Keynote Speaker
Evan Austin
Whether he is speaking to campus organizations, student-athletes or a ballroom full of people who just want to hear an inspiring story, Evan delivers an experience that leaves audience members filled with hope, a new perspective on not judging a book by its cover, and renewed belief in the ideal that hard work can make up for many things. Through his story-telling, Evan hopes audiences leave his program understanding that failure can be turned into fuel, that goals don’t just change but also evolve, and that in the end the process of pursuing a lifelong goal is in fact the greatest prize.
Evan is a 3-time Paralympic Swimmer, Team USA Captain, attended Indiana State University for his Bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sport Management, and is a proud member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. The now Gold and Bronze medalist is on the coaching staff of the Purdue University Swimming and Diving team as a Volunteer Assistant.
Presentation:
The Wait of Gold: Sacrifice, Failure, and Resilience in the Lifelong Pursuit of Excellence
In 28.98 seconds at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Evan realized a dream. He finished his event before everyone else in the world and was from that day forward a gold medalist. He won his event, but Evan's race was far from over.
Now, on the back side of competing again for Team USA at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024, Evan delivers his signature keynote, The Wait of Gold, differently. He shares with audiences that it is not only about the adversity one must withstand to achieve a dream but also the resilience needed to pick oneself up after feeling that there is nothing left to accomplish.
The Wait of Gold is Evan's story about how living with his disability continues to redefine what is normal and shapes how he navigates the challenges of dealing with failure and triumph.
Thank You Sponsors
Closing Keynote Speaker
Demarra West
Demarra has spent her entire career investing in the betterment of communities, organizations, and people starting with her work with Americorps which catapulted her work in the not for profit sector. Since then she has founded four entities dedicated to leveling the capacity and wellbeing playing field for individuals and institutions that need it the most. Her belief has always been that getting the support we need shouldn’t infringe on what we can afford so she has passionately worked to remove barriers to access her services so those who have historically been left behind can be adequately served, and therefore rise.
Presentation:
Inner Work Is the Path to Sustainable Inclusion
Inclusion isn’t just about who’s in the room—it’s about how people feel when they get there. It’s about creating spaces where everyone belongs, where voices are valued, and where authenticity is embraced. But here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: When we intentionally center inclusion in our own lives, we become more capable of fostering it for others. By setting the intention to lead with inclusion and making it a daily practice, we create environments where belonging is not only present but lasting. True inclusion is not just something we advocate for, it is something we live. When we cultivate it from the inside out, it becomes the foundation for the spaces we create and the connections we build.
AGENDA
- 8:30-9:00 AM – Registration, Networking, and Breakfast!
- 9:15-10:15 AM – KEYNOTE – Paralympian Evan Austin
- 10:30-11:45 AM – Breakout 1
- Accessible Content, Max Hornick of Disability Network of SW MI
- SSA & DHHS Benefits for Individuals with a Disability – Pete Mulder Disability Network of Southwest Michigan
- Transition Planning 101 – Al Littel, Jordan Stripling, & Josh Holmes YAP - KRESA
- Sexuality, Inclusivity, and the Dignity of Risk: How to Teach the Topic of Sexuality to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – Mary Shehan & Frank Vaca - Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
- 11:45-12:30 PM - Lunch
- 12:30-2:00 PM – Breakout 2
- Preventing Mission-Driven Burnout – Frances Vicioso from Co-Creating Culture
- The Dani Plan – Joel Pearlman
- Supported -Decision Making--alternatives to Guardianship – Kathy Lentz, ISK
- Understanding ADHD in Education: Fostering Success Through Collaboration – Kallie Griffin-Pena, The Arc Community Advocates
- 2:00 PM - Afternoon break - Beverages & Assorted Snacks
- 2:15-3:30 PM – Breakout 3
Developing Trusting Relationships 2.0 - How to Nurture, Maintain and Rebuild Broken
Trust in School-Family Partnerships – Rebecca Kozlow Special Education Mediation
Services
TBD
Improved Digital Advocacy Through Social Media, Rhasheda Shepherd, The Arc
Community Advocates
Navigating Disability Across the Life Span: A Panel Discussion
- 3:30 – 4:15 PM – Closing Keynote – Demarra West
