The University of Scranton recently hosted a successful 24th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability at the DeNaples Center.

Registration for the event had filled up with a week to spare, as every seat inside the McIlhenny Ballroom was filled for the event whose mission is to positively influence the quality of life and wellness of individuals and families living with disabilities.

This year's conference focused on the theme of "Access, Advocacy and Employment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)."

"AI is taking charge, which is positive and negative. It's a little dangerous. But, I think, with regard to people with disabilities, AI has a magnificent future," Edward Leahy '68 H'01, co-founder and organizer of the conference along with his wife, Patricia Leahy, told Fox 56. "There's a new phenomenon called neuro-tech that can actually detect someone's brain waves … if they think about something, someone can do something for them because it can detect what they're thinking. Imagine the potential for that."

The day's highlights included the presentation of the Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Award for Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy to Keith Williams G'09.Williams has worked for more than 35 years in advocacy and outreach for people with disabilities. He is currently the manager of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Grant and Advocacy at My Center for Independent Living (MyCIL) in Scranton.

The Dr. Ralph N. Pacinelli Leadership Award was presented to Kathy West-Evans and John Evans. West-Evans for the past 20 years has served as director of business relations for the National Employment Team at the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation. Evans recently retired as program administrator for employee relations for the State of Washington Department Social Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

The 24th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability at The University of Scranton featured the presentation of two awards. Keith Williams, manager of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Grant and Advocacy at My Center for Independent Living (MyCIL) in Scranton, earned the Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Award for Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy. The Dr. Ralph N. Pacinelli Leadership Award was presented to Kathy West-Evans, director of business relations for the National Employment Team at the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, and John Evans, retired program administrator for employee relations for the State of Washington Department Social Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Pictured, from left: Edward Leahy, conference co-founder; Evans; Williams; West-Evans; and Victoria H. Castellanos, Ph.D., dean, Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Additionally, speakers and their topics included:

• Former U.S. Sen. and Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service Bob Casey, "Disability Policy in 2025-26: Major Challenges and Opportunities"

• Co-CEO of Cleanlogic Isaac Shapiro, "Three Entities, One Mission"

• University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Distinguished Professor Rory Cooper, "Creating Transformative Technology for and With People With Disabilities"

• Microsoft accessibility technology evangelist Lauren Allen, Sr., "AI for All: Advancing Disability Inclusion Through Technology"

• Author and creator Tiffany Yu, "AI Empowerment for People With Disabilities"