2026 Summit Speakers & Schedule
The 2026 CDI Summit is more than an event—it’s a space where leaders, advocates, and innovators come together to move disability inclusion forward in meaningful, measurable ways. Our speakers bring real-world experience, practical insights, and proven strategies to help you build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
As you explore the schedule, you’ll find sessions designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your efforts. Each conversation is grounded in actionable takeaways you can bring back to your organization to drive engagement, improve retention, and create lasting impact.
Main Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Alycia Anderson
CEO, The Alycia Anderson Company
Alycia Anderson is a Global Keynote Speaker, Disability Advocate, Accessibility Strategist, Podcast Host of Pushing Forward with Alycia, and CEO who empowers workplaces worldwide through transformative keynotes and workshops.
A wheelchair user since birth, Alycia holds a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Physical Activity and serves on California’s Insurance Diversity Task Force as the inaugural Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise (PDBE) Representative.
Her work has been featured by TEDx, the Los Angeles Times, NBC, CBS News, and Authority Magazine’s Female Disruptors series.
She has partnered with 200+ global brands, including Microsoft, Victoria’s Secret, Netflix, Etsy, and the International Paralympic Committee, and modeled at New York Fashion Week 2024.
Alycia delivers keynotes, workshops, and trainings that help teams operationalize inclusion and build high-performing cultures.
She is also the Founder & Facilitator of Own It Mastery, a community and resource program for early-stage entrepreneurs to speak, sell, and scale with purpose through curriculum, coaching, and peer accountability.
Known for “right-sizing” everyday obstacles, Alycia opens minds to a world of possibility. And that’s how she rolls.
Visit www.alyciaanderson.com and connect with Alycia on LinkedIn for more insights and engagement highlights.
Emcee
Dustin Giannelli
CEO & Founder, HearsDustin
Dustin Giannelli is the CEO and Founder of HearsDustin LLC, a dynamic consultancy that champions accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. Dustin is profoundly deaf, has worn hearing aids since the age of 5, and leverages his personal journey to shed light on the transformative impact of effective communication, disability awareness, and best practices
Known for his authentic energy and inspiring message, Dustin is a sought-after public speaker and consultant, helping organizations foster a more inclusive and accessible workplace culture.
Visit HearsDustin.com and connect with Dustin on LinkedIn for more insights and engagement highlights.
Schedule
Doors Open & Breakfast
8:00 am
Morning
8:30 am – Noon
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Meaghan Walls, CEO, Center for Disability Inclusion
Keynote
Alycia Anderson, CEO, The Alycia Anderson Company
Break - Vendor Exhibitors & Book Fair
Session 1: Collective Responsibility for Disability Allyship
Eric Harris, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs, Disability Rights California
Session 2: Micro-Learning Sessions
Matt Leger • Tiffany Adams • Nick Howe • Dr. Charnessa Warren
Lunch & Vendor Showcase
Afternoon
1:30 – 5:00 pm
Session 3: From Requirement to Advantage: Cross‑Sector Perspectives on Disability Inclusion Beyond Compliance
Dustin Giannelli • Michael Murray • Craig Leen
Session 4: Details Coming Soon
Break - Ice Cream Social, Vendor Exhibitors & Book Fair
Session 5: Turning Insights Into Action Workshop
Meaghan Walls • Andy Traub
Closing Remarks
Evening
5:00-6:00 pm
Networking Social
Explore the Sessions
Opening Keynote: Alycia Anderson
Own It: Embrace, Elevate & Empower
Alycia Anderson brings her powerful storytelling and OWN It framework — Embrace, Elevate, Empower — to this keynote experience. Attendees will explore how identity, accessibility, and disability inclusion shape stronger leadership, deeper engagement, and more inclusive workplace cultures. This session will inspire participants to recognize barriers, elevate potential, and take meaningful action that supports both people and business success.
Eric Harris
Collective Responsibility for Disability Allyship
True disability allyship goes beyond policies, benefits, and employee resource groups. In this session, Eric Harris will explore how organizations can build shared responsibility for disability inclusion through everyday practices, culture shifts, and sustained action. Attendees will learn how authentic relationships, community partnerships, and the voices of people with disabilities can help businesses move beyond compliance and create more proactive, inclusive, and sustainable workplaces.
Panel Discussion
From Requirement to Advantage: Cross‑Sector Perspectives on Disability Inclusion Beyond Compliance
This panel brings together leaders from business, government, and law to explore how accessibility and disability inclusion can move beyond compliance and become shared drivers of progress. Through real-world examples, panelists will show how proactive approaches can reduce barriers, support innovation, and create measurable value across organizations and systems.