Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Next Generation Service Models: How to Fuse Human Services with Technology
Mike Strouse, Ph.D. │President & CEO │GoodLife Innovations
Providers are facing a perfect storm of need, rising workforce costs, and expectations for increasingly inclusive services. There is no magic solution but thought leaders agree that emerging technologies will be an essential part of our next generation of best-practice care. To be effective, however, these technologies must be carefully integrated into services approaches (rather than merely bolted on top of traditional models) and fully grounded in human relationships focused on cultivating greater independence. This paradigm shift will require providers to reassess program and customer needs, redesign services, lead change management, and support each other as we manage this innovation and evolution. Dr. Michael Strouse leads a group of professionals from GoodLife who have partnered with KU to create, adapt and use emerging technologies to support independent living and weave these solutions into the fabric of GoodLife’s community-based services. This presentation describes GoodLife’s Neighborhood Network (a neighborhood and in-home support model) that has been paired with iLink Technologies (a smart home solution that consists of advanced audio/video communication, home automation, sensors, and software that detects need and provides customized alerts for assistance). Together, the NN with iLink becomes an intentionally-designed eco-system of support for persons living in small, typical homes in the community where staffing ebbs and flows across homes, on-demand, empowering greater independence for a lower cost. The NN with iLink received the 2020 Moving Mountains Award, and was named Autism Speaks’ Most Innovative Program in 2016.
Learning Objectives
How PSR can be used as a Service Option for Promoting
Carl Indovina, Psy.D. │Director of Autism Services │Trinity Services
This session discusses the role that psychosocial rehabilitation programs can play in facilitating independence in persons dually diagnosed with mental illness and intellectual disability. Guidelines are provided for designing person-centered services that assist participants in a PSR program to graduate to greater levels of personal and social self-sufficiency. Guidelines for defining participation, goals for services, and success are also offered.
Learning Objectives:
Collaboration Workshop: A Practical Review of Asset Transfers, Mergers, Alliances & Joint Ventures
Greg Petersen │ CEO │ Mission + Strategy & Consulting
Jean Butzen │ Founder │ Mission + Strategy & Consulting
Judie Caribeaux │Chief Collaboration Officer │ Mission + Strategy & Consulting
In the first hour, participants will delve into the importance of pursuing collaboration strategies to support, strengthen, or expand their organization's mission. This will involve evaluating their organization's readiness for collaboration, as well as their own preparedness as a leader. Various collaboration strategies will be explored to help identify the right approach for each organization, taking into consideration the specific decisions and criteria that favor one strategy over another. Participants will also reflect on their desired outcomes for collaboration, review their organization's strengths and needs, and discuss concepts such as pooling vs. trading, stabilizing crises, and mission-first thinking. The first hour will conclude with practical steps for initiating the collaboration process, including opening discussions with board members, partner-finding strategies, talking to potential partners, and assessing costs. During the second hour, participants will be divided into pairs for a 10 to 15-minute discussion on their initial responses to the questions raised in the first hour. These responses will then be recorded as each group shares their insights with the larger gathering. This will allow for the identification of common themes, opportunities, and issues that may have emerged during the paired discussions. By engaging in this collaborative dialogue, participants will gain valuable insights from their peers and have the opportunity to reflect on the potential benefits of pursuing collaboration strategies for their own organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Promoting Informed Choice Through “The Three E’s”
Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D. │ President & CEO │ CQL
Katherine Dunbar │ VP of Supports & Systems Excellence │ CQL
The Three E's - Education, Experience, and Exposure - is the foundation for informed choice. The knowledge we gain, situations we come across, and observations along the way, all help us as we encounter new circumstances, make decisions, and adjust to the world around us. The Three E's are especially relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) considering that their choices are regularly limited or even completely restricted. In this presentation, we describe the role that the Three E's can play in the lives of those with disabilities in promoting choice, advancing self-determination, and protecting independence. You’ll hear real-life stories of how different provider organizations are using the Three E’s to positively impact people’s lives. Finally, we’ll share data that demonstrates the direct impact that Education, Experience, and Exposure can have on quality of life outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
NeurodiVersed: Neurodiversity and Natural Supports
Tim Zemen │ Visibility Arts & Community Education Division Manager │ Search, Inc.
