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.”