Transitioning Forward Conference
Presented by the PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources - Service Area 1
Sponsors:
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Presenters and Associated Information:
Al Condeluci, PhD
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Al Condeluci is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh PA, USA. He received his masters and doctorate degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and for the past 47 years, was associated with CLASS, a full-service nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities, retiring in Jan, 2019. Holding faculty appointments with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Social Work, Dr. Condeluci teaches, advises, and mentors students.
His books, Interdependence (1991, 1995), Beyond Difference (1996), Cultural Shifting (2002), Essence of Interdependence (2008), Together is Better (2010), Social Capital (2014) and the Macro Change Handbook (2015) focus on culture, community, social capital and macro change and have been used around the world. In 2018, he received the Key to the City of Pittsburgh, the highest civilian honor given by the city. He can be reached at 412-848-0278, alcondeluci@gmail.com or www.alcondeluci.com and on Twitter @acondeluci.
His books, Interdependence (1991, 1995), Beyond Difference (1996), Cultural Shifting (2002), Essence of Interdependence (2008), Together is Better (2010), Social Capital (2014) and the Macro Change Handbook (2015) focus on culture, community, social capital and macro change and have been used around the world. In 2018, he received the Key to the City of Pittsburgh, the highest civilian honor given by the city. He can be reached at 412-848-0278, alcondeluci@gmail.com or www.alcondeluci.com and on Twitter @acondeluci.
Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation: The Key to a Better Life
The notions of loneliness and social isolation have been clearly identified as vexing issues in our culture
today. We know that when people are rendered isolated, bad things can follow including adverse health
issues, unhappiness/depression, challenges with life success, and even shortened life expectancy. We
also know that marginalized groups, folks with disabilities, seniors, those in poverty, and other
minorities, are at greater risk of being lonely, isolated, or disconnected.
This session will do a deep-dive into understanding social isolation. Not only will we look at the research
and data related to this concept, but we will explore strategies, and actions that can be employed in
addressing loneliness by having social capital principles work for the people in your community. In an
interactive format, we will examine ways and means to building more effective relationships.
Objectives:
- Participants will be introduced to recent data and research on isolation/loneliness
- Ways to explore and measure loneliness will be introduced
- The construct of social capital will be overviewed
- Relationship-building strategies to combat social isolation will be examined
today. We know that when people are rendered isolated, bad things can follow including adverse health
issues, unhappiness/depression, challenges with life success, and even shortened life expectancy. We
also know that marginalized groups, folks with disabilities, seniors, those in poverty, and other
minorities, are at greater risk of being lonely, isolated, or disconnected.
This session will do a deep-dive into understanding social isolation. Not only will we look at the research
and data related to this concept, but we will explore strategies, and actions that can be employed in
addressing loneliness by having social capital principles work for the people in your community. In an
interactive format, we will examine ways and means to building more effective relationships.
Objectives:
- Participants will be introduced to recent data and research on isolation/loneliness
- Ways to explore and measure loneliness will be introduced
- The construct of social capital will be overviewed
- Relationship-building strategies to combat social isolation will be examined
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Kirby Smith SunKirb Ideas |
Kirby Smith is the founder and President of SunKirb Ideas, LLC. Kirby has over 30 years of experience in technology and customer service and executive leadership. In July of 2014, his wife, Suria, was injured and became a quadriplegic. They found the technology being offered to improve her life was outdated, expensive, and very limited due to customizations. Suddenly, simple everyday things were challenging. They solved those issues and July 2015 formed a company to bring these solutions to an underserved population. SunKirb Ideas, LLC offers affordable off-the-shelf consumer-based solutions through technology to give those who are aging, with disabilities and/or unique challenges the ability to be more independent and have more control of their environment. The smart homes and offices enable people to control the lights, temperature, turn on and off alarms, control their doors, control music and entertainment, see and communicate remotely, and control the televisions (including the cable box, TiVo, Netflix and Hulu) using voice commands or other alternative control methods.
Collateral from presenters will be available here, when available.