This presentation will introduce attendees to the concepts of neurodiversity and natural supports. The first half of the presentation will explore roadblocks that people who are neurodiverse experience when building natural supports such as; masking, the double empathy problem, and limited access to transportation. In order to navigate these roadblocks attendees will be provided with neuro-affirmative strategies to empower and support individuals. The second half will explore ideas to help individuals who are Neurodiverse connect with their community in creative ways. The presentation will close with an individual who is neurodivergent sharing their firsthand experience creating connections in their community. NeurodiVERSED is a community education initiative powered by Search Inc. with the mission to give neurodiverse individuals a platform to share their stories, art, and experiences, and celebrate the things that make them unique through our video profile series, art shows, and community training. NeurodiVERSED was created and is managed by Tina Zemen and Amanda Bulgrin.
Learning Objectives:
Collaborating with Your Local First Responders
Emily Fencl │ Vice President of Clearbrook West │ Clearbrook
Winter Noe │ Executive Director │ OPAD
Clearbrook has been working with Options & Advocacy to help provide support to individuals in crisis, particularly those who have Autism. Through this collaboration, it was found that the local police departments and ER departments were reaching out to ask for assistance working with these individuals. Clearbrook and Options & Advocacy recently submitted a grant to provide training and resources to the first responders. The speakers will share the collaboration and how it is working, and provide information on how to help other providers do the same in their local communities.
Learning Objectives:
Training FUNdamentals
Christine Ziemba │ HR Operations Director │ Little City Foundation
Casey Carraher │ Senior Talent Development Specialist │ Little City Foundation
Are you bored with the redundancy of mandatory training? We have a solution for you...make training FUN!! Turn Driver Safety into a Jeopardy game! Make Bloodborne Pathogens and Fire Safey Crossword Puzzles and/or Word Finds! Pin the Fire Extinguisher where it belongs....and MORE! Join us during this session to learn new and creative ways to make training fun.
Learning Objectives:
Mike Strouse, Ph.D. │President & CEO │GoodLife Innovations
Providers are facing a perfect storm of need, rising workforce costs, and expectations for increasingly inclusive services. There is no magic solution but thought leaders agree that emerging technologies will be an essential part of our next generation of best-practice care. To be effective, however, these technologies must be carefully integrated into services approaches (rather than merely bolted on top of traditional models) and fully grounded in human relationships focused on cultivating greater independence. This paradigm shift will require providers to reassess program and customer needs, redesign services, lead change management, and support each other as we manage this innovation and evolution. Dr. Michael Strouse leads a group of professionals from GoodLife who have partnered with KU to create, adapt and use emerging technologies to support independent living and weave these solutions into the fabric of GoodLife’s community-based services. This presentation describes GoodLife’s Neighborhood Network (a neighborhood and in-home support model) that has been paired with iLink Technologies (a smart home solution that consists of advanced audio/video communication, home automation, sensors, and software that detects need and provides customized alerts for assistance). Together, the NN with iLink becomes an intentionally-designed eco-system of support for persons living in small, typical homes in the community where staffing ebbs and flows across homes, on-demand, empowering greater independence for a lower cost. The NN with iLink received the 2020 Moving Mountains Award, and was named Autism Speaks’ Most Innovative Program in 2016.
Learning Objectives
- Assess the value of tech-leveraged service-models and describe its benefits;
- Identify technologies that can see, hear, feel, and act to solve common barriers of independence, while ensuring accountable care;
- Recognize the importance of keeping human care and self-direction at the core of next-generation services approaches where iCoaches remotely monitor, coach, virtually support, and deploy and supervise in-home help;
- Consider the advantages of technologies that have been infused also into professional supports (including case Management, behavioral services, and health care), quality assurance, in-home training, and staff support to create the next generation of care;
- Evaluate how self-direction, privacy, deep relationships, and independence are effectively balanced by technologies to offer the least restrictive care;
- Understand how client need assessments, program design, and pivot plans are necessary to ensure that technology is appropriately used to deliver services; and
- Discuss future directions for redefining what’s possible.
