Tech First Talks
Tech First Talks are sessions hosted by SHIFT, featuring industry experts, technology vendors, providers, and other leaders advancing the Technology First movement. These engaging presentations explore a variety of enabling technology topics.
Only offered to enrolled SHIFT certification learners through the Resource Library
JSDD's Tech Ambassador Program: A Panel Discussion
Session Details
In this Tech First Talk, representatives from JSDD and their Tech Ambassadors program discuss creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to build technology skills and take on leadership roles. Together, they share how the program is changing the way technology is introduced, supported, and embraced by grounding its approach in person-centered practices and each individual’s unique goals, interests, and strengths. Learn how organizations can foster technology leadership, create more meaningful opportunities for people they support, and build a stronger Technology First culture by recognizing people with disabilities as valued partners in technology implementation and innovation.
About the speakers:
Todd E. is a resident and active member of the WAE Center at JSDD. Known for his thoughtful contributions to discussion groups and his vibrant stage presence, Todd has emceed the annual Coffee House and Variety Show and performed original stand-up comedy routines. In recognition of his personal achievements and contributions to the community, he received the 2025 NJACP Stars Award. Todd was also featured in “Technology Solutions: Myths and Possibilities,” a video for the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Susan Nasberg-Abrams is the Director of JSDD: Life | Home | Tech (LHT), providing strategic and operational leadership across program development, community outreach and educational initiatives. Guided by a person-centered mission, she promotes the use of enabling technology to foster independence, improve safety and enhance quality of life for adults with disabilities, older adults and caregivers.
Susan has led tours of the LHT demonstration home for families, service providers and community organizations. She has also presented at conferences and webinars hosted by organizations including the New Jersey Association of Community Providers, the Supportive Housing Association, the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, Alzheimer’s New Jersey and NJ Advocates for Aging Well’s “Aging Insights.”
Susan holds a master’s degree in communication from the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communication and is a recipient of the 2026 CARES Award for Professional Excellence. She is a certified Enabling Technology Integration Specialist (ETIS) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).
Marcia LeBeau is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for JSDD: Life | Home | Tech (LHT), where she raises awareness of enabling technology solutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autistic people and older adults. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience as a teaching artist, Marcia develops specialized curricula and teaches a range of classes on enabling technology. She also presents to community organizations, leads tours of the LHT demonstration home, facilitates the Tech Ambassador group and builds partnerships that advance LHT’s mission.
Marcia’s dedication to enabling technology is deeply personal. Her sibling, who has an intellectual and developmental disability and is experiencing dementia, has shaped her commitment to helping others understand how technology can foster independence and enrich lives.
Marcia is a certified Enabling Technology Integration Specialist (ETIS). She holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a bachelor’s degree in advertising and policy studies from Syracuse University.
Speakers
Todd E.
Resident and Active Member of the WAE Center
Susan Nasberg-Abrams
JSDD Director
Marcia LeBeau
JSDD Education and Outreach Coordinator
EVENT INFORMATION
- August Tech First Talk
- Recorded and Available in the SHIFT Resource Library