The conference will offer 25 unique presentations by self-advocates, support professionals, clinicians, policy-makers, and thought leaders. Presenters include:
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024
4 – 8 PM On-Site Check In/Registration Open
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
7 AM – 5:30 PM On-Site Check In/Registration Open
8 AM – 5:00 PM Quiet Room Available
7:30 – 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast Available
9 – 10:30 AM
General Session
Welcome and Opening Comments
Resilient Leadership: Mending Connections and Trust in the Post-Pandemic Landscape AND Leading Organizations Where People Want to Work
Caitlin Bailey, PhD., Co-Director
Kristen Loomis, MBA, Co-Director
National Leadership Consortium
Throughout the pandemic and into the post-pandemic era, organizational, systems, and advocacy leaders have shown incredible resilience while remaining committed to promoting the rights and human dignity of people with disabilities. As we think about how we lead going forward in an unknown and highly stressed-out world, we can learn from leaders who have focused on healing, recognition, and building trust and hope. During this session, the National Leadership Consortium will share lessons from leaders in our field and beyond and other actionable strategies and practices that leaders at all levels can use to build sustainability, engagement, and connection within their teams.
10:30 - 11 AM Coffee Break
11 AM – Noon Breakout 1A
Resilient Leadership: Mending Connections and Trust in the Post-Pandemic Landscape AND Leading Organizations Where People Want to Work
Caitlin Bailey, PhD., Co-Director
Kristen Loomis, MBA, Co-Director
National Leadership Consortium
Our field is busier and more stressed out than ever before. Through our work around the country, the National Leadership Consortium has consistently heard about challenges related to staff shortages, employee engagement, and organizational culture. These challenges were only made greater by the pandemic. During this interactive session, attendees will engage in discussions, exercises, and activities to consider strategies to build, transform, and sustain organizations where people want to work. We know that organizations that cultivate engagement, motivation, and trust are agencies that have higher retention rates and better support and promote inclusion autonomy, and control for people with disabilities. Attendees will leave this session with actionable strategies, ideas and resources that they can use and apply in their organizations and systems.
11 AM – Noon Breakout 1B
Grant Writing and Professional Development
Robert Arnhold, Ph.D., CEO
Growing Together Aquaponics Inc.
The purpose of this presentation is to provide attendees with information, knowledge and the skills to develop grant applications for their respective agencies. Specific objectives include:
- Attendees will be able to identify key and appropriate needs for their respective agencies which can meet grant funders’ priorities.
- Attendees will be able to identify appropriate funding sources matching their funding needs.
- Attendees will be able to develop specific components of successful grant applications.
- Attendees will be able to develop an appropriate budget for their funding needs.
Noon – 1:45 PM Lunch and Visit Exhibit Hall
1:45 – 2 PM Move to Breakouts
2 – 3 PM Breakout 1C
Repeat of Resilient Leadership Session
2 – 3 PM
Breakout 1D
Repeat of Grant Writing Session
3 – 3:30 PM Break
3:30 – 5:00 PM
General Session
Provider Program Development in a Post-Pandemic World
Robert Arnhold, Ph.D., CEO
Growing Together Aquaponics Inc.
This presentation will provide information regarding the development of effective programs focusing on physical activity and health and job training and employment for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. People with disabilities have higher rates of physical inactivity and lower self-concept scores than their peers without disabilities. Likewise, people with disabilities are employed at significantly lower rates than their peers without disabilities. Developing effective programs of physical activity and health promotion may improve self-concept and increase opportunities for employment. This presentation will address these topics.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM On-Site Check In/Registration Open
7:30 – 8:00 AM Move Your Way Activity
8 AM – 5:00 PM Quiet Room Available
7:30 – 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast Available
9 – 10:00 AM
General Session - Keynote Presentation
Community Re-Engagement
Dr. Amy Hewitt
(description coming soon)
10:00 – 10:30 AM Coffee Break/Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2A
Lessons Learned From the Practical Functional Assessment
Dr. Greg Hanley
(description coming soon)
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2B
Move Your Way Poster Symposium
Dr. Gregory Cherpes
ODP Medical Director
Join Dr. Cherpes for highlights from the Move Your Way Poster Exhibition. Featuring 9 of the 25 posters, presenters will give a brief overview of their poster.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2C
The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, Engage (RAISE) Family Caregiver Act: What It Means for America's Caregivers
Nancy C. Richey, Member of the Federal RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council
The RAISE Family Caregivers Act, which became law on Jan. 22, 2018, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national family caregiving strategy. The strategy will identify actions that communities, providers, government, and others are taking and may take to recognize and support family caregivers. On September 21, 2022, the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was delivered to Congress. The Strategy includes nearly 350 actions the federal government will take to support family caregivers in the coming year and more than 150 actions that can be adopted at other levels of government and across the private sector to begin to build a system that ensures family caregivers who provide the overwhelming majority of long-term care in the United States have the resources they need to maintain their own health, wellbeing, and financial security while providing crucial support for others.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2D
AAC and Self Determination
Courtney Johnson
Many autistic people rely on direct support professionals for accessing care and living more independently, including some individuals who use AAC. This presentation discusses personal experiences as an AAC user receiving home and community based services - with an emphasis on the importance of access to communication for ensuring an individual’s safety and autonomy.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2E
Exploring your "Why?"
