Disability & Aging Summit

2024 Disability & Aging Summit

Inclusive Aging in Alaska: Thriving and Growing Together

BRIDGING THE CARE GAP

AGING WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

The increased life expectancy of individuals with intellectual disabilities marks a positive shift in societal attitudes and advancements in healthcare. Historical mistreatment and unethical practices have given way to improved life expectancies. This is a huge development that has now increased the gap in care for individuals with IDD. This gap highlights the need for increased education, training, and research on how to care for aging adults with IDD. The Disability and Aging Summit is a way for people to come together and explore the factors that have contributed to the improved life expectancy of individuals with IDD and to identify the challenges that remain in caring for this population as they age.

TWO-DAY SUMMIT

SESSIONS

Disabilities & Relationships
Innovation with Senior Housing
Action Panel with Representatives & Senators
Advocacy in the Hospital – Navigating End-of-Life Care
Dementia
Elder Panel

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins was born with cerebral palsy and started her life of activism for disability rights at the age of six. At age eight, she climbed out of her wheelchair and up the steps of the US Capital Building during the Capital Crawl, in support of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The media coverage of her iconic act earned her a seat at the table within the disability rights movement, and helped galvanize Congress into passing the first ever civil rights legislation for disabled Americans.

COALITION

Michele Girault

Hope Community Resources – CEO

Emily Vandergon

Special Olympics Alaska – Inclusive Health Manager

Ian Casey

The Arc of Anchorage – CEO

Yasmin Radbod

Alaska Commission on Aging – Rural Outreach Coordinator

Riki Chapman

AK Training Cooperative Center for Human Development

Aging & Dementia/Long Term Care Disabilities Training Coordinator

Lisa Cauble

AK Training Coopertaive Center for Human Development

Training / CHD Director

Stephanie Wheeler

State of Alaska – Long Term Care Ombudsman

Lanny Mommsen

State of Alaska Council on Disabilities & Special Education

Research Analyst III

Richard Saville

State of Alaska Council on Disabilities & Special Education

Program Coordinator 2

Brenda Overcast

AK Training Cooperative Center for Human Development

CHD Information Systems Coordinator