How PSR can be used as a Service Option for Promoting
Carl Indovina, Psy.D. │Director of Autism Services │Trinity Services
This session discusses the role that psychosocial rehabilitation programs can play in facilitating independence in persons dually diagnosed with mental illness and intellectual disability. Guidelines are provided for designing person-centered services that assist participants in a PSR program to graduate to greater levels of personal and social self-sufficiency. Guidelines for defining participation, goals for services, and success are also offered.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to identify wat a PSR is and when PSR services might be appropriate for a person with dual diagnosis
- Participants will learn the important elements that should be built into a PSR program, which assist participants in graduating to other environments
- Participants will learn the important elements that should be built into a PSR program, which assist participants in graduating to other environments
Collaboration Workshop: A Practical Review of Asset Transfers, Mergers, Alliances & Joint Ventures
Greg Petersen │ CEO │ Mission + Strategy & Consulting
Jean Butzen │ Founder │ Mission + Strategy & Consulting
Judie Caribeaux │Chief Collaboration Officer │ Mission + Strategy & Consulting
In the first hour, participants will delve into the importance of pursuing collaboration strategies to support, strengthen, or expand their organization's mission. This will involve evaluating their organization's readiness for collaboration, as well as their own preparedness as a leader. Various collaboration strategies will be explored to help identify the right approach for each organization, taking into consideration the specific decisions and criteria that favor one strategy over another. Participants will also reflect on their desired outcomes for collaboration, review their organization's strengths and needs, and discuss concepts such as pooling vs. trading, stabilizing crises, and mission-first thinking. The first hour will conclude with practical steps for initiating the collaboration process, including opening discussions with board members, partner-finding strategies, talking to potential partners, and assessing costs. During the second hour, participants will be divided into pairs for a 10 to 15-minute discussion on their initial responses to the questions raised in the first hour. These responses will then be recorded as each group shares their insights with the larger gathering. This will allow for the identification of common themes, opportunities, and issues that may have emerged during the paired discussions. By engaging in this collaborative dialogue, participants will gain valuable insights from their peers and have the opportunity to reflect on the potential benefits of pursuing collaboration strategies for their own organizations.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate organizational readiness for collaboration: Participants will assess their organization's preparedness for collaboration strategies, as well as their own readiness as leaders, to determine whether pursuing such strategies is appropriate and beneficial for their organization's mission.
- Understand different collaboration strategies and their suitability: Participants will explore various collaboration approaches, examining the decisions and criteria that favor one strategy over another, to identify the most suitable strategy for their organization.
- Develop practical steps for initiating collaboration: Participants will learn how to effectively start the collaboration process by engaging with board members, discussing potential partnerships, and considering costs and strategies for finding suitable partners.
Promoting Informed Choice Through “The Three E’s”
Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D. │ President & CEO │ CQL
Katherine Dunbar │ VP of Supports & Systems Excellence │ CQL
The Three E's - Education, Experience, and Exposure - is the foundation for informed choice. The knowledge we gain, situations we come across, and observations along the way, all help us as we encounter new circumstances, make decisions, and adjust to the world around us. The Three E's are especially relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) considering that their choices are regularly limited or even completely restricted. In this presentation, we describe the role that the Three E's can play in the lives of those with disabilities in promoting choice, advancing self-determination, and protecting independence. You’ll hear real-life stories of how different provider organizations are using the Three E’s to positively impact people’s lives. Finally, we’ll share data that demonstrates the direct impact that Education, Experience, and Exposure can have on quality of life outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Insight into the Three E’s and how they apply to the disability services system
- Action steps organizations can use for advancing informed choice
- Specific examples of how agencies are using the Three E’s
NeurodiVersed: Neurodiversity and Natural Supports
Tim Zemen │ Visibility Arts & Community Education Division Manager │ Search, Inc.
This presentation will introduce attendees to the concepts of neurodiversity and natural supports. The first half of the presentation will explore roadblocks that people who are neurodiverse experience when building natural supports such as; masking, the double empathy problem, and limited access to transportation. In order to navigate these roadblocks attendees will be provided with neuro-affirmative strategies to empower and support individuals. The second half will explore ideas to help individuals who are Neurodiverse connect with their community in creative ways. The presentation will close with an individual who is neurodivergent sharing their firsthand experience creating connections in their community. NeurodiVERSED is a community education initiative powered by Search Inc. with the mission to give neurodiverse individuals a platform to share their stories, art, and experiences, and celebrate the things that make them unique through our video profile series, art shows, and community training. NeurodiVERSED was created and is managed by Tina Zemen and Amanda Bulgrin.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to define and identify natural supports. Attendees will be able to define and identify natural supports.
- Attendees will learn about the concept of neurodiversity and be able to identify unique roadblocks Neurodiverse individuals experience when seeking natural supports.
- Attendees will be able to identify opportunities to connect with their community to foster the growth of natural supports.
Collaborating with Your Local First Responders
Emily Fencl │ Vice President of Clearbrook West │ Clearbrook
Winter Noe │ Executive Director │ OPAD
Clearbrook has been working with Options & Advocacy to help provide support to individuals in crisis, particularly those who have Autism. Through this collaboration, it was found that the local police departments and ER departments were reaching out to ask for assistance working with these individuals. Clearbrook and Options & Advocacy recently submitted a grant to provide training and resources to the first responders. The speakers will share the collaboration and how it is working, and provide information on how to help other providers do the same in their local communities.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how to collaborate with the local first responders.
