2024 Disability Health Action Summit

“The Arc of Pennsylvania is excited to announce the 1^st annual Disability Health Action Summit. The event is taking place on March 6^th, 2024 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey hotel and registration is now open! The theme of the day will be Advancing Health Equity for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

People with disabilities have long been experiencing health disparities. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, came worsened health outcomes for people with disabilities. It also brought about much needed attention and funds to research the emerging health disparities. The Arc of Pennsylvania was provided funds through the Pennsylvania Department of Health to do just that, and the results of the three-year long project are what prompted this summit. Years of previous research on this topic was further reinforced by the findings from the Arc of PA’s Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among People with Disabilities. Consequently, the need for a conference dedicated exclusively to addressing health equity for people with disabilities became apparent. The Disability Health Action Summit was made possible by a grant from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities – Pennsylvania Disability Advocacy Fund.

This conference seeks to dive deeper into four major focus areas: (1) Education of Medical Professionals, (2) Elevating the Voices of Self Advocates, (3) Policy Changes, and (4) Advancing Dental Care.

This is an in-person only event at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey hotel, with no option to attend or present virtually.

Purchase tickets at the bottom of this page.  Registration closes February 16, 2024!

Disability Health Action Summit Schedule

Wednesday March 6, 2024:

8:00 am – 8:30 am       Registration

8:30 am – 8:45 am       Welcome

8:45 am – 9:00 am       Opening – Keynote Speaker – Meghna Patel, Deputy Secretary of Policy and Planning, Office of the Governor

9:00 am – 10:00 am     Breakouts

Session A – Education of Medical Professionals: Session will include speakers from The Arc of Philadelphia, Shane Janick and Valerie Chadwick, a medical student speaker from Penn State College of Medicine, Lydia Smeltz, and speakers from Thomas Jefferson University, Dr. Mary Stephans and Karin Roseman.  Learn about inclusive practices, accessibility, communication techniques, and the importance of a person-centered approach in healthcare.”

Session B – Elevating the Voices of Self Advocates: Session will include a speaker from Achieva- Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, Sally Jo Synder, speakers from Jefferson Health- Center for Autism and Neurodiversity, Jane Tobias and Dr. Wendy Ross, and advocates from the Arc of PA, Alexa Brill, Jessica and Caden Capitani. We’ll explore the importance of recognizing the value of individuals with disabilities and their family member’s experience, knowledge, and providing them opportunities to participate in their own healthcare and make healthcare decisions.

10:00 am – 10:15 am    Break

10:15 am – 11:15 am     General Session – Tine Hansen-Turton, President and CEO of Woods Services.

During this session, attendees will learn how to seek out and establish innovative partnerships that benefit both partners and clients. You will also hear how Woods’ expertise in I/DD services has enabled the organization to lead the way in incorporating the healthcare side into its array of direct services as the industry moves into valued-based and managed care.

11:15 am – 11:45 am   Speaker – Dr. Maulik M. Trivedi , StationMD

StationMD is focused on telemedicine for individuals with I/DD. StationMD’s service provides on demand access anytime, anywhere to doctors who specialize in treating the I/DD community. Our doctors all complete extensive training that is specific to conditions and situations associated with I/DD. Our telehealth platform brings access and equity by addressing medical questions and conditions while that individual remains in the home and/or community. Our technology is specifically designed to be utilized by individuals with I/DD therefore providing a service that has been historically available to individuals without I/DD. Our doctors treat thousands of individuals with I/DD each year and are able to treat over 90% in place therefore assisting in avoiding unnecessary Emergency Room visits.

11:45 am – 1:00 pm     Lunch

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm      Breakouts

Session C – Advancing Dental Care: Session will include a speaker from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Alicia Risner-Bauman and speakers from The Arc of Indiana Michelle Jordan, Executive Director and Amy Pesci, Licensed Dental Hygienist and Parent Advocate.  Our speakers will discuss their innovative approaches to ensuring that people with disabilities receive adequate access to dental services.

Session D – Policy Changes: Session on policy changes will include speakers from The National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, Dr. Seth Keller and Nancy Murray, and a speaker from the Disability Healthcare Initiative, Vanessa Rastovic. We will hear about how disability health equity intersects with policy changes at both the state and the federal level.

 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm     General Session – Shaleea Shields, CEO and Andrea Palmer, Awake Labs

LumiCare is excited to invite you to a panel discussion exploring the impact of technology in the state of Pennsylvania. Join us as our panel shares insights on technology development and its role in promoting sustainability. Gain valuable perspectives on how various states across the country are addressing their technology needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about the evolving tech landscape and its implications for the Keystone State and beyond.

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm     Closing

• • Venue:

    Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel
    High Pointe Commons – 4650 Lindle Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111 ($169 per night)

    Click here to reserve hotel rooms.  The group rate link has been extended to 2/9/2024. 

  • Accommodations:

    The Arc of Pennsylvania will provide accessibility accommodations requested at least 20 days in advance.

    Questions:

    Email Emma Nolan at enolan@thearcpa.org or call 717-234-2621 Ext 116 with questions regarding registration or the summit.

    Email Susan WoskaBond at sbond@thearcpa.org or call 717-234-2621 Ext 107 with questions regarding the hotel information.

    Request for refund must be requested by 2/21/2024