Enabling Technology Summit

2025 Enabling Technology and Innovation Summit: Architects of Innovation

The Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) is excited to host the 8th annual Enabling Technology and Innovation Summit on Wednesday, November 12 and Thursday, November 13, 2025. This year's theme of Architects of Innovation highlights how DDA continues to build new opportunities for people to live their best lives, most recently with the creation of its new Housing Innovation Program. The Summit will highlight innovative work being accomplished across DDA and with community partners, with a focus on how Enabling Technology can benefit people of all ages at work, at home, and in the community. 

Register for the event at this link.

Important event information
Lodging: If you plan on attending and will need to stay overnight, feel free to book a room through our special conference rate at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro through this link or by calling 1-800-EMBASSY and mentioning that you are wanting to reserve a room for DDA's Tech Summit event. 

Parking: If you plan on attending, parking is discounted for event attendees at a rate of $4 for daily parkers and $14 for nightly parkers. To pay at the discounted rate, please submit the code WJCVC via the QR code parking registration process, which can be found in the hotel parking lot space. 

Madison Tevlin was born with Down syndrome, though she’ll rightly tell you it’s the least interesting thing about her. She has dedicated her life to dismantling the stigmas associated with Down syndrome, proving from a young age that it does not define her capabilities, and that we all thrive when we reduce stigmas and lift each other up.

Her extensive credits include notable appearances on the television show “Mr. D” and hosting her talk show “Who Do You Think I Am.” She received praise for a standout performance in“Champions,” a film directed by Bobby Farrelly and starring Woody Harrelson. Madison graced the red carpet as a host at the Canadian Screen Awards, where she also made history as the first person with Down syndrome to be nominated for Best Host in a Talk Show or Entertainment News category.

Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, Madison is an active participant in initiatives that promote inclusivity. She is a member of Best Buddies International and has walked the runway for the Knix Confidence Tour and the Be Beautiful, Be Yourself Fashion Show. Her voice resonated deeply at the “Dear Mom” conference in Laguna Beach, where she served as the keynote speaker, and later in the year, was honoured by the Global Down syndrome Foundation with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award in 2023 for her contributions to the community.

Through her speeches, performances, and engagements, Madison Tevlin inspires audiences globally, demonstrating unwaveringly that she is much more than her diagnosis—she is a true superstar changing the world one speech, one role, and one advocacy moment at a time.

Jeremy Norden-Paul is the director of the Division of Program Innovation for the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). His team develops innovative solutions to help people increase their independence and quality of life. He has previously served as an elementary special education teacher, job coach, job developer, director of employment and day services for DDA, and executive director of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council. He is passionate about finding ways to make the system work better for people.

Milton Neuenschwander is the State of TN Department of Disability & Aging (DDA) Director of Enabling Technology as part of the Division of Program Innovation. He received his education at Wabash College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and Science. He has over 20 years of experience in the areas of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health services with a proven understanding of the concepts of Person-Centered Practices, Employment First, and Technology. His knowledge and expertise have allowed him to lead the development of an Enabling Technology program for the State of TN DDA and become a national leader in promoting advancements in access to technology solutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and older adults.

Hello All! My name is Emma Joy Potterbaum, I’m 24 years old. I’m an ambitious individual in the MAPS program. I’m beyond excited to advocate and share with you about my able and empowerment journey of success to you all!

I am Rainbow Mosho.I am an artist, writer, storyteller, playwright, entrepreneur, advocate, and more on the autism spectrum.Throughout my life, expressing my creativity has always helped me in a variety of ways, especially during the ups and downs of life. I want the world and everybody in it to acknowledge that just because there are people who may be different, that will NEVER mean that they are not human beings like the rest of us!

