Lynnae M. Ruttledge is a member of the US National Council on Disability, appointed by President Obama in 2013. In addition, she serves as a disability policy advisor to the international research institute, DOCTRID. Ms. Ruttledge served as Commissioner of the US Rehabilitation Services Administration from December 2009 to January 2012; a role that provided national level leadership for the public vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs, administering $4 billion in federal resources serving more than 1 million individuals with significant disabilities. During that time, Ms. Ruttledge also served as Acting Director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Committed to international diplomacy and goodwill, Ms. Ruttledge has been affiliated with Mobility International USA since 1988 and has served globally as a disability rights trainer, content expert and program consultant on disability policy and international law.  

Presentation Title: Understanding the International Treaty: A Global Platform for Increasing Access to Assistive Technology

Summary: This presentation will focus on the key elements of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in regard to assistive technology; and identifying workable strategies including research & development funding, human resources, public procurement and mobilizing universal services funds.