- Share the resources that will be provided to the first responders.
- Share the overview of the training that will be provided to the first responders.
Training FUNdamentals
Christine Ziemba │ HR Operations Director │ Little City Foundation
Casey Carraher │ Senior Talent Development Specialist │ Little City Foundation
Are you bored with the redundancy of mandatory training? We have a solution for you...make training FUN!! Turn Driver Safety into a Jeopardy game! Make Bloodborne Pathogens and Fire Safey Crossword Puzzles and/or Word Finds! Pin the Fire Extinguisher where it belongs....and MORE! Join us during this session to learn new and creative ways to make training fun.
Learning Objectives:
- Liven up mandatory trainings.
- Make learning FUN.
- Naturally encourage learners to participate.
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Perception Bias & Making Medical Appointments More Successful
Mele Manning, RN, CDDN │ Nurse Consultant │ EverSpring Pharmacy
This presentation will discuss Perception Bias and how it influences medical personnel's perception and work with the IDD population. We will discuss ways to help medical providers change biases to better care for the IDD individual.
Improv 101 for Healthcare
Craig Zablocki │ Educational Speaker
Let’s face it…world-class healthcare organizations that thrive, develop a culture where their people have a sense of ownership, some ‘skin in the game’, accountability, and engagement. A culture where people bring fresh perspectives and, yes, a “playful spirit” to their work and those they serve. Guess what? These are basic principles of Improvisation, and they have a ton to offer those who work in health care. Expect to be challenged through this experiential keynote that promises to be fun, memorable, meaningful and applicable.
Learning Objectives:
Learning to Thrive: Achieving Mission and Financial Success in Challenging Times
Stephen Achilles │ Past CEO │ Exceed Enterprises
This presentation is an update of a presentation I gave to ORA as the CEO of Exceed Enterprises in Oregon in 2022. The presentation has been updated to use Illinois data. Exceed served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and paid staff a living wage and achieve a level of financial stability. Outline: 1. Agencies deserve better funding; however, we cannot control that funding. 2. Analysis of publicly available financial and employee data provides industry benchmarks for performance for leaders. (Two examples: 1. In Illinois the industry returns an average less than 1% on revenue. The average employee rating is below 3.0 which indicates high turnover.) 3.How an organization used technology to improve employee engagement, improve service and deliver modest financial returns to support growth. 4. 2-3 case studies of individuals who were successful. 5. Using technology to significantly reduce costs and improve decision-making. 6. Ideas for leaders and Boards to build a more sustainable organization during these challenging times. Attendees can walk away with benchmarks and tools to help them improve their mission and financial performance.
Learning Objectives:
Who Killed Turnover: A True Crime Learning Mystery
John Pingo, Ph.D., BCBA-D │ President/CEO │ Goldie Floberg
Of all the seminars, in all the towns, in all the world, you had to walk into mine. Imagine this. You’re in a dark alley with a drizzle of rain falling. You pull your fedora down and tighten your trench coat against the chill. As you look down, you see the chalk outline that marks the place where the worst villain in town fell…Turnover. How did we get here? How do we change this from a detective noir fantasy to reality? It starts with becoming true detectives. Learning simple, but powerful problem-solving techniques that can open our minds to new perspectives and problem-solving pathways. If you’re sick of Turnover being the terror of town, hurting good folk, and want to be part of taking it down, this interactive murder mystery seminar is for you. WARNING: This mystery ends in a cliffhanger! And Yes! There will be copious amounts of snacks, energy drinks, and maybe even a fedora or two to give out as prizes.
Learning Objectives:
National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) Panel Discussion
Dale Verstegen │ NEON Subject Matter Expert │ DOL Office of Disability & Employment
Additional Panelists TBA
The US Dept. of Labor's Office on Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has been providing competitive integrated employment resources to provider organizations in Illinois through the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) project. IARF and some of their members have been participating in the NEON project over the last three years. This session will include a panel of providers who are receiving technical assistance and training through the NEON project. During this session, participants will learn how providers in Illinois are working to expand their competitive employment and community integration outcomes as well as how your organization could benefit from the NEON project.
Learning Objectives:
IPS: Evidence Based Employment Support for Recovery
Matthew Christensen │IPS Trainer │ Illinois Division of Mental Health
Edmund Garcia │ IPS Trainer │ Illinois Division of Mental Health
Work has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. The Division of Mental Health of Illinois believes that supported employment services are a standard of care, and that obtaining and maintaining a job is an outcome of care. Statistically, IPS (Individualized Placement and Support) is an evidenced based model that assists individuals with severe mental illness to obtain and maintain employment. It has been shown to have significant results on recovery, financial empowerment, independence, medication compliance and the reduction of symptomatic behavior.