Jeiri Flores
This session will help attendees explore their whys through their personal landmarks. Our personal landmarks refer to the kinds of experiences and discoveries that represent significant moments in our core, identity, and integrity. Our landmarks are encouraged, tested, and established throughout our life. These landmarks are not only the things that relate to the positive moments of triumph over adversity. Times of pain, uncertainty, and failure are also important landmarks. Our landmarks are often more helpful than mountaintop moments for discovering our inner resources and can signify the need for movement and change in our lives.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2F
Bending Over Backward to Exceed the Everyday: Promoting Student-Led Experiences within Inclusive Post-Secondary Education
Chris King, Millersville University Student
Dr. McKenna Killon, Director of Integrated Studies at Millersville University
Gabriela Hagiu, Grant Coordinator, Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium
Inclusive post-secondary education promotes authentic college experiences for students with intellectual disabilities. Chris King, a Millersville college student, will describe strategies and tools used at Millersville to promote self-determination and student-led experiences. Chris will also provide an explanation of his PATH, a person-centered planning tool, and demonstrate how the PATH has directed his foundational experiences and goals. Two inclusive post-secondary education professionals will discuss the implementation of these strategies, including PATH. The presenters will describe best practices for promoting inclusive and student-led campus participation, as well as provide rationale for choosing valued options for students.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2G
Trauma Conscious Choices: Empowerment for Everyday
Jessica Reinhardt, Ph.D., NCSP, LP, Coordinator, School Psychology Program, Temple University
This interative session aims to provide participants with the opportunity to learn and share about the impact of chronic stress and trauma. Participants will reflect on their own stress responses and the stress responses of their loved ones. Additionally, participants will utilize the power of their own lived experiences and co-construct an “everyday understanding” of common Trauma Informed Principles.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2H
Be Prepared: Emergency Preparedness for the Intellectual Disability & Autism Community
Francine Hogan, Director, PA Family Network at Vision for Equality
Diana Morris Smaglik, Manager, PA Family Network at Vision for Equality
It’s widely believed that Emergency Preparedness is only important in geographic areas with high risk of natural disasters. We’re here to tell you that is not true. Emergencies can strike anywhere, even in your own neighborhood. People everywhere are often asked to evacuate or “shelter in place” for many unexpected reasons. A local house fire, street flood, water contamination, and local power outages are just a few reasons to be prepared. In this session, we will provide ALL participants with tips and skills you can put to use immediately. We will also demonstrate how to use the I-PREPARE Emergency Plan. This plan was designed by and for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Session participants who receive or are waiting for waiver services, and live in their own home or with friends/family, will be eligible to receive a “Go Bag” filled with over 100 items to help you in an emergency.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2I
Transforming Co-Occurring Care: The START Pilot in Allegheny and Philadelphia Counties
Laura DeRiggi, Senior Director, Clinical Consultant, CBH/DBHIDS
Blerina Faruku, Asst. Director of Whole Person Support/Risk Mitigation/START Philadelphia
Nikita Weaver, Behavioral Health Program Management Analyst, DBHIDS
Kathy Davis, Allegheny County DHS Office of Developmental Supports, Promising Practices Manager
Loleda Moman, Resources for Human Development, PA START Allegheny, Program Director
This presentation will illustrate how the START model is poised to revolutionize the landscape of co-occurring mental health and intellectual disability/autism in Pennsylvania. By examining the integration of START in two Pennsylvania counties, Allegheny and Philadelphia, it highlights the transformative potential of this approach. Allegheny County’s successful implementation, and Philadelphia’s planned adoption as part of Philadelphia BHID System of Care exemplify the profound impact START can have in enhancing the lives of individuals dealing with these co-occurring challenges. The presentation will delve into the innovative strategies and the promise of comprehensive care that these initiatives bring, ultimately empowering individuals to thrive in their everyday lives.
