Summit on Aging and Independence

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.

Partcipants include Human Service and Healthcare providers, advocates, providers supporting aging in place, educators, and caregivers.

Registration and Sponsorships

Early Bird Registration (before August 28, 2026) – $100 per person

Registration – $125 per person

Students – $80 per person

Sponsorships, Exhibitor Tables, and Program Ads are available. View our options.

Register online at https://events.humanitix.com/summitonagingandindependence

Workshop Topics and Presenters

Care Smarter, Not Harder: Practical AARP Tools for Busy Senior Living Professionals
Presenter: Kathleen Benedetti-Fisher, AARP

Building Brain-Healthy Habits
Presenter: Kailea Lalka, Alzheimer’s Association

Supporting Independence Through Nutrition: Examining Current and Future Strategies
Presenter: Cassidy Bertino, FeedMore WNY

Movement Is Medicine
Presenter: Dr. Dana Robbins, PT, DPT, Home and Happy Inc.

People and Housing Prepared for the Future: Emergency Preparedness and Climate Health & Safety
Presenter: Josh Randall, WNY Clean Energy Hub/Cornell Cooperative Extension

More Than a Plan: Empowering Community Re-Engagement Through Person-Centered Planning
Presenters: Andria Miller, Mickey Dolinski, Nancy Hudson, NY Association on Independent Living

Making Your House, Your Home: The 8 Keys to Aging in Place
Presenter: Willie A Price, WNY Aging in Place Council

Important Considerations When Working with Older Adults Aging with HIV
Presenters: Zoe Gaby-Smith, Jennifer Gough, Trillium Health

AI and Care Design Workshop: Co-Creating Transformative Futures
Presenters: Joy Ming, Steve Peraza, Michael Rembis, University of Buffalo

Elder Fraud: Perspectives from the Scammers and the Investigators
Presenters: Panel of Experts

The Importance of Health Insurance & the Medicaid Journey
Presenters: Robert Brandon, Gabrielle Aldrich, WNY Independent Living

Practicing Attentive Listening: A Transformative Tool for Serving Your Clients, Your Community, and Your Calling
Presenter: Amber L Sastry, MPP, A Storied Life