Introducing Our Keynote:
Melissa Pepin, Lifestream, Inc.
Melissa Pepin, MS, ATP, is a highly experienced RESNA-Certified Assistive Technology Professional with over 30 years of dedication to the field. She is currently the Director of Assistive Technology and Therapy Services at LifeStream, Inc., where she leads innovative initiatives to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her work focuses on increasing independence and accessibility for people receiving services throughout southeast region DDS.
Melissa’s extensive experience includes providing comprehensive assistive technology services such as assessments, evaluations, training, and case management. Her goal is to empower individuals to achieve greater access and independence in all areas of life—at home, the community, or workplace. She is passionate about ensuring that technology meets each individual’s unique goals and needs.
Melissa serves as a co-facilitator of the Assistive Technology Essentials Academy, which focuses on expanding knowledge of assistive technology among staff working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this academy, she helps professionals gain the skills and confidence needed to better support individuals served.
Melissa also has presented with her team about the Assistive Technology Essentials Academy nationally at prominent conferences including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in New Orleans (2022) and Boston (2023), Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) in Orlando (2025), and a panel discussion at the Center for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship (CARS) "May Celebration XXIX- The Joy of Discovery: A Scholarship Showcase" at Bridgewater State University (2025). A recognized leader and innovator, Melissa received the prestigious Innovation Award from ADDP in 2019, a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning, research, and education.
As co-founder of the Southeastern Massachusetts Assistive Technology Consortium, Melissa champions collaboration and resource-sharing. This consortium is dedicated to providing comprehensive assistive technology resources to individuals, their families, and provider agencies across Massachusetts.
Melissa’s upcoming keynote address will highlight low to high tech assistive technology devices demonstrating their functionality and sharing valuable resources. The goal is to empower and increase skills for the blind and low vision community ensuring that everyone can access the tools needed to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Melissa will also offer a concurrent session “DIY – Using Everyday Items to Make Assistive Technology” and using Teresa Willkomm’s “Make Stuff and Love People”, participants will make a portable scan and read station.
Melissa Pepin, Lifestream, Inc.
Melissa Pepin, MS, ATP, is a highly experienced RESNA-Certified Assistive Technology Professional with over 30 years of dedication to the field. She is currently the Director of Assistive Technology and Therapy Services at LifeStream, Inc., where she leads innovative initiatives to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her work focuses on increasing independence and accessibility for people receiving services throughout southeast region DDS.
Melissa’s extensive experience includes providing comprehensive assistive technology services such as assessments, evaluations, training, and case management. Her goal is to empower individuals to achieve greater access and independence in all areas of life—at home, the community, or workplace. She is passionate about ensuring that technology meets each individual’s unique goals and needs.
Melissa serves as a co-facilitator of the Assistive Technology Essentials Academy, which focuses on expanding knowledge of assistive technology among staff working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through this academy, she helps professionals gain the skills and confidence needed to better support individuals served.
Melissa also has presented with her team about the Assistive Technology Essentials Academy nationally at prominent conferences including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in New Orleans (2022) and Boston (2023), Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) in Orlando (2025), and a panel discussion at the Center for the Advancement of Research and Scholarship (CARS) "May Celebration XXIX- The Joy of Discovery: A Scholarship Showcase" at Bridgewater State University (2025). A recognized leader and innovator, Melissa received the prestigious Innovation Award from ADDP in 2019, a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning, research, and education.
As co-founder of the Southeastern Massachusetts Assistive Technology Consortium, Melissa champions collaboration and resource-sharing. This consortium is dedicated to providing comprehensive assistive technology resources to individuals, their families, and provider agencies across Massachusetts.
Melissa’s upcoming keynote address will highlight low to high tech assistive technology devices demonstrating their functionality and sharing valuable resources. The goal is to empower and increase skills for the blind and low vision community ensuring that everyone can access the tools needed to lead fulfilling, independent lives. Melissa will also offer a concurrent session “DIY – Using Everyday Items to Make Assistive Technology” and using Teresa Willkomm’s “Make Stuff and Love People”, participants will make a portable scan and read station.