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 Check In/Registration
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024
7 AM – 5:30 PM Check In/Registration
8 AM – 5:00 PM Quiet Room Available
7:30 – 8:45 AM Light Breakfast Available
9 – 10:30 AM
Keynote Presentation
Welcome
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 after, leaders have shown incredible resilience (ability to adapt and be flexible) while promoting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. We can learn from leaders who have focused on healing, recognition, building trust, and hope. During this session, the National Leadership Consortium will share lessons from leaders and other strategies and practices that you can use to build sustainability, engagement, and connection within your 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. Through our work, the National Leadership Consortium has consistently heard about challenges related to staff shortages, employee engagement, and organizational culture. The pandemic made these challenges worse. During this session, you will be part of interactive discussions, exercises, and activities. You will learn strategies to make organizations where people want to work. Organizations that promote engagement, motivation, and trust keep staff longer and better support and promote inclusion, autonomy, and control for people with disabilities. You will leave this session with strategies, ideas and resources you can use in your organizations.
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 you with information and the skills to develop grant applications for your agencies. After the session you will be able to:
- Identify the needs for your agencies to meet grant funders’ priorities.
- Identify funding sources matching your funding needs.
- Develop specific parts of successful grant applications.
- Develop a budget for your funding needs.
Noon – 1:45 PM Lunch and Time to Visit the Exhibit Hall
1:45 – 2 PM Move to Breakout Sessions
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 - Keynote Presentation
Provider Program Development in a Post-Pandemic World
Robert Arnhold, Ph.D., CEO
Growing Together Aquaponics Inc.
This presentation will provide information on developing programs that focus on physical activity, health, job training and employment for individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities have higher rates of physical inactivity and lower self-concept scores ( how someone sees themself) than their peers without disabilities. People with disabilities are also employed at much lower rates than their peers without disabilities. Developing physical activity programs and health promotion may improve self-concept and increase opportunities for employment.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2024
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Check In/Registration
7:30 – 8:00 AM Move Your Way Activity
8 AM – 5:00 PM Quiet Room Available
7:30 – 8:45 AM Light Breakfast Available
9 – 10:00 AM
General Session
Welcome
Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH
Secretary, PA Dept. of Human Services
Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, PA Office of Developmental Programs
Keynote Presentation
Community Re-Engagement
Dr. Amy Hewitt, PhD, FAAIDD, Director, Institute on Community Integration at The University of Minnesota
The community living long-term services and supports system was built in response to concerns about institutional care and the segregation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For 30 years, we have been working to get it right and the pandemic set us back in big ways. We need to rethink and reimage as the community system we have built does not work for everyone. We need to rethink what community living means and find new ways of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. If you could rebuild the system, what would you design to ensure that we are empowering everyday life and that everyone has the most fulfilling life possible in communities where they truly belong? This session will explore options for building community supports anew.
10:00 – 10:30 AM Coffee Break/Time to Visit Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2A
A Compassionate and Effective Approach for Addressing Problem Behavior
Greg Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D
A contemporary and trauma-assumed version of applied behavior analysis for consideration when working with autistic persons or those with intellectual disabilities, especially when problem behavior is probable, will be described. The values at the forefront of this compassionate ABA approach will be explained along with their implications for how to respond to both mild and severe forms of problem behavior.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 2B
Health, Wellness, and Safety Poster Symposium
Dr. Gregory Cherpes
ODP Medical Director
Join Dr. Cherpes for highlights from the poster session. The posters will discuss health, wellness and safety. You will see 9 of the 25 posters and 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 became law on Jan. 22, 2018. The Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national family caregiving strategy. The plan identifies actions that communities, providers, government, and others are taking and may take to support family caregivers. Family cargivers provide most of the long-term care in the United States. On September 21, 2022, the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was delivered to Congress. It 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 done in other places to begin to build a system that ensures family caregivers have the resources they need to maintain their health, wellbeing, and financial security while providing 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 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This session will review the importance of access to communication to ensure an individual's safety and autonomy. This session will also share the personal experiences of an AAC user receiving home and community-based services.
10:30 - 11:30 AM Breakout 2E
Exploring your "Why?"
Jeiri Flores, Advocacy Specialist/LEND; Advocacy Co-Discipline Coordinator at the University of Rochester
This session will help you explore your "whys" through personal landmarks. Personal landmarks are the kinds of experiences and discoveries that are significant moments in our core and our identity. Personal landmarks are encouraged, tested, and established throughout our life. These are not only the the positive moments of success but also of pain, uncertainty, and failure. Our landmarks are helpful for discovering ourselves and can help us see the need for movement or 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 (education after high school) promotes college experiences for students with intellectual disabilities. Chris King, a college student at Millersville University, will share ways he helps his self-determination and has student-led experiences. Student-led experiences are the activities that students take part in outside of classes. Chris will share his PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrow with Hope planning tool) and show how the PATH has directed his experiences and goals. Two post-secondary education professionals will describe best practices for inclusion and student-led campus participation, as well as provide reasons for choosing options that students value.