Learning Objectives:
SHIFT: Leading Strategic Organizational Change
Crystal Officer, MPA │ CEO │ Beverly Farm Foundation
Change management requires strategy. Shift – Leading Strategic Organizational Change is a session designed to facilitate innovative thought around how we view strategy and how we lead change. Learning Based Activities: Session attendees will spend time in small groups reflecting on and discussing how strategy is employed at their agencies. Session attendees will work together to problem-solve for a provider in trouble by using strategic framework.
Learning Objectives:
Family Matters: The Ripple Effects of an I/DD and Autism Diagnosis
Samantha Alloway │ Director of Foundation and Government Relations │ Little City Foundation
Family Matters: The Ripple Effects of an I/DD and Autism Diagnosis will center around the experiences of the families of residents and participants from Little City Foundation. Established in 1959, Little City was founded by a group of parents who dreamed of a revolutionary environment for their children who “experts” often said should be institutionalized. Today, Little City is a vital, vibrant community offering a comprehensive scope of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This intimate panel discussion will immerse participants in the raw, funny, and often uncomfortable stories from the perspective of the families that live them. As a community, we focus and care deeply for our residents and participants, and this presentation will remind us that I/DD and Autism is a family diagnosis.
Learning Objectives:
A Model for Co-occurring Substance Use Treatment Services
Missy Munday, LCPC, CADC │ Associate Director │ Cornerstone Services, Inc.
Angelia Robinson, LCPC │ Cornerstone Services, Inc.
One agency's experience building a co-occurring substance use outpatient treatment program located in their community mental health center. Will discuss the rationale to venture into SUD treatment services for the adult Medicaid mental health population and a brief overview of experience with licensing. Will explore the starting structure of the program, detailed information on where the program is now in regard to staffing and program services, and opportunities for future growth.
Learning Objectives:
Innovative Community Day Services: Supporting and Recognizing Staff Performance
Dale Verstegen │ NEON Subject Matter Expert │ DOL Office of Disability & Employment
Shannon Webb │ Independent Consultant │ Clear Vision Consulting
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' guidance for HCBS services (3/22/19) instructs states to consider whether service provision results in members having limited opportunities for interaction with members of the broader community not receiving HCBS. “Limited opportunities” can mean a limited number of opportunities but can also refer to the limited nature of opportunities, even if they are plentiful in number. Innovative community day services are not just about getting out of the building. They are used to actively support people to explore, connect, and contribute to their communities and develop life skills. When done well, innovative day services create pathways to employment, greater independence, belonging and lasting relationships. People of all abilities benefit from this type of support. This session will offer practical strategies to support and recognize staff performance in creating opportunities for community exploration and integration.
Learning Objectives:
Using People with Lived Experience throughout Social Service Agencies
Jean Xoubi, LCPC │ Senior VP of Mental Health & Business Development │ Envision Unlimited
Zephye Bonds │ Asst. Director of the Everest Recovery Drop-in Center
Anne Marie Malley │ Program Coordinator │ Everest Recovery Drop-in Center
The use of people with lived experience (Peer Mentors and Certified Recovery Support Specialists/CRSS ) is an evidenced-based practice which has shown to be an effective way of assisting clients with serious mental illness with their recover. Both qualitative and quantitative evidence indicate that peer support reduced hospitalization rates, and days spent in-patient by increasing the use of outpatient services. This workshop will demonstrate the concept, benefits, financial impact and positive outcomes. A Discussion will be held on how to use Peer Mentors successfully in traditional roles as well as other capacities beyond peer counseling and advocacy. We will look at how social service agencies are employing peer mentors as DSP/RSA to staff residential facilities, and clustered housing programs, create and implement Recovery Drop- in- Centers, and facilitate outreach and engagement to people in nursing homes and SMHRFs as a first step in transition to the community.
Learning Objectives:
It's Time to Walk the Walk: Get Boards and CEOs Raising More Funds
Alexis Alm │ CFRE/CAP │ CEO │ Shore Community Services
This Presentation will give practical plans and strategies to increase board and CEO participation in fundraising. Boards and CEOs want organizations to raise more money but its time to get them to walk the walk. * How to have conversations with donors. * How to make calls to donors and what to say. * How to measure impact of donor engagement. * The importance of stewardship and cultivation (80% of the fundraising pie is NOT about asking people for money).
