Schedule

Click here to download the 2026 LIFE Conference Schedule (PDF).

Click here to view the 2026 Session Descriptions.

Click here to download the 2026 Session Descriptions (MS Word).

Time.
Delaware Room.
Ballroom B.
Ballroom C.
8:00AM – 8:30AM.
Registration, Continental Breakfast and Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
8:30AM – 8:45AM.

Welcome Remarks.

 Speaker:
Golda Duncan, BS.
8:45AM – 9:30AM.

Keynote Address: Moving Forward Together: A Panel Discussion with Advocates.

 Speakers:
Maitri Campbell.
Jessica Davenport, BS.
Amy Gootzait.
Ed Gootzait.
Dejza Harris.
Michael Harris.
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.
Concurrent Session 1

Assistive Technology Access and Use in Schools: What the Law Says and How to Make Things Happen!

 Speakers:
Emmanuel Jenkins.
Hannah Mennella, MA, CCC-SLP.
Beth Mineo, PhD, CCC-SLP.

A Seat at the Table: Make Your Voice Heard!

 Speakers:
Senator Spiros Mantzavinos, MA.
Andrew Wilson, BA, JD.
Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton.

Delaware’s Work with the National Community of Practice (CoP) for Supporting Families.

 Speakers:
Sarah Westerfield Brooks, PhD.
Laura Dicus-Vegas, MPS.
Zachary Enzor.
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.
Concurrent Session 2

Give Yourself a Break: Relax and Learn about Self-Care and Mental Wellness.

Speakers:
Daniel Lanier III.
Hiba Stancofski, MS.
Laura Strmel, MPA.

Advocacy 101: How to Speak Up and Make a Difference.

Speakers:
Selina Butcher, BS.
Maitri Campbell.
Nancy Cordrey.

Expanding Decision-making Options for Individuals with Disabilities: Delaware’s Legal Support Choices.

Speakers:
Marissa Band, Esq., MPAP.
Ashley Steinbrecher, MS.
Hope Vella, BSW, MS.
Juan Villicana.
Juan Luis Villicana.
3:00PM – 3:15PM.
Break – Networking & Visit Sponsor Exhibitors.
3:15PM – 4:30PM.
Concurrent Session 3

Parenting with a Disability: I Can Do This!

Speakers:
Alvin Emory.
Laura Greene.
Kelly Manogue, BA.

Achieving Financial Independence While Benefiting from Social Security: New Year – New Rules!

Speakers:
Saikye Johnson.
Alan Scott, AAS, WIP, CPWIC.

Exploring Service Dogs and Therapy Animals: Paws with a Purpose!

Speakers:
Taylor Kulp.
Kate Rosenthal.
Jules Vasaturo.
4:30PM – 4:45PM.
Adjourn: Turn in Evaluations and Prize Giveaway.

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