DC Disability Tech Summit 2025
Join us on December 5th & 11th
Join us at the Virtual Disability Tech Summit hosted by the DC Department on Disability Services (DDS).
The tech world is rapidly advancing, yet people with disabilities often miss out on these innovations. We welcome you to register for this exciting event, where you’ll explore innovative technologies designed to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Whether you’re a self-advocate, caregiver, service provider, or government staff, this Summit offers insights innovative technologies designed to help foster greater autonomy, inclusion, and access.
The Disability Tech Summit is a two-day virtual event on
December 5th and 11th, 2025, where you will have the opportunity to self-select breakout sessions and attend presentations from tech makers.
To view our exciting program below and learn more about our presenters promising tech that aims to enhance independence, wellness, and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Location
Virtual
Date & Time
Day 1:
December 5, 2025,
10:00 AM - 3:00PM
Day 2:
December 11, 2025 10:30AM - 3:00 PM
December 5, 2025,
10:00 AM - 3:00PM
Day 2:
December 11, 2025 10:30AM - 3:00 PM
Who is the
Department on
Disability Services?
Department on
Disability Services?
The Department on Disability Services (DDS) is a vital part of the District of Columbia's local government composed of two administrations:
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA):Supports about 2,413 Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, helping them live independently and integrate into their communities.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA):Supports about 2,413 Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, helping them live independently and integrate into their communities.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Supports about 5,834 Adults with all disabilities by helping them find jobs, live independently, and get the services they need.
VISIT DDS WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE
VISIT DDS WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE
“DDS Tech First Initiative”: “Tech First" refers to an commitment by the Department on Disability Services (DDS), that prioritizes the use of technology by people with disabilities to promote independence, inclusion, and improve quality of life for people within all the Life Domains.
This means taking a person-centered planning approach that leverages technologies, ranging from assistive technology, mainstream 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.
As a service delivery system, DDS aims to make the cultural shift when it comes to support planning where we are looking to "Tech First" as a natural support option prior to turning to traditional methods of supports
This means taking a person-centered planning approach that leverages technologies, ranging from assistive technology, mainstream 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.
As a service delivery system, DDS aims to make the cultural shift when it comes to support planning where we are looking to "Tech First" as a natural support option prior to turning to traditional methods of supports
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.
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.
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.
District Partners of Tech Summit 2025
This year, we are proud to have the support of several esteemed District Partners who play a crucial role in making this event a success. Our supporting partners include (select to learn more):
- The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO)
- DC Assistive Technology Program
How Does DDS Assist
People Supported
with Acquiring Tech?
People Supported
with Acquiring Tech?
People supported by Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) can receive assistance with exploring and acquiring various types of solutions that will enable them to achieve personal outcomes and goals.
These services for tech acquisition may include assessment, tech funding, and training to ensure effective use of technology.
These resources help people supported acquire the necessary tools to thrive at work, home, and in their communities.
These services for tech acquisition may include assessment, tech funding, and training to ensure effective use of technology.
These resources help people supported acquire the necessary tools to thrive at work, home, and in their communities.
- Assistive Technology & Adaptive Equipment
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Mainstream Tech Solutions (IoT, Environmental Controls, Wearables etc.)
- Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
- Remote Support Equipment and/or Sensor-Based Solutions
- Software & Apps (Accessibility Solutions, Task Management, Reminder)
- Durable Medical Equipment
- Mainstream Tech Solutions (IoT, Environmental Controls, Wearables etc.)
- Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
- Remote Support Equipment and/or Sensor-Based Solutions
- Software & Apps (Accessibility Solutions, Task Management, Reminder)
Experience
The Impact!
The Impact!
In 2023 Disability Tech Summit brought together together the best of DDS’s “Tech Fest” and ODR’s “Disability Awareness Expo” into one extraordinary event. The Summit was designed to showcase cutting-edge technologies and available community resources that enhance the lives of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Older Adults with Disabilities in the DC community.
Watch some of the highlights from 2022 & 2023 Disability Tech Summit. These interviews offers a detailed perspective on mission of the event, technologies that were on display, and a glimpse how these powerful ways solutions can transform lives.
Take a peek into the dynamic world of tech innovations that the Disability Tech Summit proudly showcases. Enjoy the journey!
Watch some of the highlights from 2022 & 2023 Disability Tech Summit. These interviews offers a detailed perspective on mission of the event, technologies that were on display, and a glimpse how these powerful ways solutions can transform lives.
Take a peek into the dynamic world of tech innovations that the Disability Tech Summit proudly showcases. Enjoy the journey!
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].
Who's Attending?
- People with disabilities
-Family Members & Caregivers
-Service Professionals & Service Provider Organizations
-Government Agencies
- Anyone interested in disability services