Learning Objectives:
Leadership to Transform Organizations
Lee Hoffman, Ed.D. │ Director of Culture Transformation │ Ledgestone
In today's rapidly changing world, the ability to transform organizations is critical to success. It requires leaders who are not only visionary but also possess the skills and knowledge to drive change and navigate the challenges that come with it. This presentation will explore the key characteristics and strategies of effective leadership for organizational change. Drawing on real-world examples and insights from the latest research, this presentation will provide practical guidance on how to lead transformation in organizations. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the five key talents of effective leaders, as well as the three elements that must be addressed for organizations to achieve lasting change. This presentation will equip leaders at all levels with the tools and inspiration needed to lead organizations and teams more effectively.
Learning Objectives:
Mele Manning, RN, CDDN │ Nurse Consultant │ EverSpring Pharmacy
This presentation will discuss Perception Bias and how it influences medical personnel's perception and work with the IDD population. We will discuss ways to help medical providers change biases to better care for the IDD individual.
- What is Perception Bias and how it heavily influences us.
- How does Perception Bias influence the care provided by medical personnel, especially doctors.
- Interventions that may help break down the barrier of Perception Bias.
Improv 101 for Healthcare
Craig Zablocki │ Educational Speaker
Let’s face it…world-class healthcare organizations that thrive, develop a culture where their people have a sense of ownership, some ‘skin in the game’, accountability, and engagement. A culture where people bring fresh perspectives and, yes, a “playful spirit” to their work and those they serve. Guess what? These are basic principles of Improvisation, and they have a ton to offer those who work in health care. Expect to be challenged through this experiential keynote that promises to be fun, memorable, meaningful and applicable.
Learning Objectives:
- Experience the basics of Improvisation toward a more open mindset.
- Ease in knowing how to create a work environment ripe for creative collaboration.
- Ability to take oneself lightly, while taking one’s task seriously.
- An unleashed spirit of adventure.
Learning to Thrive: Achieving Mission and Financial Success in Challenging Times
Stephen Achilles │ Past CEO │ Exceed Enterprises
This presentation is an update of a presentation I gave to ORA as the CEO of Exceed Enterprises in Oregon in 2022. The presentation has been updated to use Illinois data. Exceed served people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and paid staff a living wage and achieve a level of financial stability. Outline: 1. Agencies deserve better funding; however, we cannot control that funding. 2. Analysis of publicly available financial and employee data provides industry benchmarks for performance for leaders. (Two examples: 1. In Illinois the industry returns an average less than 1% on revenue. The average employee rating is below 3.0 which indicates high turnover.) 3.How an organization used technology to improve employee engagement, improve service and deliver modest financial returns to support growth. 4. 2-3 case studies of individuals who were successful. 5. Using technology to significantly reduce costs and improve decision-making. 6. Ideas for leaders and Boards to build a more sustainable organization during these challenging times. Attendees can walk away with benchmarks and tools to help them improve their mission and financial performance.
Learning Objectives:
- Building financially stable service organizations
- Improving service quality
- Increasing pay for DSPs
Who Killed Turnover: A True Crime Learning Mystery
John Pingo, Ph.D., BCBA-D │ President/CEO │ Goldie Floberg
Of all the seminars, in all the towns, in all the world, you had to walk into mine. Imagine this. You’re in a dark alley with a drizzle of rain falling. You pull your fedora down and tighten your trench coat against the chill. As you look down, you see the chalk outline that marks the place where the worst villain in town fell…Turnover. How did we get here? How do we change this from a detective noir fantasy to reality? It starts with becoming true detectives. Learning simple, but powerful problem-solving techniques that can open our minds to new perspectives and problem-solving pathways. If you’re sick of Turnover being the terror of town, hurting good folk, and want to be part of taking it down, this interactive murder mystery seminar is for you. WARNING: This mystery ends in a cliffhanger! And Yes! There will be copious amounts of snacks, energy drinks, and maybe even a fedora or two to give out as prizes.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to increase the probability that you can solve any problem by taking advantage of 6 simple psychological mind hacks.
- Learn how to use 5 simple methods for shifting our perspective, increasing our creativity, and opening new problem-solving pathways.
- Learn how to apply parallel thinking to enhance team idea generation and evaluation and problem solving.
