George Washington University SPARC

A Call to Conscience

Advancing Inclusion for Adults with Disabilities who have Significant Support Needs

July 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Jack Morton Auditorium  |  Directions
Keynote by Senator Tim Kaine
Farewell Address by Congressman James Walkinshaw
Register to Attend Sponsor this Event Join Virtually for Free

About the Summit

A Call to Conscience – Advancing Inclusion for Adults with Disabilities who have Significant Support Needs

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, with a farewell address from Congressman James Walkinshaw. The day 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.

Ellen speaking at SPARC event

Your Support Funds

✓ Accessible participation for families and caregivers
✓ A high-quality educational program
✓ Professional videography and studio level production to broadcast nationwide
✓ A policy and action agenda shared with decision makers
✓ Increased awareness of the needs of adults with severe and multiple disabilities
✓ Research and data to inform practice and policy

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

Lucy Beadnell
The Arc of Northern Virginia
Michael Toobin, Esq.
Dr. Mark Coles
Phyllis Randall
Chair-at-Large, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Panel 1

Challenging Limiting Narratives

"Undoing Ableism, Implicit Bias, and Outdated Assumptions"

Moderator
Aaron Kaufman
Maryland State Delegate and Disability Rights Advocate
Jerry Hulick
Member, United Cerebral Palsy National Board of Trustees; Principal and Consultant, Caring Consulting Group; Founder, Washington Group Special Care
Dr. Nicci Dowd
Assistant Professor, School of Education, Marymount University
Merrill Friedman
Regional Vice President, Inclusive Policy and Advocacy, Elevance Health
Panel 2

Health Care

"Barriers to Equitable Healthcare Access"

Moderator
Senator Kannan Srinivasan
Virginia State Senator; served on the Health and Human Services Committee in the Virginia House of Delegates; past Board Chair, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Jessica Bonness
Professor of Art and Design, Marymount University
Dr. Kevin O'Connor
GW Faculty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences; Adjunct Associate Professor in Health, Human Function and Rehabilitation Sciences
Hannah C. Irsfeld, Esq.
Disability Civil Rights Attorney; Vice Chair, SPARC
Dr. Megan Mahowald
Program Director, Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program, Marymount University
Panel 3

Reforms, Innovations and Bold Imagination

"Designing a Future that Includes Us"

Moderator
Senator Barbara Favola
Virginia State Senator; Chair, Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee; Member, Finance and Appropriations, Education and Health, Courts of Justice and Rules
Dr. Bonnielin Swenor
Endowed Professor of Disability Health and Justice; Director, Johns Hopkins University Health Research Center
Dr. Qing Zeng-Treitler
Director, Biomedical Informatics Center; Professor in Clinical Research and Leadership, GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Jamie Dyke
Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Learning Manager, Center of Excellence, Elevance Health; Member, Culpeper Town Council
Supervisor Walter Alcorn
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Hunter Mill District

Thank You to Our Summit Planning Committee

We are grateful for the dedication and leadership of our planning committee members

  • Debi Alexander
    CEO, SPARC
  • Cortney Heykoop
    CEO, Clover Leaf Wealth Strategies
  • Dr. Courtney Gaskins
    Executive Director, AdvocacyEd
  • Katherine Montgomery
    SPARC Participant, Legacy and Leadership Officer, Board of Directors
  • Ellen Dyke, Esq.
    Chair, SPARC Board of Directors
  • Hannah C. Irsfeld, Esq.
    Disability Civil Rights Attorney; Vice Chair, SPARC
  • Jonah Gilman
    SPARC Participant
  • Dr. Lisa Sechrest-Ehrhardt
  • Lisa J. Williams
    Founder, TLJN LLC
  • Dr. Terri Workman
  • Dr. Linda Zanin, EdD, RDMS
  • Nainoksha Kaushal
    Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
  • Shawn Flaherty
    President, Creative Strategies PR
  • Shelia Grant
    Director, 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

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We are deeply grateful to the organizations and individuals making the SPARC Summit possible.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Partner with us to make a lasting impact

Presenting Sponsor

$25,000

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
Event Sponsor
$15,000Four Available
  • 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
Sponsor Now
Supporting Sponsor
$5,000
  • Logo on sponsor slides
  • Logo on Summit website
  • Listing in SPARC Annual Report
  • Group social media thank-you
  • 4 general admission tickets
Sponsor Now
Community Sponsor
$1,000
  • Name or logo on Summit website
  • Listing on stage sponsor slide
  • Recognition in SPARC Annual Report
  • 2 general admission tickets
Sponsor Now

Become a Summit Sponsor

Join us in advancing dignity and belonging for adults with severe and multiple disabilities.

Sponsor Now Contact Us

1775 Tysons Blvd., Fifth Floor, Tysons, VA 22102 | EIN 20-5513060

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© 2025 SPARC - Specially Adapted Resource Centers. All rights reserved.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization | EIN: 20-5513060

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