Events
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Buffalo Marriott Niagara, 1340 Millersport Hwy., Amherst, NY 14221
The Summit on Aging and Independence provides an opportunity to connect, learn and share “Best and Next Practices” for addressing the current and future needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
Our theme this year is “Tools for Living Well”. This day-long event will feature keynote speakers and concurrent workshops throughout the day.
Participants include Human Service and Healthcare providers, advocates, providers supporting aging in place, educators, and caregivers.
Keynote Speakers
8:30 AM – Breakfast Keynote
“Assistive Technology Perspectives” a panel discussion
12:15 PM – Luncheon Keynote
“NYS Office for the Aging – Expanding Services Through Technology & Innovations”
Presenter: Michael Gunn, Assistant Deputy Director – Division of Policy, Planning, Program & Outcomes, NYS Office for the Aging
10:00 AM – Breakout Sessions
“Elder Fraud: Perspectives from the Scammers and the Investigators”
Presenters: Panel of Experts
“Making Your House, Your Home: The 8 Keys to Aging in Place”
Presenter: Willie A Price, WNY Aging in Place Council
“AI and Care Design Workshop: Co-Creating Transformative Futures”
Presenters: Joy Ming, Steve Peraza, Michael Rembis, University at Buffalo
“More Than a Plan: Empowering Community Re-Engagement Through Person-Centered Planning”
Presenters: Andria Miller, Mickey Dolinski, Nancy Hudson, NY Association on Independent Living
11:15 AM – Breakout Sessions
“Movement Is Medicine”
Presenter: Dr. Dana Robbins, PT, DPT, Home and Happy Inc.
“Realizing Aging-Friendly in the OMH Service System”
Presenters: Karen Choens and Tony Trahan, NYS Office of Mental Health
“Reframing Aging and Disability: Expecting People to Participate in Recreation and Wellness”
Presenter: Anita O’Brien, Rochester Accessible Adventures
“Supporting Independence Through Nutrition: Examining Current and Future Strategies”
Presenter: Cassidy Bertino, FeedMore WNY
1:45 PM – Breakout Sessions
“Important Considerations When Working with Older Adults Aging with HIV”
Presenters: Zoe Gaby-Smith, Jennifer Gough, Trillium Health
“Building Brain-Healthy Habits”
Presenter: Kailea Lalka, Alzheimer’s Association
“People and Housing Prepared for the Future: Emergency Preparedness and Climate Health & Safety”
Presenter: Josh Randall, WNY Clean Energy Hub/Cornell Cooperative Extension
“Preparing to Care: Assembling a Team”
Presenter: Kathleen Benedetti-Fisher, AARP
3:00 PM – Breakout Sessions
“The Importance of Health Insurance & the Medicaid Journey”
Presenters: Robert Brandon, Gabrielle Aldrich, WNY Independent Living
“Overview of Assistive Technology and its Diverse Applications”
Presenters: Erin Brunelle, Laura Mack, Center for Assistive Technology, UB
“Practicing Attentive Listening: A Transformative Tool for Serving Your Clients, Your Community, and Your Calling”
Presenter: Amber L Sastry, MPP, A Storied Life
We’re Here to Help You.
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