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Concurrent Sessions Group E

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Meeting Level

Concurrent sessions are 75-minute small group discussions or panel presentations.

Meetings & Sessions

From Compliance to Control: Scaling Digital Accessibility Across Enterprise Systems

Most accessibility programs stall because no one owns outcomes. This session shows how to operationalize accessibility across complex institutions using governance, procurement, and measurable KPIs. Based on enterprise experience managing 70 plus systems and 600 plus sites, the session delivers methods to reduce backlog, increase SLA adherence above 90 percent, and drive enforceable vendor accountability.

Presenter(s)

Kevin Andrews,

Electronic and Information Technology Access Coord Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, UCEDD/LEND

Co Presenter(s)

Kevin Andrews, DC - Georgetown University Center for Child & Human Development, UCEDD/LEND

Trusted Knowledge in the Age of AI: Expanding Impact Through Partnership, Stewardship, and Responsible Innovation

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, disability organizations face new opportunities and responsibilities. Using two UCEDD developed AI initiatives as examples, this interactive discussion explores how trusted knowledge, community partnerships, and responsible AI can strengthen dissemination, expand impact, and support people with disabilities and their families. Participants will explore lessons from implementation, community co-development, cross-state collaboration, and usability evaluation involving adults with intellectual disability.

Presenter(s)

Derek Nord, PhD

Executive Director Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, UCEDD

Co Presenter(s)

Chesley Carr, MA, IN - Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, UCEDD
Sam Endris, MA, IN - Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, UCEDD
John Andresen, PhD, IN - Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, UCEDD
Matthew Wappett, PhD, UT - Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice, UCEDD/LEND

Expanding SC LEND Training to Early Undergraduates

Offering SC LEND training to early undergraduate students provides a meaningful opportunity to develop a strong foundation in disability advocacy, while also promoting career paths in this critical area. The courses integrate academic and experiential learning through leadership, advocacy, and clinical observation. The course has been impactful for high school dual enrollment students who have shown enthusiasm regarding future careers in advocacy.

Presenter(s)

Bettie Obi-Johnson, Ph.D.

Professor Center for Disability Resources, UCEDD/LEND

Co Presenter(s)

Amy C. Hood, M.Ed., University of South Carolina Lancaster, SC - Center for Disability Resources, UCEDD/LEND
Dominique H. Waller, M.S., University of South Carolina Lancaster, SC - Center for Disability Resources, UCEDD/LEND

Bridging the Gap in Emergency Preparedness for Autistic Children: Insights from Families, Autistic Adults, and First Responders

Autistic children face unique challenges during emergencies, yet disaster preparedness and response efforts often overlook their needs. The panel will present lived experiences of autistic adults, parents, and first responders in navigating disaster preparedness, and will include recommendations identified from an original study to improve disaster readiness, emergency resources, and EMS training for autistic children. Relevant to lived experience, pediatrics, public health, and health administration/policy.

Presenter(s)

Sadhana Matheswaran, B.S.

LEND Former Trainee & Study Coordinator Children's Research Institute, LEND

Co Presenter(s)

Namitasai Ande, LEND Former Trainee & Researcher, DC - Childrens Research Institute, LEND
Kathryn Ezenwa, Researcher, DC - Childrens Research Institute, LEND
Jamilah Sultan, Parent Advocate & LEND Former Trainee, DC - Childrens Research Institute, LEND
Benjamin Upbin, Self-Advocate & LEND Former Trainee, DC - Childrens Research Institute, LEND
Dustin Chandler, University of Alabama at Birmingham LEND - Paramedic & Parent Advocate
Mark Batshaw, Developmental Pediatrician, LEND Co-Director, DC - Childrens Research Institute, LEND
Annie Inge, Clinical Psychologist, LEND Co-Director, Study PI, DC - Childrens Research Institute, LEND

From Assessment to Employment: Building an Integrated Career Pathway for Youth and Adults with Disabilities

From Assessment to Employment: Building an Integrated Career Pathway for Youth and Adults with Disabilities

Presenter(s)

Rachel Ray, M.A..

Assistant Professor Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics & Rehabilitation, UCEDD/LEND

Co Presenter(s)

Rhonda Haitz, MPA, NE - Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics & Rehabilitation, UCEDD/LEND
Tonisha, Jorgensen, Nebraska-Vocational Rehabilitation
Kate Jover, BS, NE - Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics & Rehabilitation, UCEDD/LEND
Jason, DeWater, CEO, iFixAmerica

Contributing Author(s)

Marla Smith, MS, NE - Munroe-Meyer Institute of Genetics & Rehabilitation, UCEDD/LEND
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