behavioral Analysis. I watched my son learn so many skills and I decided that the best thing for him was to learn how to implement his therapy at home. I went back to school for ABA, became an RBT and then eventually became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, helping children like my son by developing their treatment plans and training their technicians. There was just one problem – the parent connection was still missing. I still sat with parents of my patients and listened to their concerns of how the skills they were learning in therapy were not happening at home. Worse, there were parents that sat on waitlists just to get help for their children. I decided that what the world needs is education for parents – the ability to implement treatment at home, as that made all the difference for my son. I also saw that it’s still difficult for parents to find answers to their questions and decided that it needed to be much easier. 

Mark Schlater, CEO

Mark has a lifetime of experience in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services.  His passion for people with developmental disabilities began with a field trip to Orient Developmental Center in the late 70s and that visit sparked a passion in Mark to advocate for changes in the system of how we care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Over his 43 years of service, Mark is credited with developing homes and services for individuals with IDD in 24 of the 88 counties in Ohio.  He has been successful in developing and maintaining quality operations through outstanding organizational processes and problem-solving techniques.  He emphasizes the importance of quality by being strategic in daily efforts.  execution: quality is never an accident; “it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Services from Urbana University as well as his QDIP certification through Wright State University.  He began his career as a direct support professional while attending Urbana University.  For the past 10 years, he has been the CEO of Toward Independence located in Xenia, Ohio.   He worked for 7 years as the COO for the Council on Rural Services, Inc., a Head Start and Early Head Start organization that serves nine Ohio counties, and he worked as a COO for 28 years at CRSI, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Anne Tapia, LISW

Anne Tapia, LISW, (she/her) has a passion for supporting people through the lens of intersectionality.  She serves as the Community Life Engagement Project Manager for Southwest Ohio at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.  In this role she  supports people with disabilities, families, county boards of developmental disabilities, providers, intermediate care facilities, and other regional teams related to innovative technology, the transition from school to adulthood, community employment, transportation, and the array of adult services available while coordinating Ohio’s Employment First and Technology First initiatives. Anne is also an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Cincinnati teaching a course in Developmental Disabilities.  Anne’s prior experience includes serving as the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) in which she connected stakeholders in the autism community while considering gaps, needs and opportunities for autistic people across the lifespan.  In addition, she has supported children and families across multiple systems including, child welfare, juvenile justice, developmental disability and mental health systems.  Her work has included developing, implementing and administering services within the home and school environments for children and young adults with intense needs, including individuals with dual diagnoses.  Anne has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University and Masters in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati.  She is a licensed independent social worker in the state of Ohio. 

Jordan Wagner

Working as a Direct Support Professional, Jordan Wagner began his work in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as a psychology student at The Ohio State University more than a decade ago. In this role, he made many friends who had developmental disabilities and assisted them in areas where it was difficult for them to help themselves. He sought to encourage independence for those with whom he worked. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Mr. Wagner now works at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), as Project Manager for Nisonger Center Technology Projects. In this role, Jordan incorporates his experience assisting individuals with IDD, his passion for promoting independence, and his enthusiasm for technology. With the collaborative effort of the Technology Projects team, Jordan has conducted research activities with regard to technology related services to support individuals with IDD; worked to familiarize himself with technologies, both current and emerging; coordinated efforts to plan the annual TechSummit conferences and organized tours of the Smart Home Discovery Place, tailored to the needs of the tour participants.

To see a full list of Technology Project Publications and current research initiatives, visit go.osu.edu/NisongerTech.

Jennifer White

Jennifer White, CEO, Able Opportunities, Inc., is a national Subject Matter Expert and Corporate Disability Inclusion Specialist. She is recognized for her creation of low and high tech Person Driven Accommodation strategies and tools. Jennifer’s experience includes school, residential, community and work supports, university research, collaboration to honor and include the culture of first nation peoples, and cross agency projects serving people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Her drive to level the playing field with appropriate accommodations has resulted in decades of innovation. Her enthusiasm, based in functional solutions, is contagious.