11:30 – 1:00 PM Lunch/Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
1:00 – 2:00 PM
General Session
Dani’s Life Story: Building Employment Opportunities for Herself and Others
Dani Bowman, Founder & CEO of DaniMation Entertainment; Cast Member of “Love on the Spectrum”
Dani will be talking about her transformative journey on how she explored the profound impact of peer teaching on youth with autism, all through the lens of animation. Dani will also discuss the powerful possibilities that lie at the intersection of animation and peer-led education and the techniques on how to help the autism community turn their passion into a career.
2:00 – 2:30 PM Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2A (repeat)
Lessons Learned From the Practical Functional Assessment
Dr. Greg Hanley
(description coming soon)
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2B (repeat)
Move Your Way Poster Symposium
Dr. Gregory Cherpes
ODP Medical Director
Join Dr. Cherpes for highlights from the Move Your Way Poster Exhibition. Featuring 9 of the 25 posters, presenters will give a brief overview of their poster.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2C (repeat)
The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, Engage (RAISE) Family Caregiver Act: What It Means for America's Caregivers
Nancy C. Richey, Member of the Federal RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council
The RAISE Family Caregivers Act, which became law on Jan. 22, 2018, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national family caregiving strategy. The strategy will identify actions that communities, providers, government, and others are taking and may take to recognize and support family caregivers. On September 21, 2022, the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was delivered to Congress. The Strategy includes nearly 350 actions the federal government will take to support family caregivers in the coming year and more than 150 actions that can be adopted at other levels of government and across the private sector to begin to build a system that ensures family caregivers who provide the overwhelming majority of long-term care in the United States have the resources they need to maintain their own health, wellbeing, and financial security while providing crucial support for others.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2D(repeat)
AAC and Self Determination
Courtney Johnson
Many autistic people rely on direct support professionals for accessing care and living more independently, including some individuals who use AAC. This presentation discusses personal experiences as an AAC user receiving home and community based services - with an emphasis on the importance of access to communication for ensuring an individual’s safety and autonomy.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2E (repeat)
Exploring your "Why?"
Jeiri Flores
This session will help attendees explore their whys through their personal landmarks. Our personal landmarks refer to the kinds of experiences and discoveries that represent significant moments in our core, identity, and integrity. Our landmarks are encouraged, tested, and established throughout our life. These landmarks are not only the things that relate to the positive moments of triumph over adversity. Times of pain, uncertainty, and failure are also important landmarks. Our landmarks are often more helpful than mountaintop moments for discovering our inner resources and can signify the need for movement and change in our lives.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2F (repeat)
Bending Over Backward to Exceed the Everyday: Promoting Student-Led Experiences within Inclusive Post-Secondary Education
Chris King, Millersville University Student
Dr. McKenna Killon, Director of Integrated Studies at Millersville University
Gabriela Hagiu, Grant Coordinator, Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium
Inclusive post-secondary education promotes authentic college experiences for students with intellectual disabilities. Chris King, a Millersville college student, will describe strategies and tools used at Millersville to promote self-determination and student-led experiences. Chris will also provide an explanation of his PATH, a person-centered planning tool, and demonstrate how the PATH has directed his foundational experiences and goals. Two inclusive post-secondary education professionals will discuss the implementation of these strategies, including PATH. The presenters will describe best practices for promoting inclusive and student-led campus participation, as well as provide rationale for choosing valued options for students.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2G (repeat)
Trauma Conscious Choices: Empowerment for Everyday
Jessica Reinhardt, Ph.D., NCSP, LP, Coordinator, School Psychology Program, Temple University
This interative session aims to provide participants with the opportunity to learn and share about the impact of chronic stress and trauma. Participants will reflect on their own stress responses and the stress responses of their loved ones. Additionally, participants will utilize the power of their own lived experiences and co-construct an “everyday understanding” of common Trauma Informed Principles.
