Location

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
(Exhibit Hall D)
801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001
DATE & TIME
October 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
WELCOME INNOVATORS!
In a world where technology is revolutionizing every aspect of connected citizens daily lives. However, it's worth noting that these advancements often overlook a critical demographic: people with disabilities who, more than a luxury, can find in these technologies the key to a life of greater independence.  For too long, people with disabilities have been on the sidelines when it comes to accessing and utilizing technology.

The DC Department on Disability Services (DDS), invites you to demonstrate how your innovations can enhance the living experiences and services for people with disabilities. As an Exhibitor at our Summit, you have the opportunity to change this narrative and show that your technology isn't just an accessory, but a game-changer that enables people with disabilities to experience life their way.

To create a dynamic and interactive experience for our attendees, we encourage you to have your technology operating in real-time at your booths. This approach won't only help to showcase your products and services, but offer direct insight into how your solutions can improve service quality and independence for people with disabilities.

Our goal for this event is not only to showcase innovative solutions, but to truly touch lives, make a difference, and shape the future. We appreciate your cooperation in making this event a memorable experience and stepping stone towards a more inclusive technological future.

Who is DDS and How It Helps with Acquiring Tech? DDS is a government sector of the District of Columbia, responsible for the coordination and supervision of services for residents with disabilities. Through our Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), we offer various services, including “Assistive Technology Services” (AT Services). For eligible individuals AT Services includes needs assessment, tech funding, and the necessary training to ensure effective use of technology.

How Does This Benefit My Tech Company? The Disability Tech Summit plays a key role in this process. We connect potential users with tech companies, helping them discover new solutions they could potentially receive funding to acquire and learn to use. Your participation not only showcases your products but also expands your user base within our disability services community and societal impact.


Synergy of a Co-Hosted Event: This year, we're partnering with the Office of Disability Rights (ODR) to co-host Tech Fest in conjunction with their "Mayor's 16th Annual Disability Awareness Expo" on October 21st at the DC Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This collaboration means you'll engage with a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals from service providers and government agencies.

“DDS Tech First Initiative”: “Tech First" refers to an initiative that prioritizes the use of technology to promote independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life for people with disabilities within all the
Life Domains. This approach leverages the power of technology, including the implementation of assistive technologies, universally designed technology, remote support technologies, and digital solutions to maximize opportunities and service delivery for people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives in their communities.
The “Disability Tech Summit” is a cornerstone of this initiative, serving as a pivotal platform to advance its goals. The summit aims to bring together a diverse audience including people with disabilities, their families, technology companies, service providers, and government agencies. It showcases the latest technological innovations and emphasizes their potential in empowering people with disabilities. By fostering dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and providing a space for hands-on exploration of these technologies, the summit plays a critical role in transforming lives and making the goals of the Tech First Initiative a reality.
Experience The Impact!
Last year's inaugural DDS Tech Fest Summit 2022 (now Disability Tech Summit) at the MLK Library in Washington DC event was a resounding success, with numerous tech innovators unveiling empowering solutions for the disability community.

In this feature, we invite you to explore an insightful interview with "SimplyHome", a standout exhibitor from the event. SimplyHome crafts person-centered enabling technology solutions, designed to promote independent living for people with disabilities, aging adults, and veterans.

The interview offers a detailed perspective on SimplyHome's mission, the technologies they provide, and the powerful ways these solutions can transform lives. Take a peek into the dynamic world of tech innovations that the Disability Tech Summit (formerly, "Tech Fest Summit") proudly showcases. Enjoy the journey!
Booth Upgrade Info 
  1. Freeman Company General Services for Furniture Add-ons and More: Exhibitor Portal is Live Now! Under the Freeman Company umbrella, you can request furniture enhancements (extra tables, chairs), advanced warehouse shipping, and request for a larger booth size (10x20 & 20x20) directly via the Freeman Exhibitor Portal.  
Freeman Company Advanced Shipping and Contact Info: Freeman now offers Advanced Freight Shipping. If you're contemplating shipping your items beforehand and having them transported directly to the venue, please use the dedicated exhibitor portal. This portal also caters to requests and payments for booth adjustments such as furniture add-ons and size expansions. Remember, the deadline to request Advanced Freight Shipping is October 13th. To avoid any late penalties, ensure your requests are made timely. Access the Freeman Exhibitor Portal Here. A guiding email from Freeman detailing the login process will be dispatched soon.  For comprehensive details or if queries arise, kindly refer to the attached Freeman's Events FAQ. For direct inquiries, feel free to contact Freeman experts at 888-508-5054 or drop an email at [email protected].

  1. Audio/Visual Needs: For any audio/visual requirements, our official partner is Projection. You can submit your upgrade requests via their order form. AV Order form are due by Oct. 6th  Complete this form and return for order confirmation by Email: [email protected] or By Fax: 866-728-5938
  2. Electrical Needs: For all electrical upgrades, please use our contractor Hi-Tech Electric. Their order form allows you to easily select your upgrade options. Electrical Order form are due by Oct. 6th Phone: 202-249-3600 [email protected]
    (online ordering available) www.hi-techelectric.com
Important Notes:
  • Costs: All additional costs for upgrades are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
  • Ordering Advice: It's advisable to first determine your audio-visual (AV) requirements before contacting Hi-Tech to discuss and place orders for your electrical needs. One standard outlet will be provided free of charge.
  • How to Submit: Instructions on how to submit your order forms are included in each form.
  • Important Tech Devices using 2GHz Wifi Connection Only: Please be advised that internet coverage will be provided, but the venue operates on a 5GHz network. The venue is working to accommodate 2GHz connections, but they have informed us that there may still be some interference challenges. Please have a hotspot as a backup solution.
Venue & Arrival Info
Exhibitor Hand-Carry Arrival Procedures
Exhibitors who wish to hand-carry must arrive at the Convention Center, L Street North Entrance between 7th Street and 9th Street has been earmarked for exhibitors choosing to hand-carry materials to their booths.exhibitors who wish to hand-carry materials to their booths in one trip.  Acceptable hand-carry materials include boxes, suitcases or fiberboard shipping cartons and portable displays on wheels.
Accommodations Near Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Though our reserved slots at JW Marriott might be filled, fret not. We've got you covered with other top-notch accommodations nearby:

1. Marriott Marquis Washington, DC
2. Courtyard by Marriott Washington 3. Downtown/Convention Center
4. Residence Inn by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center
5. AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Convention Center  
Map and Parking
Here is a Map of the Convention Center and Nearby Parking Garages


Questions?  
If you have any questions regarding the event, please send an email to Donald Clark at [email protected] and make sure to also CC, Charlisa Payne at [email protected].
 Join us on October 21st! 
We look forward to hosting you!
Who's Attending?

- People with disabilities
-Family Members & Caregivers
-Service Professionals & Service Provider Organizations
-Government Agencies
- Anyone interested in disability services

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