Keynote Speaker – Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty has made a career of fighting for kids, equality, and fairness in our legal system. He has become the leading statewide advocate for addressing autism in the judiciary through his landmark initiative, Autism and the Courts. Thanks to his efforts, every county in the Commonwealth now takes part in this program, and its impact continues to grow.

Join us for this special discussion with Justice Dougherty as he explains why Autism and the Courts is his top priority, the challenges facing our justice system, and his vision for the future of accessibility in the courts. Justice Dougherty will be joined by Judge Dan Miller, Chair of the Autism in the Courts Committee in Allegheny County.

Breakout Sessions

Accessibility and Inclusion in an Often Inaccessible World: Self-Advocate Stories
Kayden Dunkin, Dominic Gordon, and Toni Maione

In this session, a panel of self-advocates will share their experiences navigating education, employment, community life, and relationships. Panelists will discuss strategies, supports, and inclusive practices that have enabled success and will offer guidance on how allies can partner with them to remove barriers and strengthen inclusion for everyone.

Accessing Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services in Allegheny County / Southwestern PA
Janice Meinert

According to a 2022 Special Report of the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Commission, one in three Pennsylvanians has a mental illness or substance use disorder. Accessing behavioral health treatment is critical to overall well-being, yet many people are unaware of available services or face barriers in obtaining them.

This training will cover programs and resources for behavioral health services available to children and adults in Pennsylvania. The focus will be on accessing services through Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, while also identifying additional resources such as county-based funding. Tips for addressing common access challenges will also be discussed.

Benefits for Veterans: Understanding and Navigating Programs Through the Veterans Administration
Michael V. Quatrini, Esq., and C. Denise Senft

The Veterans Administration offers numerous programs for veterans living with mental and physical disabilities. This session provides an overview of program availability, eligibility, and guidance on how veterans can take the first step toward securing benefits to which they are legally entitled.

Beyond Birth: Addressing Maternal Mental Health Inequities
Representative La’Tasha Mayes

Maternal mental health is a frequently overlooked component of maternal healthcare. In Western Pennsylvania, provider shortages, misconceptions in care, and systemic inequities leave pregnant women and birthing people vulnerable to maternal morbidity. Black mothers face the greatest risk due to structural racism and unequal access to care.

This session will explore the scope of this public health crisis, its disproportionate impact on Black mothers, and the policy and community actions needed to drive meaningful change across the Commonwealth.

Breaking Barriers Together: How Technology and Self-Advocacy Can Impact Communities
Dr. Dan Ding, Craig Douglass, Travis Fiem, Diana Petschauer, and Jeffrey Ruffing

Technology can be a gateway to greater independence for people with disabilities, but identifying the right tools is not always easy. This session explores how individuals, families, and caregivers can collaboratively evaluate and implement accessible technology to support personal goals.

Participants will learn about regional resources such as the AHS Smart Living Home and the University of Pittsburgh’s Accessible Smart Tech Lab and Healthy Home Lab, and will explore emerging technologies, including robotics and AI, as pathways to self-advocacy, dignity, and independence.

Chill Schools, Thriving Minds: How Mindfulness Creates Space for Everyone
Isabelle (Izzy) Cutler

This session explores how mindfulness and strengths-based mental health practices can create more regulated and connected school communities. Drawing on insights from the AHN Chill Project™, participants will learn practical strategies for fostering emotional regulation and well-being among students, educators, and families.

From Backpacks to Big Moves: How School-Based OT and PT Can Empower Every Step
Holly McElhinny, Ginger Nese, Christine C. Nypaver, and Jill Smolenski

This session provides a practical overview of how school-based occupational therapy and physical therapy support students in accessing learning, building independence, and participating in everyday school routines.

Housing Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Keirstyn Marcucci, Esq., Robert Taylor, Esq., and Morgan Williams, Esq.

This session focuses on disability housing rights under Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws, including reasonable accommodations, reasonable modifications, and how individuals can enforce their rights when discrimination occurs.

Inclusive Emergency Preparedness
Matthew Berwick and Knox T. Walk

Emergencies disproportionately impact individuals with disabilities. This session examines disability-informed emergency preparedness practices and highlights inclusive strategies for communication, sheltering, and continuity of care.

It Starts Here! Why Young Children Need Early Access to Services
Ashley Harland, Deysi Keegan, Kelly Kimmy, and Whitney Pecovish

This session highlights early childhood brain development and the importance of early access to disability and mental health services. Participants will learn about IFSPs, IEPs, and hands-on strategies to support social-emotional development, early language, and literacy.

Key Information to Understand and Navigate the Medicaid Changes Ahead
Erin Gabriel and Erin Guay

This session provides an overview of upcoming Medicaid changes beginning in late 2026 and early 2027, how individuals with disabilities may be affected, and steps to take to remain connected to coverage and care.

Leading with Your Disability in the Workplace and Beyond
Jess Grainger and Clare Killy

This session explores disability leadership, accessibility, and authenticity in professional and civic spaces, highlighting personal leadership journeys and advocacy across sectors.

Parkinson’s – More than Just a Tremor
Kelsey Harris and Laura Maines

This session explores the wide-ranging impacts of Parkinson’s disease, including mental health, cognition, and family dynamics, and discusses challenges in navigating care systems.

Peer Mentorship as Mental Health Support: Harnessing the Power of Lived Experience
Regis Charlton and Shawn McGill

This session highlights how peer mentorship models provide meaningful mental health support, promote self-determination, and foster inclusion through shared lived experience.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services for Those with Serious Mental Illness and/or Autism
Heather Conroy, Jamie Kulzer, Christopher Palmer, and Sheri Washington

This session examines how Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services have been adapted to support autistic adults across Pennsylvania and how similar approaches can be applied in other service settings.

Real People. Real Voices. Medicaid Matters
Christie Cyktor and Jacquelyn White

Through personal stories, this session illustrates the vital role Medicaid plays in healthcare access, community living, and independence for people with disabilities and their families.

The Relationship Between Media Representation and Employment Outcomes for People with Mental Health Disabilities
Scott Hammerstrom

This session explores how media portrayals shape public perception, reinforce stigma, and influence employment outcomes for people with mental health disabilities.

Transitioning to Adulthood: Accessing Medical Care and Supported Decision-Making — Everyone Needs Help Sometimes
Jenee’ N. Oliver, Esq., and Melissa Skiffen

This interactive session explores Supported Decision-Making as an alternative to guardianship and provides an overview of healthcare access, waiver services, and disability discrimination protections.

Unplugged: How a Lower-Tech Approach Fosters Healthy Development
Kristen Beddard, Dr. Nick Flower, and Katie Talarico

This session examines persuasive design in technology and how adopting lower-tech strategies can support mental, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

The Well Parent Effect: How Parent Mental Health Transforms Your Child’s Life and Future
Jennifer Forsyth, Kellie Kaminski-Johnson, and Maggie Zangara

This session explores the connection between caregiver mental health and child outcomes, emphasizing that caring for oneself is an essential part of caring for a child.

What I Wish My Family Knew About Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy
Liz Peace and Tessa Watkins

A clinician and a self-advocate discuss PDA, what it feels like internally, how to recognize episodes, and strategies to reduce stress and duration.

Legislative Panel