2:30 – 3:30 PMBreakout 2H (repeat)
Be Prepared: Emergency Preparedness for the Intellectual Disability & Autism Community
Francine Hogan, Director, PA Family Network at Vision for Equality
Diana Morris Smaglik, Manager, PA Family Network at Vision for Equality
It’s widely believed that Emergency Preparedness is only important in geographic areas with high risk of natural disasters. We’re here to tell you that is not true. Emergencies can strike anywhere, even in your own neighborhood. People everywhere are often asked to evacuate or “shelter in place” for many unexpected reasons. A local house fire, street flood, water contamination, and local power outages are just a few reasons to be prepared. In this session, we will provide ALL participants with tips and skills you can put to use immediately. We will also demonstrate how to use the I-PREPARE Emergency Plan. This plan was designed by and for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Session participants who receive or are waiting for waiver services, and live in their own home or with friends/family, will be eligible to receive a “Go Bag” filled with over 100 items to help you in an emergency.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2I (repeat)
Transforming Co-Occurring Care: The START Pilot in Allegheny and Philadelphia Counties
Laura DeRiggi, Senior Director, Clinical Consultant, CBH/DBHIDS
Blerina Faruku, Asst. Director of Whole Person Support/Risk Mitigation/START Philadelphia
Nikita Weaver, Behavioral Health Program Management Analyst, DBHIDS
Kathy Davis, Allegheny County DHS Office of Developmental Supports, Promising Practices Manager
Loleda Moman, Resources for Human Development, PA START Allegheny, Program Director
This presentation will illustrate how the START model is poised to revolutionize the landscape of co-occurring mental health and intellectual disability/autism in Pennsylvania. By examining the integration of START in two Pennsylvania counties, Allegheny and Philadelphia, it highlights the transformative potential of this approach. Allegheny County’s successful implementation, and Philadelphia’s planned adoption as part of Philadelphia BHID System of Care exemplify the profound impact START can have in enhancing the lives of individuals dealing with these co-occurring challenges. The presentation will delve into the innovative strategies and the promise of comprehensive care that these initiatives bring, ultimately empowering individuals to thrive in their everyday lives.
3:30 – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 – 5:00 PM
General Session
Keith Jones, President and CEO of Soul Touchin’ Experiences LLC, facilitator
Panel Members:
Imani Barbarin, Crutches & Spice Creator, Writer, and Disability Rights Activist
Andy Arias, disability program manager, policy development professional, actor and producer
Emmanuel Jenkins, We Stand 4 Something Founder & Director
Shawn Aleong, Student
(description coming soon)
5:00 – 6:00 PMNetworking Reception in Exhibit Hall
6:00 – 7:30 PM Dinner Break on Own
7:30 – 9:00 PM Move Your Way Activity
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM On-Site Check In/Registration Open
7:30 – 8:00 AM Move your Way Activity
8 AM – 5:00 PM Quiet Room Available
8:00 – 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast Available
9 – 10:00 AM
General Session - Keynote Presentation
America's Direct Support Workforce: The Past, Present and Future
Amy Hewitt, PhD. FAAIDD, Director, Institute on Community Integration at The University of Minnesota
Joseph M. Macbeth, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
(description coming soon)
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break/Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3A
DSP Certification through the NADSP E-Badge Academy
Dan Hermreck, Director of Certification and Accreditation, NADSP
The NADSP E-Badge Academy is a certification platform that allows DSPs (and their supervisors) to earn electronic badges by completing accredited training and describing how their work is consistent with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Core Competencies and the NADSP Code of Ethics. These badges can be stacked to meet the requirements for NADSP’s DSP-I, DSP-II, DSP-III, and FLS certifications. This session will provide background on the design of the certification program, best practices and lessons learned in other parts of the country, and some preliminary data about user experiences.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3B-1
Bringing Fathers Forward: Engaging, Supporting, and Connecting Dads of Children with IDD
Corey Ferguson, MHA, Statewide Manager, Division of Policy and Strategic Direction, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio, LifeCourse Nexus
Oftentimes, the journey as a parent of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities looks different for fathers, yet the difference isn’t always recognized or understood. Hear one father’s story of his journey in raising a child with IDD, and what he’s learned that could be put into practice in supporting men. This session will also highlight Bringing Fathers Forward, an initiative in Ohio focused on father engagement, connection, and support.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3C
The ARC of PA Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among People with Disabilities
Sherri Landis, Executive Director
The ARC of PA
Emma Nolan, Manager of Government Relations & Health Initiatives
The ARC of PA
