Shapiro and Casey Attended Disability Conference
Pennsylvania leaders gathered at the University of Scranton for the 25th annual U.S. Conference on Disability.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Special Needs
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Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro and former Senator Bob Casey participated in the 25th annual U.S. Conference on Disability at the University of Scranton. The event honors the late Edward R. Leahy Jr., who passed away in 1993.
Why it matters
The conference serves as a platform to highlight vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Shapiro uses the event to promote resources from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to local employers.
This marks the 25th edition of the conference originally established by Edward and Patricia Leahy. The event commemorates their son, Edward R. Leahy Jr., who died at age 9 in 1993.
The players
Lori Shapiro
She serves as the First Lady of Pennsylvania and advocates for expanded vocational training programs.
Bob Casey
He is a former Senator and currently serves as the Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service at the University of Scranton.
University of Scranton
This private Catholic and Jesuit university is located in Scranton and hosts the annual conference.
The details
During the event, Shapiro highlighted the Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team program, which connects companies with job-seeking individuals with disabilities. Bob Casey, who serves as the Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service, also participated in discussions at the Scranton campus.
Timeline
The 25th annual U.S. Conference on Disability occurred on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Edward R. Leahy Jr. died in 1993.
Culture Shift
The event aligns with the mission of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to integrate diverse talent into the state workforce. It marks a departure from traditional advocacy by focusing on direct corporate engagement through the Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team.
Residents and job seekers can access expanded vocational support resources through the state-promoted outreach programs. Employers in the area may see increased recruitment initiatives aimed at connecting them with individuals with disabilities.
The takeaway
The conference highlights how persistent advocacy can lead to practical employment infrastructure for disabled individuals. Implementing these inclusive hiring practices remains a vital step for companies aiming to broaden their talent pools.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services on the Special Needs section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice.
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