Beth is an Education and Accreditation Coordinator with SHIFT. She is passionate about advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, and for inclusive practices that cultivate equitable space and opportunities for all people to have self-determined and meaningful lives. She holds an undergraduate degree in Multidisciplinary Anthropology from Appalachian State University, and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education from Western Carolina University as a NC Inspire Teaching Fellow. She spent a decade in the classroom, serving in various settings as a special education and English teacher in public high schools in NC, TN, and VA. She then worked in inclusive higher education for a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program in Tennessee, supporting students as they integrated into their communities after graduation. In that role, she also connected with agencies, organizations, and employers across the region to foster more inclusive, person-centered employment practices

Donna Goodaker has been the Executive Director at Progress Inc. since 1998, after having served on the board and managed an early expansion into Cheatham County. She has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Special Education and a Master’s degree from Vanderbilt in Human Development Counseling. The use of technology in supporting people with ID/DD has been one of the most dramatic facilitators of individual’s pursuit of independence during her career. The most advanced technology in her early years at Progress was an early version of the Dynavox…we’ve come a long way! Progress has now made a commitment to provide the most cutting edge technologies to help people pursue their goals and dreams. The first big step in that journey was to become Technology First accredited.

Pam Hollingsworth, Employment and Community Services Director. Pam began working at Progress in 2005. She has held many positions including Office Manager, Program Manager, Quality Assurance and Employment and Community Services Director. Pam graduated UT Martin with a Bachelors in Communications. For the first 15 years of career she was a Territory Manager for Pepsico (Taco Bell) and Arby’s. These beginning positions gave Pam the opportunity to employ people with disabilities and see Employment Services from an employer’s view. Pam is committed to providing everyone she supports with the best possible services with well-trained staff. Like Progress, Pam is committed to other important services and programs including MAPS, Enabling Technology and Employment First Accreditation.

David Scott is the Director of Support Employment services with MillarRich, a disability service provider in Middle Tennessee. David entered into employment supports in January of 2014, when he started as a Job Coach for MillarRich. It wasn’t long before David realized that he had found his calling, developing a deep passion for supporting individuals with disabilities through the impactful vehicle of competitive employment while enjoying the consequential benefit of getting to collaborate and network across every industry and employment field in the Greater Nashville areas. "I love meeting new people; I love developing myself in the support of others; I love seeing someone identify and achieve a personal goal; and I love getting to see how the bread is made!"

Carrie joined Tennessee’s Department of Disability and Aging in 2019, currently serving as the State Director of Employment Innovation & Community Inclusion. Driven by her passion for empowering individuals with disabilities, she oversees key initiatives, including 1915(C) Medicaid Waiver employment services and the Employment First Task Force, promoting inclusive workplaces across the state.Carrie holds a Master’s degree in Disability and Human Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University in New Orleans. Committed to fostering a more inclusive society, she continues to advocate for innovative solutions in employment and community integration.

Tonya Bradley-Parker is Vice President of Meals on Wheels for MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) in Memphis, TN. Tonya holds a B.S. in healthcare administration from Langston University and a master’s in leadership and management from Webster University. Her extensive experience in leadership and multidisciplinary team management has led to the success and growth of several nonprofit organizations in Memphis over 25+ years. She has also served as a grant manager, event planner, and operations manager.

Taylre Beaty started as the State Broadband Director at Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) in September 2021. Through her role at TNECD, Taylre is leading an effort to invest and administer over $1.45B in federally funded broadband projects across the state of Tennessee, with the mission of getting all un and underserved Tennessee households and businesses connected to high-speed internet by 2028. She is also working to ensure all Tennesseans are positioned well to not only adopt to broadband technology, but also have the resources needed to connect to a broadband enabled device. In 2023, Taylre was nominated by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation to serve on the Federal Communication Commission’s Precision Ag Task Force’s working groups, where she now serves on the Jobs and Adoption working group. Prior to joining TNECD, she worked for USDA Rural Development, most recently as a Policy Advisor for Rural Utilities Service in Washington, D.C. During her time at USDA, she worked on many of the agency’s broadband priorities including the American Broadband Initiative, ReConnect Program, and critical broadband infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned a master’s in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is originally from East Tennessee.\\

