Thursday, March 26, 2026
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Explore practical, ethical and equitable solutions that enhance independence. Join healthcare professionals, educators, engineers, disability advocates, policymakers, and technologists for a one-day, in-person conference at Duquesne University exploring the future of assistive technology.
Hosted by Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine, the conference will focus on practical, ethical and equitable solutions that enhance independence, improve healthcare outcomes, and empower communities. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, attendees will examine how innovative technologies can be implemented in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings, making a meaningful impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
Keynote Speaker
Brad Dicianno, MD – Physiatrist, bioengineer, and Director of the UPMC Center for Assistive Technology. Dr. Dicianno’s work bridges clinical care, rehabilitation engineering, and value-based healthcare, focusing on technologies that improve outcomes and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
2026 Conference Speakers
We have confirmed the following speakers with more to come. Please check back as we continue to finalize the agenda.
Phillip R. Bryant, DO, FAAPMR
Conference Chair; Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Edith L. Trees Professorship of Disabilities Medicine, Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine
Keynote Speaker: Brad Dicianno, MD
Professor and Endowed Research Chair, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Medical Director and COO, Human Engineering Research Laboratories; Medical Director, UPMC Center for Assistive Technology; Director, UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic
Yong Choi, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Health Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
Yasmin Garcia Mendez, MS
Assistive Technology International Consultant, Pan American Health Organization
Rebekah Nesbitt, MS-SLP
Adjunct Instructor, Health Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
Tracy Rackensperger, PhD
Public Service Assistant Faculty, Institute on Human Development and Disability, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia
Ashli Molinero, DSc
Director, Disabilities Resource Center, UPMC
Learning Together to Support Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities
Register Today!
The 2026 Assistive Technology for Persons with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities Conference is designed for students, faculty, clinicians and members of the broader community who are passionate about disability inclusion and global care equity. Register today to save your spot!
| Registration Type & Fees | |
|---|---|
| Medical & Health Care Professionals | $25.00 |
| Community Partners | $15.00 |
| Non-Duquesne Faculty and Staff | $15.00 |
| Duquesne Students, Faculty and Staff | No cost (Registration Required.) |
Can’t afford the fee? Email atconferenceFREEDUQUESNE —no questions asked.
All of the Following Professionals are Encouraged to Attend
Medical Professionals
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians (adult and pediatric)
- Family Practice Physicians
- Neurologists
- Neuro-developmental Pediatricians and other specialists
- Geriatricians
- Physician Assistants
- Nurses
- MD and DO Medical Students
Therapists and Specialists
- Physical Therapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech and Language Pathologists
- Low Vision Specialists
- Impaired Hearing Specialists, including Audiologists
Educators
- Special Education Teachers
Engineers and Researchers
- Bioengineers
- Rehabilitation Engineers
- Local University Researchers in AI, robotics, and human-computer interactions
Community Members and Advocates
- Persons with Disabilities from the community and their caregivers
- Persons who advocate for persons with disabilities
- Local Government Agency Personnel
- Local Humanitarian Groups
Thursday, March 26 Preliminary Program
| 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Open Plenary From Ideas to Impact: Translational Research in Assistive Technology Brad Dicianno, MD |
| 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | Session 1: From Smart Homes to AI Companions: Designing Inclusive Technologies for Aging and
Disability Yong Choi, PhD, MPH |
| 10:50 – 11:05 a.m. | Break |
| 11:05 – 11:55 a.m. | Session 2: Challenges and Opportunities to Access Assistive Technology in Latin American
and Caribbean Countries Yasmin Garcia Mendez, MS |
| 11:55 a.m. – 12:55 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:55 – 1:45 p.m. | Session 3: Bridging the Gap with TechOWL: Assistive Technology for Those With Intellectual
and Physical Disabilities Rebecca Nesbitt, MS-SLP |
| 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Break |
| 2:00 – 2:50 p.m. | Session 4: Supporting the Full Participation of Individuals Needing Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC) in Their Communities: What We Know, the Ways We React,
and Insights on How We Can Do Better Tracy Rackensperger, PhD |
| 2:50 – 3:40 p.m. | Session 5: Designing Accessible Healthcare: Best Practices from UPMC’s Disabilities
Resource Center Ashli Molinero, DSc |
| 3:40 – 4:30 p.m. | Panel: Moderator with Paper Winners |
| 4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks/Reception |
Parking Options & Accessibility
Duquesne University on-campus garages, including Forbes and Locust, are now permit-only and unavailable for visitor parking.
Nearby Parking Options Include:
- Chatham Center Garage (Fifth Avenue entrance only) - 5-minute walk to Duquesne's Power Center
- Manor Complex Garage at 564 Forbes Ave. (West side of Liberty Tunnels); 5-minute walk to campus
- BNY Mellon Center Garage at 500 Grant Street; 5-10 minute walk to campus
- First Avenue Garage at 600 First Avenue; 10-15 minute walk to campus
- Second Avenue Parking Plaza at 1250 Second Avenue; 10-15 minute walk to campus
Accessible Parking
Guests who require accessible parking or accommodations should contact Savannah Marshall
at rennersFREEDUQUESNE.
Hotel Accommodations
Accommodations available at various area hotels. Please make your reservations soon since there are several Pittsburgh events that may reduce availability.
Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust Gift Supports Disability Education
Duquesne University has received a $1.5 million gift from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust to expand disability and special needs education at the Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine, strengthening inclusive training and care for future physicians.
We invite submissions that explore practical, effective, and inclusive uses of assistive
technology (AT) that enhance independence, dignity, communication, mobility, learning,
and participation of individuals with disabilities. Call for Papers
Please Email Your Submission to:
Questions? Please email us at atconference@duq.edu
Questions?
Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions about the Conference. Additional information will be added to this page when available.