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 session will provide opportunities to learn and share about the impact of chronic stress and trauma. You may reflect on your own stress responses and the stress responses of your loved ones. Additionally, you can use the power of your 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, and local power outages are just a few reasons to be prepared. In this session, we will provide 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 (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) could transform the landscape of co-occurring mental health and intellectual disability/autism in Pennsylvania. By looking at how START was incorporated in two Pennsylvania counties, Allegheny and Philadelphia, this session will show its potential. Allegheny County’s success, and Philadelphia’s planned adoption show the impact START can have in enhancing the lives of individuals dealing with these co-occurring challenges. The presentation will dig into the innovative approaches and the promise of comprehensive care that ultimately empowers individuals to thrive in their everyday lives.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch/Visit the 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 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 with 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 the Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2A (repeat)
A Compassionate and Effective Approach for Addressing Problem Behavior
Greg Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA-D
A contemporary and trauma-assumed version of applied behavior analysis for consideration when working with autistic persons or those with intellectual disabilities, especially when problem behavior is probable, will be described. The values at the forefront of this compassionate ABA approach will be explained along with their implications for how to respond to both mild and severe forms of problem behavior.
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 poster session. The posters will discuss health, wellness and safety. You will see 9 of the 25 posters and 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 became law on Jan. 22, 2018. The Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national family caregiving strategy. The plan identifies actions that communities, providers, government, and others are taking and may take to support family caregivers. Family cargivers provide most of the long-term care in the United States. On September 21, 2022, the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers was delivered to Congress. It 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 done in other places to begin to build a system that ensures family caregivers have the resources they need to maintain their health, wellbeing, and financial security while providing 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 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This session will review the importance of access to communication to ensure an individual's safety and autonomy. This session will also share the personal experiences of an AAC user receiving home and community-based services.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 2E (repeat)
Exploring your "Why?"
Jeiri Flores, Advocacy Specialist/LEND; Advocacy Co-Discipline Coordinator at the University of Rochester
This session will help you explore your "whys" through personal landmarks. Personal landmarks are the kinds of experiences and discoveries that are significant moments in our core and our identity. Personal landmarks are encouraged, tested, and established throughout our life. These are not only the the positive moments of success but also of pain, uncertainty, and failure. Our landmarks are helpful for discovering ourselves and can help us see the need for movement or 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 (education after high school) promotes college experiences for students with intellectual disabilities. Chris King, a college student at Millersville University, will share ways his helps his self-determination and has student-led experiences. Student-led experiences are the activities that students take part in outside of classes. Chris will share his PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrow with Hope planning tool) and show how the PATH has directed his experiences and goals. Two post-secondary education professionals will describe best practices for inclusion and student-led campus participation, as well as provide reasons for choosing options that students value.
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 session will provide opportunities to learn and share about the impact of chronic stress and trauma. You may reflect on your own stress responses and the stress responses of your loved ones. Additionally, you can use the power of your own lived experiences and co-construct an “everyday understanding” of common Trauma Informed Principles.
2:30 – 3:30 PM Breakout 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, and local power outages are just a few reasons to be prepared. In this session, we will provide 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 (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) could transform the landscape of co-occurring mental health and intellectual disability/autism in Pennsylvania. By looking at how START was incorporated in two Pennsylvania counties, Allegheny and Philadelphia, this session will show its potential. Allegheny County’s success, and Philadelphia’s planned adoption show the impact START can have in enhancing the lives of individuals dealing with these co-occurring challenges. The presentation will dig into the innovative approaches and the promise of comprehensive care that ultimately empowers individuals to thrive in their everyday lives.
3:30 – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 – 5:00 PM
Plenary 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
Jeiri Flories, Advocacy Specialist/LEND; Advocacy Co-Discipline Coordinator at the University of Rochester
This presentation will discuss the benefits and challenges of creating an inclusive community and how some of these challenges are socioeconomic (how people live and work in society) but more importantly are related to attitudes. The factors in society that create barriers to accessing health services for people of color and marginalized groups and how access can be improved will be discussed too. Breaking barriers to services are especially important for those with disabilities and intersectional identities. Intersectional identities are how people may be affected by things such as their race, gender, age, class, religion, weight, or other things. This session will have a panel of activists, advocates, policymakers, and thought leaders who will discuss these issues based on their lived experiences and share their vision for a more equitable system.
5:00 – 6:00 PM Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall and Poster Session Area
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 Check In/Registration
7:30 – 8:00 AM Move your Way Activity
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Quiet Room Available
8:00 – 9:00 AM Light Breakfast Available
9:00 – 10:00 AM
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
This session will talk about the decades-long challenges facing the direct support workforce across the United States. The field continues to see an frightening decline in attracting new workers because of the increasing demands, competition from other industries, and economic reasons. This session will look at the data trends that effect the direct support workforce to offer concrete paths toward a more inclusive society for those with disabilities.