Lana Hillis is the Executive Director of the McMinnville Warren County Senior Center in the rural part of Middle Tennessee. Lana has served as the director of the Senior Center for the past six years. She currently sits on the National Institute of Senior Centers, the Vulnerable Adult Protective Investigation Team for the 31st Judicial District, the Warren County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Board as an Advisory Member, the Warren County Health Council, and is a Tennessee Ship Counselor. She has worked in the aging field for over 13 years and has volunteered countless hours to support and assist members of Warren County over the years. She enjoys spending time with her family and hopes to travel more in the future.

Lauren LeGate is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lauren came to state government after spending two decades in television news. In 2019, she was honored to join the State of Tennessee serving as the Public Information Officer for the DIDD. She also served as Chief of Staff under Commissioner Turner and in July 2024 became the Assistant Commissioner for the Aging division within the newly formed Department of Disability & Aging.

Caleb Williamson is currently enrolled in the TigerLIFE program at the University of Memphis (University of Memphis Institute on Disability). Having joined the program in the Summer of 2025, Caleb has already made a lasting impression. He is proud to be one of the first two TigerLIFE students to live in campus housing, an experience he has thoroughly enjoyed. In addition, Caleb enjoys football and having fun conversations. His personality and trailblazing spirit contribute to the positive energy he brings to campus life.

Pisanach Chinratanalab is a 2020 graduate of the Vanderbilt Next Steps program. During her time at Next Steps, she served as a panelist, mentored new students through the Best Buddies Chapter at Vanderbilt, and participated in Disability Day on the Hill. She is a graduate of the Partners in Policymaking program through the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and currently serves as Co-Chair of the People First Transportation Committee. In addition, she is the President of People First of Davidson County. Pisanach has interned with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Vanderbilt Medical Center, and Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, and she was a co-trainer for the My Tech for All program. Pisanach is fluent in Thai and English, and conversational in Spanish. She is employed at Bubble Love and likes to be called by the name “Peach.”

Fu Caudill is currently in his second year of the Vanderbilt Next Steps program and is also a participant in the Medicaid Alternative Pathways (MAPs) program. Fu is an enthusiastic and dedicated student with a passion for innovation, inclusion, and advocacy. In 2019, Fu served as an assistant for the Williamson County 4-H 3D design class, helping students use 3D printing and design software. He also worked at the 4H 3D printing activity booth for the Williamson County Fair. In 2024, Fu assisted the Saddle Up! program by testing an all-terrain wheelchair for riders who need mobility devices to navigate the indoor arena. He was able to compete in the horsemanship class in Super Show 2024 by using the wheelchair and leading his horse. Fu is also a Vanderbilt Wond’ry Fellowship recipient (2024), highlighting his commitment to creative problem-solving and community engagement.

Katie Moore is a passionate disability rights advocate and digital educator. Living with a learning disability and chronic illness, she brings a deeply personal lens to her advocacy, empowering others to access services, technology, and inclusive communities. Katie is a founding member of the Tennessee Technology First Council and serves on the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Council, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Committee, and the National Self-Advocate Network.

As a co-trainer with Tech for All, Katie supports technology empowerment workshops in Tennessee, North Dakota, and Colorado, helping individuals and families harness tools that improve independence and daily life. She also shares her journey through social media platforms and YouTube under “Journey About My Advocacy,” offering relatable insight to a broad audience.

Katie is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a Tru Faces Ambassador, and a mentor-in-training with the Employment Mentorship Pathways Advisory Team. Her leadership in self-advocate empowerment meetings and peer training has earned her national recognition as a trusted voice and changemaker. Her voice resonates with a new generation of self-advocates, bridging community and technology in ways that drive inclusion and elevate underrepresented voices.