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but for some groups, including and especially the disability community, the impact has been staggering. This is even more the case for those in the disability community who live in rural areas and those belonging to racial and ethnic minorities. The ARC of Pennsylvania is currently working on an initiative funded by the PA Department of Health that aims to identify healthcare barriers that people with disabilities face. Advised by key stakeholders across the state, including people with lived experience, family members and professionals in the field of healthcare and disability, The ARC of PA released a comprehensive report that provides an in-depth description of the proposed solutions. This presentation will cover the solutions that the State can implement that aim to achieve health equity for people with disabilities.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3D
Throwing Away the Box
Emmanuel Jenkins, We Stand 4 Something
Founder & Director
Boxes are used to contain what’s inside, whether it's goods, or ideas, or the traditional way of doing things. As people with disabilities, family members and professionals, when it comes to supports and accommodations in education, employment, travel and even family life, we are asked to “think outside the box”. We’re being asked to think (and act) outside our comfort zone and outside of what we’ve become familiar with. But while we’re busy thinking outside the box, the box is still there, as a frame of reference. The box stays and in it are all the traditional ways of doing things, the things we are already familiar with. Join Mr. Emmanuel Jenkins, Founder and CEO of the non-profit, We Stand 4 Something, Inc. as he explains why instead of just thinking outside the box, we need to Throw “the Box” Away.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3E
Change the Journey: Adding Adapted Movement Into Your Life
Dr. Beth Foster, Assoc. Professor in Adapted Physical Activity/Education
Audrey Houghton, Individual with Disability
Get ready to get moving YOUR WAY during this high energy presentation which will explore ways to implement best practices and strategies related to increasing safe and successful movement activities based on individuals’ needs. Information will be shared on how to facilitate adaptations to a skill, environment, or equipment to provide successful movement opportunities and increase activity throughout one’s life for both individuals with disabilities and service providers, based on personal experiences and trial and error. Leave the presentation with goals to develop a functional movement program that is person centered to increase recreational and movement opportunities within communities and increase the health and well-being of us all.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3F
The Importance of Being Heard & How IM4Q Supports an Everyday Life
Lee Stephens, PA ODP IM4Q Statewide Lead
Jennifer Farmerie, PA ODP IM4Q Western Region AAW Lead
Guy Caruso, PhD, Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities IM4Q Technical Advisor
Mary Kay Cunningham, MSW, Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities IM4Q
Christine Greene, St. Francis University, IM4Q Local Program Director
The panel will describe what IM4Q is, its process, and the importance of participation in a survey. They will describe how ODP, the technical advisors, the counties, and the local programs work together to improve the quality of life, not only the people and their families who are nterviewed each year, but also for everyone receiving services across the state. They will share positive outcomes of IM4Q interviews. Questions are welcome and links to additional IM4Q information will be shared.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3G
Sexual Identity and Health
Andy Arias, disability program manager, policy development professional, actor and producer
Join us for an enlightening presentation on Disability Sexuality and Health Awareness, tailored for individuals with disabilities. Led by seasoned disability program manager and advocate Andy Arias, this session delves into the crucial intersection of disability, sexuality, and overall health. With a focus on inclusivity, the presentation addresses the unique challenges disabled individuals face, fostering a supportive environment for open dialogue. Explore topics ranging from sexual health education to navigating relationships and debunking myths surrounding disability and intimacy. Andy’s expertise extends beyond advocacy, as he shares practical insights and resources for fostering a positive and empowered approach to disability, sexuality, and overall well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation, gain valuable knowledge, and promote a more inclusive understanding of sexuality and health within the disability community.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3H
Supporting Families Using Charting the LifeCourse
Candida Walton, PA ODP Supporting Families Director/Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador
Francine Hogan, Director, PA Family Network, Vision for Equality
Join us to learn about the principles and values of supporting families and how Charting the ifeCourse can help to bring those to life in real families. How can Charting the LifeCourse be used by families and teams to create a vision and identify and access supports and services to get there? Hear some examples and join in the conversation about how you can use Charting the LifeCourse to plan and problem solve.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3I
Peer Support Services Across Pennsylvania and How We Are Expanding and Strengthening Programs
David Measel, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition
Jessica Sprout, Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor, Recovery InSight, Inc.
