2025 Schedule

Click here to download the 2025 LIFE Conference Schedule (PDF).

Click here to view the 2025 Session Descriptions.

Click here to download the 2025 Session Descriptions (MS Word).

Time.
Room 1.
Room 2.
Room 3.
8:00AM – 8:30AM.
Registration, Continental Breakfast and Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
8:30AM – 8:45AM.

Welcome Remarks.

 Speaker:
S. Hope Vella.
8:45AM – 9:30AM.

Keynote Address: We Are Worthy

 Speaker:
Kayla Kosmalski.
9:30AM – 10:00AM.
State Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) Awards.
10:00AM – 10:30AM.
Break – Networking & Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
10:30AM – 11:45AM.

Social Security Benefits & Paths to Gaining Financial Independence.

 Speakers:
Jillian Mathews.
Alan Scott, AAS, WIP, CPWIC.

A Seat at the Table: Make Your Voice Heard by Key Delaware Decision Makers!

Speakers:
DE Senator Eric Buckson, BS, MS.
DE Senator Trey Paradee, BA, MBA.
DE Senator Marie Pinkney, MSW, LCSW, CCM.
DE Representative Kevin Hensley.

Be Ready for Emergencies: Prepare Everyday.

 Speakers:
Beth MacDonald, BA, ED.
Lizzy MacDonald.
Laura Strmel, MPA.
11:45AM – 12:00PM.
Break – Networking & Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
12:00PM – 1:15PM
Luncheon.
1:15PM – 1:45PM.
Break – Networking & Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
1:45PM – 3:00PM.

Claiming Your Power: Protecting Civil Rights for People with Disabilities.

Speakers:
Marissa Band, Esq. MPAP.
Maitri Campbell.

“Everything to Somebody”: A Documentary Focused on Disability and Mental Health.

Speakers:
Greg Gouge.
Karyn Harvey, Ph.D.
Nancy Lemus.
Joey Melvin.
Phoenix.
Laura Thien.

Accessing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Across the Lifespan.

Speakers:
Julie Conway, SLPD, CCC-SLP, ATP
Jessica Davenport, B.S.
Beth Mineo, Ph.D., CCC-SLP.
3:00PM – 3:15PM.
Break – Networking & Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
3:15PM – 4:30PM.

Unlocking Potential: The Life-Changing Impact of Comprehensive Literacy.

Speakers:
Mateo Moreno.
Tina Moreno, M.A., CCC-SLP, ATP.

Aging with Dignity.

Speakers:
Rebecca Bradbeer.
Karin Roseman, MSW, LCSW.
Melissa A. Smith.
Dr. Mary Stephens, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FAADM.

The Journey to Employment… including Owning Your Own Business.

Speakers:
Stacey Bragg, MS.
Deb Cordrey.
Lillian Harrison.
4:30PM – 4:45PM.
Adjourn: Turn in Evaluations and Prize Giveaway.

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