Abigail is a strong self-advocate and a staunch supporter of Enabling Technology. From advocating to a change in providers, to setting up her own online banking, to enrolling in and completing an Administrative Assistant course at Penn Foster, she is not afraid to stand up for her rights and take matters into her own hands when necessary. In 2025 she became a certified AIMS trainer, helping others to advocate for themselves as she has done. Her next goal is achieve a life's dream: working in a clerical position. 

Steve Pelton is committed to making the world better through innovation and collaboration.

Steve is the Executive Director of We Thrive Together, which is the first ever national virtual social club for individuals with disabilities. We Thrive Together has reduced social isolation and loneliness by hosting over 12,000 virtual events reaching participants in 38 states and Canada. Under his leadership, We Thrive Together was selected by the State of Ohio to manage the Ohio Tech Ambassador Program and to create and deliver a Leadership Academy and Advocacy 101 Workshop curriculum statewide, solidifying its role as a key player in services for people of all abilities. As the President of hChoices, LLC, he has developed a secure health and wellness platform integrating biometric tracking, education, and strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions and public health organizations. hChoices helps public health departments establish and maximize collaborative relationships with for-profit, nonprofit, governmental agencies, and community partners to improve the well-being of the people they protect and support.

Steve’s passion for teaching people how to use technology to live their best lives started over 25 years ago when he founded Web Wise Seniors. The training program included live classes, 18 books found in libraries across the U.S., end user videos, and community education seminars, which successfully taught over 28,000 older adults how to leverage technology. This training continues through in-person presentations and weekly online Tech Talks.

Steve blends his expertise in assistive technology, strategic marketing, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to drive impactful change. His extensive background includes leadership roles in healthcare marketing, technology education, and nonprofit development, making him a passionate advocate for inclusion and innovation.

Justin Koziol, CEO of Aera Systems LLC, is an entrepreneur with a master’s degree in architecture from Pratt Institute. Justin has over a decade of expertise in real estate development, construction, business operations, and project management. As former COO of Bento Living and Bento Build, he spearheaded the launch of modular casework for multi-family and hospitality projects, while overseeing the full lifecycle of boutique developments—including acquisition, entitlements, construction, and operations—for a hotel, restaurants, and a co-working spaces. As CEO of Aera Systems Justin is pursuing his passion for sustainable construction. Aera systems is a vertically integrated homebuilder and community developer with a mission to rapidly deploy sustainable housing around the globe.

Jason Ray is the CEO at SimplyHome and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Since beginning with SimplyHome in 2008, Jason has been a national speaker on enabling technology, remote support, and technology first transformation to associations, state and national agencies, and provider organizations. Jason was named in 2012 as a recipient of the Stephen E Sallee Excellence in Technology Award, and accepted the 2012 Edison Award for Best New Product for SimplyHome. Jason’s work with SimplyHome has been featured on multiple episodes of ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition along with many other national publications. From 2017-2019 Jason served as the Subject Matter Expert on Enabling Technology and Remote Support for Tennessee Department on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (TN DIDD) Technology First Initiative. From 2021-2024 Jason served in the same capacity for New Mexico’s Developmental Disability Supports Division’s Technology First Initiative. In 2022, Jason helped to launch the Technology First Alliance, a non-profit organization focused on advancing technology first principles in long-term services and support. Finally, in 2025 Jason joined the Technology First Task Force in Michigan, a multidisciplinary workgroup to establish Technology First programs in Michigan’s Medicaid services.

Earle Schwarz is the full-time Executive Director of Intunity, where he previously served as a founding board member. A former attorney and past president of the Memphis Bar Association, he practiced law at Waring Cox, PLC and Glankler Brown, PLLC, and ran his own successful law practice for 17 years. He also provided outside counsel for organizations like Interstate Blood Bank and The Sekisui Group. In addition to his legal career, he was an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law for a decade. He holds an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Brown University and a J.D. from the University of Memphis and Vanderbilt University Law Schools. His extensive experience continues to inform his leadership at Intunity.