2025 Schedule

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.
Christina O’Connor.

“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.
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.

Use #LIFEConferenceDE2025 to share your excitement for the LIFE Conference XXVI on social media!