Treasure Gallagher, Peer Services Program Representative, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
During this panel discussion, the speakers will provide information regarding:
- The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition: their mission/vision, role, current and future work to help expand, strengthen and advocate for peer support service within Pennsylvania.
- Recovery Insight (Jessica Sprout): a realistic look into the roles and duties of a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and CPS Supervisor; the importance and positive impact of the work; areas in which peer support services need to be expanded and strengthened.
- Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: information on current initiatives and work being completed at the State level to continue to advocate for, expand, and strengthen peer services.
This discussion will cover the areas of, but not limited to: qualifications, training, and expansion of services by adding family peer support services and offering endorsement/skill enhancement training.
11:30 – 12:30 PM Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
12:30 – 2:15 PM Lunch/Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
2:15 – 2:30 PM Move to Breakouts
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3A (repeat)
DSP Certification through the NADSP E-Badge Academy
Dan Hermreck, Director of Certification and Accreditation, NADSP
The NADSP E-Badge Academy is a certification platform that allows DSPs (and their supervisors) to earn electronic badges by completing accredited training and describing how their work is consistent with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Core Competencies and the NADSP Code of Ethics. These badges can be stacked to meet the requirements for NADSP’s DSP-I, DSP-II, DSP-III, and FLS certifications. This session will provide background on the design of the certification program, best practices and lessons learned in other parts of the country, and some preliminary data about user experiences.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3B-2
Lifesharing with Medically Complex Children—Keeping Families Together
Jennifer Harniman-Crangle, LSW, Family Facilitator, PCHC
Monique and Deacon Lawrence, LIfesharing Family
Jolanda Stringield, Administrator of Community Based Programs, Divine Providence Village
In a compelling three-part presentation, Jennifer Harniman-Crangle, Jolanda Stringfield, and Monique and Deacon Lawrence will unveil the inspiring journey toward realizing LIfesharing with medically complicated children in Pennsylvania. United by a shared vision for Deacon, their work centered on providing a safe and nurturing environment for him within the embrace of his family in the community. Monique and Deacon will share how their lives have changed and how Deacon is living his best life.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3C (repeat)
The ARC of PA Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among People with Disabilities
Sherri Landis, Executive Director
The ARC of PA
Emma Nolan, Manager of Government Relations & Health Initiatives
The ARC of PA
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but for some groups, including and especially the disability community, the impact has been staggering. This is even more the case for those in the disability community who live in rural areas and those belonging to racial and ethnic minorities. The ARC of Pennsylvania is currently working on an initiative funded by the PA Department of Health that aims to identify healthcare barriers that people with disabilities face. Advised by key stakeholders across the state, including people with lived experience, family members and professionals in the field of healthcare and disability, The ARC of PA released a comprehensive report that provides an in-depth description of the proposed solutions. This presentation will cover the solutions that the State can implement that aim to achieve health equity for people with disabilities.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3D (repeat)
Throwing Away the Box
Emmanuel Jenkins, We Stand 4 Something
Founder & Director
Boxes are used to contain what’s inside, whether it's goods, or ideas, or the traditional way of doing things. As people with disabilities, family members and professionals, when it comes to supports and accommodations in education, employment, travel and even family life, we are asked to “think outside the box”. We’re being asked to think (and act) outside our comfort zone and outside of what we’ve become familiar with. But while we’re busy thinking outside the box, the box is still there, as a frame of reference. The box stays and in it are all the traditional ways of doing things, the things we are already familiar with. Join Mr. Emmanuel Jenkins, Founder and CEO of the non-profit, We Stand 4 Something, Inc. as he explains why instead of just thinking outside the box, we need to Throw “the Box” Away.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3E (repeat)
Change the Journey: Adding Adapted Movement Into Your Life
Dr. Beth Foster, Assoc. Professor in Adapted Physical Activity/Education
Audrey Houghton, Individual with Disability
