AgingCT Summit

Aging & Disability Annual Summit

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

A Premier Gathering

The Aging & Disability Annual Summit is a collaborative program from AgingCT and the Centers for Independent Living uniting the people and systems addressing the challenges of aging and disabilities in Connecticut.

The Summit is a valuable networking opportunity providing information and resources for anyone supporting older residents and people with disabilities. Our common goal is to promote autonomy and ensure quality of life across the lifespan.

Past programs have been approved by the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators for 5 CEU’s to Connecticut Nursing Home Administrators attending the entire event. They have also been approved by the National Association of Social Workers, CT, for 5 Continuing Education Credit Hours and meet the continuing education criteria for Social Work Licensure renewal. Approval meets the continuing education criteria for CT LMSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, and licensed psychologists.

2026 Summit Details

Previous Year Program

2026 Aging & Disability Summit

Program Highlights

A full-day event at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT, bringing together aging and disability professionals for a dynamic experience centered on learning, idea-sharing, and meaningful networking. This year’s program will include presentations and discussions centered on critical topics, including housing, Social Security, home and community-based care, and advance directives. A diverse group of Connecticut’s leading experts will share innovative strategies and best practices to help adults access the support they need to thrive in their communities.

Registration Opens August 3rd!

Download Agenda

Our Inspirational Sponsors

Our Session Sponsors

AgingCT 2026 Summit - Session Sponsor - Hartford Elderly Services

Keynote Speaker

Prevention of Compassion Fatigue & Burnout Professionals in aging and disability services regularly navigate trauma, emotional stress, and the complex demands of supporting vulnerable individuals. In the midst of these realities lies an opportunity to strengthen resilience and sustain meaningful, compassionate care. This keynote explores how to recognize early signs of compassion fatigue, build personal resilience practices, and foster workplace cultures that support long-term well-being.

Donna Fedus
Borrow My Glasses
Gerontologist & Founder

Speaker Bio

Opening Session

AgingCT and the CT Association of Centers for Independent Living welcome you to the 4th Annual Summit! This session includes a Department of Social Services update from Director of Community Options, Christine Weston. Judith Stein will present the Judith A. Stein Advocate’s Award to honor an individual whose work reflects Judy Stein’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, and protecting the fundamental human rights of older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Christine Weston
Department of Social Services
Director of Community Options

Judith Stein
The Center for Medicare Advocacy
Founder, Senior Advisor, Attorney

Speaker Bios

Workshop Sessions

The Promise of Social Security

Panelists will explore key issues related to advocacy, application processes, and access to critical resources, including the policy and advocacy efforts necessary to preserve and strengthen the program for future generations.

Walter Glomb
CT Council on Developmental Disabilities
Executive Director

Nora Duncan
AARP
CT State Director

Robert Andrini
CT Department of Aging & Disability Services
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Project Director

Claire Volain
CT Aging & Disability Services
SHIP (CHOICES) Director

Program Description & Speaker Bios

Understanding Care in the Home

This session emphasizes the importance of navigating systems, accessing care, and delivering services. An esteemed panel of experts will define key in-home & community-based service roles, including personal care assistants (PCAs), companions, home health aides, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and hospice providers.

Tracy Wodatch
CT Association of Healthcare at Home
President and CEO

Chrissie Schettini
MA Complete Care Health Services
Senior Vice President

Mario D’Aquila
Assisted Living Services, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer/Co-Owner

Brooke Mignogna
Careforth
Director of Sales & Community Partnerships

Laura Lusebrink
VITAS Healthcare
General Manager

Program Description & Speaker Bios

Decision Making Tools Across the Lifespan

Across all settings, patients often need help assessing and understanding the various levels of decision-making authority and ensuring documents are accessible to those who need them. This presentation will provide a foundational understanding to help community professionals enhance their knowledge.

Jen Herbst
Quinnipiac University School of Law
Professor of Law and Medical Sciences

Gabriele Labonte
CT Probate Courts
Northeast District Judge

Stephen Keogh
Keogh Law
Principal

Gretchen Knauf
New Haven Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities
Director

Program Description & Speaker Bios

Bloom Where You Are Planted, Helping People Thrive Wherever They Reside

This session explores how individuals can live well and thrive across a variety of housing and care environments by centering on self-determination, dignity, and equitable access to resources.