Join us for a powerful and personal session with John, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) policy and systems change. In this session, John will reflect on his employment journey from 2005 to 2025—sharing the challenges, growth, and key supports that shaped his career.

John Lemus has 20 years in advocacy and policy experience he has been with AtWork! since November 2018. John Lives in Cheney with his partner Sydney. John currently works as the Advocacy Manager for AtWork! John co led the push to get Sub Minimum Wage banned in the state of Washington. During the interim the AtWork! Advocacy team switches gears to training and strategic initiatives. John has developed self-advocate driven content on Job Development, Behavior as Communication and Accommodations in the workplace. John is a Leadership Spokane Alumni and a Graduate of the UW (LEND) Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental & Related Disorders program. In 2015 John was recognized with the Tom Miller Award For Advocacy from SourceAmerica. 

John also works for the University of Washington Institute on Human Development and Disability as a Project Echo Autism Hub Team Member. Outside of work John serves on the Citizen Advisory Committee for Spokane Transit and was recently elected to the board of directors for WA APSE. 

Wise is pleased to host a conversation with Bryce Johnson, Inclusive Lead at Microsoft and co-inventor of the Xbox Adaptive Controller, about Microsoft’s “one-size-fits-one” philosophy is shaping the future of technology, the challenges of balancing innovation and affordability, and the crucial role of compassion, collaboration, and diverse teams in designing for all.

Bryce is an inclusive designer for Microsoft Windows + Devices where he is devoted to ensuring Microsoft products are accessible. Bryce initiated and designed the Inclusive Tech Lab at Microsoft, which has now hosted over 19 thousand visitors; it is a facility where people can explore how people with disabilities interact with Microsoft products and services. He strives to design systems of accessibility enhancement, like the Surface Adaptive Kit, across our devices. Bryce is one of the inventors of the Xbox Adaptive Controller and a proud member of the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories team.   

This session will empower job coaches and job developers to support people in obtaining more equitable and person-centered employment opportunities for people with IDD. Using the Equity in Recruitment, Hiring, and Onboarding model, participants will explore how to align job searches with each person’s strengths, interests, and goals. The session will cover strategies for accessible recruitment, collaborating with employers, and partnering to ensure a realistic job preview. It will also highlight person-centered onboarding approaches, including mentorship and structured follow-ups, to promote long-term success and satisfaction.

Nick Burton is the CEO of N. Burton Consulting LLC, leading efforts to enhance person-centered planning, service capacity, and equitable access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with co-occurring mental health conditions. With over 25 years in the I/DD field, his work spans program design, implementation, and evaluation, always focused on ensuring meaningful, self-directed lives.

He also serves as Co-Executive Director of NextGen Synergy Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to expanding capacity and fostering cross-sector collaboration to better support individuals with I/DD and mental health needs. Previously, he was Director of Programs for Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, overseeing statewide services and driving systemic improvements.

Nick works with provider agencies, government entities, and advocacy organizations to build sustainable, person-driven systems. His current focus includes strengthening the intersection of I/DD and mental health, developing workforce competencies, and advancing a Choice Advising Model to support informed decision-making.

Starting his career as a direct support professional, he has held roles as a case manager, agency leader, and senior executive, with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. A national speaker on person-centered practices and leadership, he brings a broad perspective from working across multiple states.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and a master’s in public administration from Portland State University. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his husband, Thomas, and their two cats, Gary and Lois.

This presentation will explore the transformative potential of AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot and other assistive technologies in enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. We will demonstrate practical applications of these tools in the workplace, such as improving communication, streamlining tasks, and fostering independence. Additionally, we’ll discuss how AI and other assistive technologies can support personal life activities, from managing daily routines to accessing information and learning new skills. Attendees will gain insights into integrating AI technologies to promote autonomy, efficiency, and overall quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. Join us to discover innovative strategies for integrating AI to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Lisa Latchford: Committed Change Maker

Lisa Latchford is a dedicated Employment Consultant, Trainer and Facilitator, known for her unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. With a foundation built on person-centered planning, she is passionate about guiding individuals towards not just finding a job, but creating a pathway to the life they want to live. Lisa has over 3 decades of equipping individuals and teams to increase performance, ensure best practices, build stronger teams and achieve their employment goals.  She is currently the President of Fox Associates and Instructor for the WISE Online Academy 200, Washington APSE Chapter board member and past Chair of the Community Employment Alliance Board for Washington state.  As a private consultant, she provides training and consultation at the local, state, and national level. She is a visionary leader with experience in marketing, public speaking, leadership, management, strategic planning, training and facilitation.  In her free time Lisa loves to sing jazz. 

Michael Rogers:  Committed Action Oriented Activist

“My goal is to empower every individual that I come across. Life does not always make it easy to find your way, especially if a disability means others are making decisions for you. The bar will be set too low, but my life story is a testament to throwing off those limitations and living the life of your dreams. I have cerebral palsy and my life was severely limited by a world not able to visualize my potential. I had to persist. It takes work, the right people and the right accommodations.” My person-centered plan helped me live the life I want to live.   

Michael Rogers is the Receptionist for DDA headquarters in Lacey, Washington.  Michael has received services and has been employed by DDA for over 27 years.  Michael is also a national presenter and trainer. Michael has served on the  Washington DDC Board, ARC of Washington Board and the President’s Committee for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Michael lives in Lacy, Washington with his wife Emily and dog Ryleigh. 

Historically disability has been labeled a medical circumstance, but as communities grow many disability groups are reclaiming their identity as a culture. Jillian will share how to understand neurodiversity from a cultural lens, cultural points of neurodiversity, and language to support neurodiversity effectively.

Jillian Nelson is a Queer autistic adult from Saint Paul, MN and is the full time Policy Director for the Autism Society of MN (AuSM). Jillian is passionate about disability justice and teaching others to advocate for themselves, as well as reforming existing systems through legislation and advocacy to create a more equitable and accessible society for people with all types of disabilities. She is passionate about diversity and intersectionality and how that unfolds in the mosaic experience of people with disabilities. She also enjoys exploring new places, theater, and the Minnesota Lynx, as well as spending time with her partners.

Visual description- white woman with long brown and teal hair wearing a black sweater and silver necklace smiling in front of a brick wall.