About the Summit
A Call to Conscience: Advancing Dignity for Adults with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
Adults with severe and multiple disabilities experience some of the highest levels of social isolation, limited access to meaningful community engagement, and families living with constant financial, emotional, and caregiving strain.
The SPARC/GW Summit keynote will be delivered by Virginia Senator Tim Kaine and brings together individuals with lived experience, families, advocates, researchers, policymakers, and community partners for a one-day working forum focused on solutions and collective action.
Sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to designing a future that expands dignity and possibility for some of our most isolated individuals.
Your Support Funds
SPARC: Creating Community & Inspiring Ability
See the impact of SPARC programs on adults with disabilities
Panels & Speakers
Thought leaders, policymakers, and advocates shaping the conversation
Fireside Conversations
Two fireside conversations moderated by Aaron Kaufman, Maryland State Delegate and Disability Rights Advocate
Challenging Limiting Narratives
"Undoing Ableism, Implicit Bias, and Outdated Assumptions"
Health Care
"Barriers to Equitable Healthcare Access"
Reforms, Innovations and Bold Imagination
"Designing a Future that Includes Us"
Call for Posters
Share your research, insights, and innovations at the 2026 SPARC Summit
Join SPARC and George Washington University for a landmark gathering of thought leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, families, and self-advocates committed to one simple truth: Dignity is not a privilege – it's a right.
Submission Guidelines
Please submit a 200–300 word abstract. Possible topics include:
- ✓ Examining limiting narratives
- ✓ Recognizing systemic barriers
- ✓ Universal design & technology
- ✓ Health equity
- ✓ Any relevant topic
The authors of the top selected abstracts will have an opportunity to present their posters in person. There will also be a virtual poster session for other selected abstracts.
Submit abstracts (Word or PDF) to BIC@gwu.edu
Thank You to Our Summit Planning Committee
We are grateful for the dedication and leadership of our planning committee members
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Debi AlexanderCEO, SPARC
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Cortney HeykoopCEO, Clover Leaf Wealth Strategies
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Dr. Courtney GaskinsExecutive Director, AdvocacyEd
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Katherine MontgomerySPARC Participant, Legacy and Leadership Officer, Board of Directors
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Ellen Dyke, Esq.Chair, SPARC Board of Directors
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Hannah Irsfeld, Esq.General Counsel NOVA, Vice Chair of SPARC
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Jonah GilmanSPARC Participant
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Dr. Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt
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Lisa J. WilliamsFounder, TLJN LLC
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Dr. Terri Workman
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Dr. Linda Zanin, EdD, RDMS
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Nainoksha KaushalFinancial Advisor, Edward Jones
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Shawn FlahertyPresident, Creative Strategies PR
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Shelia GrantDirector, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office
Your Support Funds
See the direct impact of your sponsorship
Accessible Participation
Support for families and caregivers to attend and participate
High-Quality Educational Program
Expert speakers and interactive sessions
Professional Videography
Post-event public briefing and documentation
Policy & Action Agenda
Shared with regional leaders for lasting impact
Increased Awareness
Amplifying the needs of adults with severe disabilities
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with us to make a lasting impact
Presenting Sponsor
The premier sponsorship opportunity. Your name leads the Summit as the exclusive presenting partner.
- "Presented by [Sponsor Name]" designation
- Prominent logo on all opening/closing slides
- Logo on Summit website and materials
- Verbal acknowledgment during opening and closing
- Opportunity to provide 2-minute welcome remarks
- Featured pre- and post-event social media recognition
- Recognition in SPARC Annual Report and post-event briefing
- Priority seating for sponsor guests
- Opportunity to introduce a panel or speaker
- Information table near registration
- Logo on sponsor slides and website
- Verbal acknowledgment from stage
- Recognition in SPARC Annual Report
- Dedicated social media recognition
- Reserved seating for sponsor guests
- 8 general admission tickets
- Logo on sponsor slides
- Logo on Summit website
- Listing in SPARC Annual Report
- Group social media thank-you
- 4 general admission tickets
- Name or logo on Summit website
- Listing on stage sponsor slide
- Recognition in SPARC Annual Report
- 2 general admission tickets
Become a Summit Sponsor
Join us in advancing dignity and belonging for adults with severe and multiple disabilities.
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