National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) Panel Discussion
Dale Verstegen │ NEON Subject Matter Expert │ DOL Office of Disability & Employment
Additional Panelists TBA
The US Dept. of Labor's Office on Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has been providing competitive integrated employment resources to provider organizations in Illinois through the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) project. IARF and some of their members have been participating in the NEON project over the last three years. This session will include a panel of providers who are receiving technical assistance and training through the NEON project. During this session, participants will learn how providers in Illinois are working to expand their competitive employment and community integration outcomes as well as how your organization could benefit from the NEON project.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn more about the challenges providers in Illinois are facing to expand their competitive integrated employment outcomes
- Learn more about the types of technical assistance and training being offered to providers through the NEON project
- Learn how your organization can enroll in the NEON project through IARF
IPS: Evidence Based Employment Support for Recovery
Matthew Christensen │IPS Trainer │ Illinois Division of Mental Health
Edmund Garcia │ IPS Trainer │ Illinois Division of Mental Health
Work has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. The Division of Mental Health of Illinois believes that supported employment services are a standard of care, and that obtaining and maintaining a job is an outcome of care. Statistically, IPS (Individualized Placement and Support) is an evidenced based model that assists individuals with severe mental illness to obtain and maintain employment. It has been shown to have significant results on recovery, financial empowerment, independence, medication compliance and the reduction of symptomatic behavior.
Learning Objectives:
- Introduce and Explain IPS principles and practices
- Provide data based on controlled studies
- Give practical examples on the effects of implementing IPS principles and practices.
SHIFT: Leading Strategic Organizational Change
Crystal Officer, MPA │ CEO │ Beverly Farm Foundation
Change management requires strategy. Shift – Leading Strategic Organizational Change is a session designed to facilitate innovative thought around how we view strategy and how we lead change. Learning Based Activities: Session attendees will spend time in small groups reflecting on and discussing how strategy is employed at their agencies. Session attendees will work together to problem-solve for a provider in trouble by using strategic framework.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to explain the characteristics of change leadership
- Attendees will gain an understanding of the four levels of control.
- Attendees will develop a better understanding of how to approach change with strategic intentions
Family Matters: The Ripple Effects of an I/DD and Autism Diagnosis
Samantha Alloway │ Director of Foundation and Government Relations │ Little City Foundation
Family Matters: The Ripple Effects of an I/DD and Autism Diagnosis will center around the experiences of the families of residents and participants from Little City Foundation. Established in 1959, Little City was founded by a group of parents who dreamed of a revolutionary environment for their children who “experts” often said should be institutionalized. Today, Little City is a vital, vibrant community offering a comprehensive scope of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This intimate panel discussion will immerse participants in the raw, funny, and often uncomfortable stories from the perspective of the families that live them. As a community, we focus and care deeply for our residents and participants, and this presentation will remind us that I/DD and Autism is a family diagnosis.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be aware of the challenges that families of the residents we serve endure.
- Participants will be reminded of the fact that the work that Frontline Staff and I/DD Service and Supports provide, is truly life changing for not just the recipients, but for their loved ones as well.
- Participants will leave with their "why" in the front of their minds and hearts. (The reason they do the incredible service they do.)
A Model for Co-occurring Substance Use Treatment Services
Missy Munday, LCPC, CADC │ Associate Director │ Cornerstone Services, Inc.
Angelia Robinson, LCPC │ Cornerstone Services, Inc.
One agency's experience building a co-occurring substance use outpatient treatment program located in their community mental health center. Will discuss the rationale to venture into SUD treatment services for the adult Medicaid mental health population and a brief overview of experience with licensing. Will explore the starting structure of the program, detailed information on where the program is now in regard to staffing and program services, and opportunities for future growth.
Learning Objectives:
- understand the startup and build up process for a co-occurring substance use treatment program
- understand the current model of services and staffing
- lessons learned and opportunities for the future
Innovative Community Day Services: Supporting and Recognizing Staff Performance
Dale Verstegen │ NEON Subject Matter Expert │ DOL Office of Disability & Employment
Shannon Webb │ Independent Consultant │ Clear Vision Consulting
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' guidance for HCBS services (3/22/19) instructs states to consider whether service provision results in members having limited opportunities for interaction with members of the broader community not receiving HCBS. “Limited opportunities” can mean a limited number of opportunities but can also refer to the limited nature of opportunities, even if they are plentiful in number. Innovative community day services are not just about getting out of the building. They are used to actively support people to explore, connect, and contribute to their communities and develop life skills. When done well, innovative day services create pathways to employment, greater independence, belonging and lasting relationships. People of all abilities benefit from this type of support. This session will offer practical strategies to support and recognize staff performance in creating opportunities for community exploration and integration.
