Inclusion Summit 2026
The Ohio State University
Tuesday, November 17 | 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Inclusion Summit: Future of Independence and Belonging
Building Independence. Creating Belonging. Ending Isolation
The Inclusion Summit brings together leaders from public health, mental health, healthcare, aging, disability and veteran services, education, and technology to explore how independence, enabling technology, and inclusive communities can reduce loneliness and improve quality of life. Our mission is to bring together professionals, innovators, and advocates to share practical solutions that increase independence, strengthen belonging, and reduce social isolation through technology and inclusive community design.
We envision a future where every person has the tools, technology, and community connections needed to live independently and feel a sense of belonging.
Featured Speakers
Lori Stevie-Rust, PhD ABPP
The Silence That Isolates Us Both: Belonging, Courage, and the Cost of Looking Away.
Most conversations about social isolation focus on the person who has been left out. This keynote asks a different question: what happens to the rest of us when we notice exclusion and stay silent?
Drawing from her book Put on Your Big-Girl Shoes: Stepping Into Courage and Resilience, Dr. Lori Stevic-Rust explores belonging as an act of everyday courage. She challenges audiences to consider the hidden cost of silence — not only for the person who is isolated, but for the person who chooses comfort over courage.
With warmth, wisdom, and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Lori invites audiences to become builders of belonging: people who notice who is missing, make room before being asked, interrupt exclusion, and choose the kind of courage that makes a room safer, wider, and more human.
Because belonging is built every time someone decides not to look away.
Bio: Lori is a clinical health psychologist, TV consultant, award-winning keynote speaker, author, and strong advocate for women. She offers programs, courses, coaching, and books designed to empower women to overcome chronic self-doubt, anxiety, and fear. Her mission is to help women thrive in their health, businesses, and relationships by living their authentic, REAL lives.
Gary Tonks, President/CEO, The Arc of Ohio
The Arc of Ohio – Grandmother of the Disability Movement in Ohio
The Arc of Ohio is recognized as the founder of Ohio’s disability support network and lead advocate on behalf of Ohioans with intellectual & developmental disabilities. The presentation will explore the history of the disability movement as well as where we are today, with a look into the future.
Beth Kowalczyk, CEO, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging: Building Inclusive Communities Through Connection
As communities respond to the growing challenges of aging, disability, and loneliness, Area Agencies on Aging play a vital role in connecting people to services, technology, and one another. This session will explore how AAAs partner across healthcare, aging, disability, and community organizations to promote independence, foster belonging, strengthen social connection, and build more inclusive communities for people of all ages and abilities.
Kevin Miller, Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Advancing Disability-Inclusive Employment
Director Kevin L. Miller will highlight Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ current priorities and the role disability-inclusive employment plays in reducing isolation and loneliness for people with disabilities. The presentation will explore how community inclusion, enabling technology, and collaborative partnerships support long‑term well‑being by expanding independence and deepening a sense of purpose.
Jennifer Heston-Mullins, PhD, LISW, Associate Director of Research and Senior Research Scholar, Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Age-Friendly Oxford
Marisa Sheldon, MSW, LISW-S, Director, Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University
Building Livable Communities for All: Lessons from Ohio’s Age-Friendly Movement
Members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities commit to building livable communities that enhance personal independence, support people to remain in their homes and communities as they age, and provide opportunities for people of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life. For over 10 years, communities across Ohio have been joining the AARP network and working to make their communities more inclusive and responsive. This session will provide an overview of the elements of livable communities and share stories of inclusion efforts from across the state.
Diedre Fleming, MS, MSW, LICDC, LSW, Clinical Social Worker, Ravenwood Mental Health Center
Anne Tapia, LISW, Community Life Engagement Project Manager at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Christopher Milo, Founder of 13 Messages, Author and Concert Pianist
Conference Details
Tuesday, November 17
9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
The Ohio State University
Longaberger Alumni House
2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43210
Conference Schedule
Time |
Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Registration |
| 9:00 – 9:20 | Welcome |
| 9:20 – 10:00 | Keynote: Lori Stevie-Rust, PhD ABPP |
| 10:00 – 10:10 | Break: Reset and Reflection |
| 10:10 – 10:40 | Expert Talk: Gary Tonks, President/CEO, The Arc of Ohio |
| 10:40 – 11:10 | Expert Talk: Jennifer Heston-Mullins, PhD, LISW and Marisa Sheldon, MSW, LISW-S |
| 11:10 – 11:20 | Break: Reset and Reflection (30 Min) |
| 11:20 – 12:00 | Panel Discussion: Voices of Lived Experience |
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch & Vendors |
| 12:45 – 1:15 | Expert Talk: Diedre Fleming, MS, MSW, LICDC, LSW, Clinical Social Worker, Ravenwood Mental Health Center |
| 1:15 – 1:25 | Energy Reset Break |
| 1:25 – 1:55 | Expert Talk: Beth Kowalczyk, CEO, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging |
| 1:55 – 2:25 | Expert Talk: Kevin Miller, Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities |
| 2:25 – 2:55 | Expert Talk: Anne Tapia, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities |
| 2:55 – 3:30 | Call to Action: Christopher Milo: Founder of 13 Messages, Author and Concert Pianist |
Venue
The Ohio State University
Longaberger Alumni House
2200 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43210
Accommodations
Sponsorship/Vendor Opportunites
The Inclusion Summit brings together industry leaders from public health, mental health, healthcare, aging, disability, education, and veteran services.
As a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable visibility while helping create an event that inspires learning, connection, and positive change.
Support a Meaningful Experience
Your sponsorship helps make the Inclusion Summit possible by supporting nationally recognized keynote speakers, educational opportunities, networking experiences, and collaborative conversations that inspire attendees and strengthen our community.
Reach a Highly Engaged Audience
Connect with professionals, decision-makers, advocates, and community leaders who are passionate about advancing opportunities and improving outcomes across the community.
Increase Your Visibility
Showcase your organization and demonstrate your commitment to leadership, collaboration, and innovation through sponsorship recognition and engagement opportunities before, during, and after the conference.
Invest in Lasting Impact
Your support helps keep the Inclusion Summit accessible, strengthens the conference’s long-term sustainability, and creates opportunities for people to learn, grow, build relationships, and return to their communities with new ideas and renewed energy.
Benefit |
Keynote
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Meal
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Event
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Vendor
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| Premium Exposure at all Keynote Sessions | X | |||
| Recognition on the swag bag given to all attendees | X Logo |
X Name |
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| Recognition on the t-shirt given to all attendees | X Logo |
X Name |
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| Vendor space @ event ($500 value) | X | X | X | X |
| Virtual vendor fair space ($500 value) | X | X | X | X |
| Free conference registration | X | X | X | X |
| Signage in high traffic areas | X Logo |
X Logo |
X Name |
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| Recognition during Welcome and Breaks | X Logo |
X Name |
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| Acknowledgements/Shout Outs, social media mentions, promotional materials, and website | X | X | X |
FAQ
Yes. Groups of 5 or more receive a 10% discount. Group reservations can be made by emailing: steve@wethrivetogether.org
Proceeds from the conference will be split between We Thrive Together and Nana’s Tribe Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofits, focused on reducing social isolation and loneliness of at-risk community members.
We Thrive Together an Ohio based 501(c)(3) nonprofit | EIN: 46-4365091