2026 Self-Advocacy Conference
Thank you to our amazing speakers, presenters, and vendors!
Speakers
Morning Keynote Speaker
Jim Hughes, Motivational Speaker
Jim Hughes specializes in transformative leadership and motivational speaking, providing audiences with valuable insights that empower both individuals and organizations to reach their fullest potential. By combining personal anecdotes with actionable advice, his engaging approach not only motivates listeners but also equips them with practical strategies to turn setbacks into stepping stones on their journey toward sustained personal and professional growth. Through his dynamic presentations, Jim not only uplifts but also instills a sense of confidence and determination, enabling people to cultivate their strengths and persevere in the face of adversity.
Afternoon Speakers
Paul & Hava, Disability Advocates
Paul and Hava are a married couple with developmental disabilities who live on Long Island. Through their advocacy, and the support of their parents, they were married in 2012. Since being married, they were able to secure housing in an IRA supported by East End Disability Associates, Inc. (EEDA), where they have lived for over 13 years.
Presenters and Workshops
ADA Basics:
Know Your Rights, Everywhere You Go
Constantine (Tino) Ioannidis
Self-Advocacy for Employment
Kelsey Kalafut
Disability Rights Under Fair Housing Laws: When "No" is Not the Final Answer
Ian Wilder
Traveling with a Disability
Michael Ring
Voting: Know Your Rights
Marilyn Tucci & Kaitlyn Fedziuk
Closing Speaker
Tugboat Manny, Comedian and Speaker
Tugboat Manny’s comedic style is a delightful combination of self-deprecation and clever observations, consisting of original truths about his life, from his Mental Health and physical disabilities, his family, friends and every job that he has ever had, from serving Our Great Country of The United States of America as a former Naval Reservist and a Merchant Mariner; sailing as a deckhand on harbor and ocean going tugboats out of New York harbor.