Session Descriptions

Introducing the history of Project STIR™ and People First of Ohio. Members of the panel are individuals with disabilities who have been empowered and gained leadership skills to advocate for themselves.

Panelists:

• Marci Straughter
• John Hannah
• Michael Richards
• Elizabeth Beu

Facilitators:

• Dana Charlton, OSDA
• Kraig Walker, People First of Ohio

Room: Edison 1

Drawing on more than 70 years of service, The Abilities Connection (TAC) shares its shift from facility-based programs to community-based, integrated employment. This session highlights how a clarified mission, staff transformation, employer partnerships, and a commitment to action over perfection helped TAC overcome resistance, transportation barriers, and traditional service models to support meaningful career pathways.

Presenters:

• Kevin Spriggs, TAC
• Nick Fields, TAC
• Madalyn Rowland, TAC

Room: Edison 2

Join us for Living Whole: The Whole Person, A Whole Life, a workshop designed to help you focus on your overall wellness. In this workshop, we will explore what it means to live a "whole life" where your mind and body are connected. You will learn practical concepts and tools to understand your emotions and to take care of yourself. Whether you're looking for more balance, a better understanding, or just a fresh start, this workshop will help you with learning how your mind and body are linked and how to take care of both.

Presenters:

• Holly Jones, DODD
• Jason Bunting, DODD

Room: Morgan 1 & 2

This session introduces the concept of a Covenant of Support, including its purpose, values, and how it started. Participants will explore how Covenants of Support have been used to build meaningful, lasting relationships that promote belonging, autonomy, and shared commitment.

Panelists:

• Sherri Yuskewich, mother of Kendall
• Janet Maine, mother of Matt and Maine Champion Coaching
• Marica Philipps, mother of Mark
• Sean Bostic, HCDDS Family Engagement Coordinator

Facilitator:

• Dawn Fruedenburg, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services

Room: Morgan 3

This session will be an interactive side-by-side workshop on the topic of dating and romantic relationships. Some of the sub-topics that will be included are:

• The importance of honoring desires for romantic relationships
• Practical suggestions for how to meet potential partners
• How to address and overcome common challenges and concerns (safety, transportation and access, obtaining needed supports while maintaining opportunities for privacy and intimacy, etc.)

Presenter:

• Amanda Tipkemper, Amanda Tipkemper, LLC

Room: Edison 1

Promoting the importance of art entrepreneurship/self-employment in Ohio for people with disabilities and to share what opportunities currently exist and have conversations on how we can further expand them. 

Panelists:

• Amy Hayden
• Amanda Branham
• Kristy Stepp
• Nick Comstock, OSDA

Facilitators:

• Alicia Hopkins OSDA
• Megan Fritze, Art Possible Ohio
• Anne Tapia, DODD

Room: Edison 2

This interactive session focuses on practical strategies for building a Covenant of Support and is open to both new and returning participants. Attendees will engage in guided activities to identify potential members, clarify purpose, and plan meaningful meetings that support ongoing connection and shared commitment.

Panelists:

• Sherri Yuskewich, mother of Kendall
• Janet Maine, mother of Matt and Maine Champion Coaching
• Marica Philipps, mother of Mark
• Sean Bostic, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services

Facilitator:

• Dawn Fruedenburg, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services

Room: Morgan 2 & 3

Explore technology in a fun, hands-on way! Participants will try different types of assistive technology, meet Ohio Tech Ambassadors, explore the Tech for OhioISP website and live demonstration of the new chatbot, take part in an assistive technology escape room, and create simple low-tech tools to take home. This session will help participants learn how technology can support independence, communication, choice, and everyday life.

Presenters:

• Renae Wilhelm, Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Tracy Schalk, Clearwater COG

Room: Wright 1

Effective healthcare is a partnership. Whether navigating a routine check-up or a medical emergency, having the right "toolkit" ensures your voice—or your loved one’s voice—is heard and respected. No one should navigate the system alone. By building a support network of family, friends, and peer advocates, you ensure a safer, more effective healthcare experience.

Panelists:

• Alicia Hopkins, Self-advocate
• Sarah Davies, Parent
• Evie Davies, Self-advocate
• Patrick Kilbane, Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Chris Cooley, Ohio Tech Ambassadors

Facilitator:

• Angie Blake, Department of Developmental Disabilities

Room: Edison 1 

Experts from the disability community discuss their experience actively advocating for themselves and others in different areas, including policy and legislation, healthcare, and civic engagement. 

Panelists:

• Alex Lomicka, Ohio Association of County Boards of DD (OACB)
• Jennifer Kuchera, Center for Disability Empowerment
• Brittany Maddox, Disability Rights Ohio
• Allison Boot, Access Center for Independent Living

Facilitator:

• Jules Patalita, The Ability Center

Room: Edison 2

This interactive session will guide participants through a hands-on exploration of how artificial intelligence can be used to create a Personal Support Assistant, a person-centered AI tool built from a “living profile" that evolves as someone’s needs, goals, and dreams change.

Presenters:

• Nick Comstock, OSDA
• Steve Pelton, We Thrive Together

Room: Morgan 2 & 3

Explore technology in a fun, hands-on way! Participants will try different types of assistive technology, meet Ohio Tech Ambassadors, explore the Tech for OhioISP website and live demonstration of the new chatbot, take part in an assistive technology escape room, and create simple low-tech tools to take home. This session will help participants learn how technology can support independence, communication, choice, and everyday life.

Presenters:

• Renae Wilhelm, Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Tracy Schalk, Clearwater COG

Room: Wright 1