Get ready to get moving YOUR WAY during this high energy presentation which will explore ways to implement best practices and strategies related to increasing safe and successful movement activities based on individuals’ needs. Information will be shared on how to facilitate adaptations to a skill, environment, or equipment to provide successful movement opportunities and increase activity throughout one’s life for both individuals with disabilities and service providers, based on personal experiences and trial and error. Leave the presentation with goals to develop a functional movement program that is person centered to increase recreational and movement opportunities within communities and increase the health and well-being of us all.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout3F (repeat)
The Importance of Being Heard & How IM4Q Supports an Everyday Life
Lee Stephens, PA ODP IM4Q Statewide Lead
Jennifer Farmerie, PA ODP IM4Q Western Region AAW Lead
Guy Caruso, PhD, Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities IM4Q Technical Advisor
Mary Kay Cunningham, MSW, Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities IM4Q
Christine Greene, St. Francis University, IM4Q Local Program Director
The panel will describe what IM4Q is, its process, and the importance of participation in a survey. They will describe how ODP, the technical advisors, the counties, and the local programs work together to improve the quality of life, not only the people and their families who are interviewed each year, but also for everyone receiving services across the state. They will share positive outcomes of IM4Q interviews. Questions are welcome and links to additional IM4Q information will be shared.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3G (repeat)
Sexual Identity and Health
Andy Arias, disability program manager, policy development professional, actor and producer
Join us for an enlightening presentation on Disability Sexuality and Health Awareness, tailored for individuals with disabilities. Led by seasoned disability program manager and advocate Andy Arias, this session delves into the crucial intersection of disability, sexuality, and overall health. With a focus on inclusivity, the presentation addresses the unique challenges disabled individuals face, fostering a supportive environment for open dialogue. Explore topics ranging from sexual health education to navigating relationships and debunking myths surrounding disability and intimacy. Andy’s expertise extends beyond advocacy, as he shares practical insights and resources for fostering a positive and empowered approach to disability, sexuality, and overall well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation, gain valuable knowledge, and promote a more inclusive understanding of sexuality and health within the disability community.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3H (repeat)
Supporting Families Using Charting the LifeCourse
Candida Walton, PA ODP Supporting Families Director/Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador
Francine Hogan, Director, PA Family Network, Vision for Equality
Join us to learn about the principles and values of supporting families and how Charting the LifeCourse can help to bring those to life in real families. How can Charting the LifeCourse be used by families and teams to create a vision and identify and access supports and services to get there? Hear some examples and join in the conversation about how you can use Charting the LifeCourse to plan and problem solve.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 3II
Peer Support Services Across Pennsylvania and How We Are Expanding and Strengthening Programs
David Measel, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition
Jessica Sprout, Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor, Recovery InSight, Inc.
Treasure Gallagher, Peer Services Program Representative, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
During this panel discussion, the speakers will provide information regarding:
- The Pennsylvania Peer Support Coalition: their mission/vision, role, current and future work to help expand, strengthen and advocate for peer support service within Pennsylvania.
- Recovery Insight (Jessica Sprout): a realistic look into the roles and duties of a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and CPS Supervisor; the importance and positive impact of the work; areas in which peer support services need to be expanded and strengthened.
- Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: information on current initiatives and work being completed at the State level to continue to advocate for, expand, and strengthen peer services.
This discussion will cover the areas of, but not limited to: qualifications, training, and expansion of services by adding family peer support services and offering endorsement/skill enhancement training.
3:30 – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 – 5:00 PM
General Session - Keynote Presentation
Centering the Human in Human Services
Dr. Syard Evans, CEO
Arkansas Support Network
Human-centered organizations must be able to understand and impact the systems of oppression and marginalization that influence the lives of the people they support and the people they employ. Organizations and professionals must also be able to leverage power to empower those individuals meaningfully and effectively. The work of becoming a human-centered organization starts with intentionally influencing the culture of the organization in strategic ways. Dr. Evans will discuss strategies and opportunities for support systems to empower the people they serve and employ and move us all closer to a more just world.
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