10:00 – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break/Visit the 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 National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy is a certification platform that allows Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) (and their supervisors) to earn electronic badges by completing accredited (officially recognized) training and describing how their work meets 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 Frontline Supervisor certifications. This session will provide background on the design of the program, best practices and lessons learned in other parts of the country, and some discussion about other's 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 seen 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 fathers. 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, like the disability community, the impact has been overshelming. 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 PA is working on a project funded by the PA Department of Health that aims to identify healthcare barriers that people with disabilities have. The Arc of PA released a report that provides proposed solutions. Input on this report was provided by people with lived experience, family members, and professionals in healthcare and disability communities. This presentation will share the solutions that the State can do 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. We are often 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. While we’re busy thinking outside the box, the box is still there. 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. This session will explore ways to increase safe and successful movement activities based individuals' needs. Information will be shared on how to add adaptations to a skill, environment, or equipment to provide successful movement opportunities and increase activity throughout one's life 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 explain what the Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) is, its process, and the importance of participation in a survey. They will explain how ODP, the technical advisors, counties, and local programs work together with the goal to improve the quality of life for everyone receiving services in PA. 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 a presentation on Disability Sexuality and Health Awareness, designed for individuals with disabilities. This session looks at the important connection of disability, sexuality, and overall health. This presentation looks at the unique challenges individuals with disabilities face and will be a supportive environment for open conversation. This session will explore topics ranging from sexual health education to relationships and myths surrounding disability and intimacy. Andy’s expertise extends beyond advocacy, as he shares insights and resources for making a positive and empowered approach to disability, sexuality, and overall well-being.
10:30 – 11:30 AM Breakout 3H
Supporting All Families Using Charting the LifeCourse: How to Create and Use a Focused Trajectory
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 Charting the LifeCourse can be used by families and teams to create a vision and identify and access supports and services to get there will be provided. You will hear some examples and may 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's mission/vision, role, and current and future work to help expand, strengthen and advocate for peer support service within Pennsylvania.
- Recovery Insight, Inc. will share 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, and areas in which peer support services need to be expanded and strengthened.
- The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will share information on current work being completed to continue to advocate for, expand, and strengthen peer services.
This discussion will cover the qualifications, training, and expansion of services by adding family peer support services, offering endorsement/skill enhancement training, and others.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM Visit the Exhibit Hall & Poster Session
(Note: Exhibit Hall will close at 1:00 PM)
12:15 – 1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 - 2:15 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 that influence the lives of the people they support and the people they employ. Organizations and professionals must also be able to empower individuals meaningfully and effectively. The work of becoming a human-centered organization starts with purposely influencing the culture of the organization in specific ways. Dr. Evans will discuss ways and opportunities for support systems to empower the people they serve and employ and move us all closer to a better world.
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 National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) E-Badge Academy is a certification platform that allows Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) (and their supervisors) to earn electronic badges by completing accredited (officially recognized) training and describing how their work meets 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 Frontline Supervisor certifications. This session will provide background on the design of the program, best practices and lessons learned in other parts of the country, and some discussion about other's 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
Hear the inspiring journey toward 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 with 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, like the disability community, the impact has been overshelming. 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 PA is working on a project funded by the PA Department of Health that aims to identify healthcare barriers that people with disabilities have. The Arc of PA released a report that provides proposed solutions. Input on this report was provided by people with lived experience, family members, and professionals in healthcare and disability communities. This presentation will share the solutions that the State can do 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. We are often 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. While we’re busy thinking outside the box, the box is still there. 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. this session will explore ways to increase safe and successful movement activities based individuals' needs. Information will be shared on how to add adaptations to a skill, environment, or equipment to provide successful movement opportunities and increase activity throughout one's life 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 Breakout 3F (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 explain what the Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) is, its process, and the importance of participation in a survey. They will explain how ODP, the technical advisors, counties, and local programs work together with the goal to improve the quality of life for everyone receiving services in PA. 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 a presentation on Disability Sexuality and Health Awareness, designed for individuals with disabilities. This session looks at the important connection of disability, sexuality, and overall health. This presentation looks at the unique challenges individuals with disabilities face and will be a supportive environment for open conversation. This session will explore topics ranging from sexual health education to relationships and myths surrounding disability and intimacy. Andy’s expertise extends beyond advocacy, as he shares insights and resources for making a positive and empowered approach to disability, sexuality, and overall well-being.
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 Charting the LifeCourse can be used by families and teams to create a vision and identify and access supports and services to get there will be provided. You will hear some examples and may join in the conversation about how you can use Charting the LifeCourse to plan and problem solve.
2:30 – 3:30 PM 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's mission/vision, role, and current and future work to help expand, strengthen and advocate for peer support service within Pennsylvania.
- Recovery Insight, Inc. will share 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, and areas in which peer support services need to be expanded and strengthened.
- The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will share information on current work being completed to continue to advocate for, expand, and strengthen peer services.
This discussion will cover the qualifications, training, and expansion of services by adding family peer support services, offering endorsement/skill enhancement training, and others.