25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability Draws Leaders in Advocacy, Policy

The University of Scranton marked a milestone anniversary at this year's U.S. Conference on Disability, celebrating with an exceptional lineup of nationally known speakers and advocates who addressed one of the largest crowds in the event's history.

In addition to the 185-plus registered participants at the 25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability, an overflow crowd of about 75 students packed the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center for the day's final presentation by Rebecca Alexander.

Alexander spoke to the crowd about living with progressive vision and hearing loss, yet overcoming those challenges to find professional success as an author, psychotherapist and athlete.

While Alexander capped the all-day program, Bob Casey, former United States Senator and current Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service at The University of Scranton, and Lori Shapiro, Pennsylvania's First Lady and a disability rights advocate, spoke on stage earlier in the morning. Sen. Casey and First Lady Shapiro discussed issues including expanding employment opportunities and raising awareness of the talents of individuals with disabilities.

Following their discussion, Sen. Casey and First Lady Shapiro each received awards recognizing their contributions and leadership. Sen. Casey received the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Award for Excellence in Disability Policy. First Lady Shapiro received the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Award for Excellence in Promoting Inclusive Employer Partnerships. Also, Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University's Counseling and Human Services Department, received the Dr. Ralph N. Pacinelli Leadership Award.

Additionally, Mason Ameri, Ph.D., a professor at Rutgers University, presented, "Disability Employment Now," and Kerry Magro, Ed.D., CEO and founder of KFM Making a Difference, presented "From Nonspeaking to Netflix: One Man's Autism Journey to Professional Speaker and Love on the Spectrum U.S." Longtime Conference supporters Kathy West-Evans and John Evans, consultants and co-founders of Abilities United Consulting, presented "A Career Focus: Moving Forward Through Change."

"There is something especially fitting about this Conference taking place at The University of Scranton, where, as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, we are called to accompany one another in pursuit of a more compassionate and just world," Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, wrote in the event's program. "Each year, the Conference reminds us of a simple but profound truth: every person is blessed with inherent dignity and gifts that enrich our community. Sometimes, there are complications and barriers in their way. But when those barriers are removed and opportunities are expanded, individuals are empowered to remind us that progress may be achieved in countless ways from advocacy to policy to innovation and beyond."

The U.S. Conference on Disability was founded in 2002 by Edward R. '68, H'01 and Patricia Leahy in honor of their late son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., who was born with multiple disabilities.

Ever since, the Conference, presented by the University's Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment, has influenced thousands of attendees whose work has, in turn, positively impacted countless individuals with disabilities and their families.