Learning Objectives:
- An overview of innovative, meaningful day services and why they are important
- Tools and strategies used by service providers in the provision of innovative day services
- Stories about agencies and staff performance in delivering innovative day services
Using People with Lived Experience throughout Social Service Agencies
Jean Xoubi, LCPC │ Senior VP of Mental Health & Business Development │ Envision Unlimited
Zephye Bonds │ Asst. Director of the Everest Recovery Drop-in Center
Anne Marie Malley │ Program Coordinator │ Everest Recovery Drop-in Center
The use of people with lived experience (Peer Mentors and Certified Recovery Support Specialists/CRSS ) is an evidenced-based practice which has shown to be an effective way of assisting clients with serious mental illness with their recover. Both qualitative and quantitative evidence indicate that peer support reduced hospitalization rates, and days spent in-patient by increasing the use of outpatient services. This workshop will demonstrate the concept, benefits, financial impact and positive outcomes. A Discussion will be held on how to use Peer Mentors successfully in traditional roles as well as other capacities beyond peer counseling and advocacy. We will look at how social service agencies are employing peer mentors as DSP/RSA to staff residential facilities, and clustered housing programs, create and implement Recovery Drop- in- Centers, and facilitate outreach and engagement to people in nursing homes and SMHRFs as a first step in transition to the community.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a working knowledge of the many ways in which Peer Mentors/CRSS can provide support to people recovering from mental health issues.
- Learn a variety of ways peer mentors/CRSS can help alleviate the impact of the staffing crisis.
- Learn how to sustain positions through Medicaid billing and grant making.
It's Time to Walk the Walk: Get Boards and CEOs Raising More Funds
Alexis Alm │ CFRE/CAP │ CEO │ Shore Community Services
This Presentation will give practical plans and strategies to increase board and CEO participation in fundraising. Boards and CEOs want organizations to raise more money but its time to get them to walk the walk. * How to have conversations with donors. * How to make calls to donors and what to say. * How to measure impact of donor engagement. * The importance of stewardship and cultivation (80% of the fundraising pie is NOT about asking people for money).
Learning Objectives:
- Learn why boards and CEOs must participate more in the donor cultivation and stewardship process.
- Learn, step-by-step strategies that you can implement to get your board participating in the donor cultivation and stewardship processes process.
- How to develop an individualized plan that is doable and measurable.
Leadership to Transform Organizations
Lee Hoffman, Ed.D. │ Director of Culture Transformation │ Ledgestone
In today's rapidly changing world, the ability to transform organizations is critical to success. It requires leaders who are not only visionary but also possess the skills and knowledge to drive change and navigate the challenges that come with it. This presentation will explore the key characteristics and strategies of effective leadership for organizational change. Drawing on real-world examples and insights from the latest research, this presentation will provide practical guidance on how to lead transformation in organizations. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the five key talents of effective leaders, as well as the three elements that must be addressed for organizations to achieve lasting change. This presentation will equip leaders at all levels with the tools and inspiration needed to lead organizations and teams more effectively.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to understand the five talents of effective leaders.
- Participants will be able to assess their people and performance leadership skills.
- Participants will be able to identify the three components necessary to transform organizations.
Friday, September 1, 2023
Food as Medicine & Health Care - yes but. . .
Jim Vail │ President │ My25/Mainstay
Strategies such as Food as Medicine or Whole Person/Holistic Health are proven efficacious, and are quite appropriate for people with I/DD. But what these concepts encompass is so broad and so difficult to pin down, as to be almost unimplementable or at least unsustainable. In this seminar, we will go over the findings from the recent Food as Medicine conference, as well as to relay the latest research on how certain foods can maximize the health of various groups of persons with disabilities (I/DD, BH, MI, etc.). Additionally, we will review resources human service providers are using to facilitate statistically significant improvements in health for people supported via Food as Medicine.
Learning Objectives:
Becoming a Tech First Provider
Ken Smith │ Co-Founder/CXO │ NextGenAT
The future is now! We can no longer do business as usual and survive in health services without using the leverage todays technology provides. We will explore how todays provider can begin to provide services like Remote Supports and assistive technology...without starting from scratch.
Learning Objectives:
The Clearbrook Ability Center – Focusing on Abilities
Karen Jones │ Senior Director of ICF Community Day Services │ Clearbrook
Laura Czopek, OTR/L, EdM │ Director of Therapy / OT │ Clearbrook
The Clearbrook Ability Center is a collaboration between day programs and clinical services to provide day program and therapy services in an innovative way. In the Ability Center, individuals can receive physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy services from licensed therapists, physical therapy assistants, certified occupational therapy assistants, or therapy techs. The day program side of the Ability Center offers intentional therapeutic activities throughout the day.
Learning Objectives:
Recruiting and Retaining Staff in Changing and Challenging Times
Shannon Webb │ Independent Consultant │ Clear Vision Consulting
Julie Strenn │ President & CEO │ ODC, Inc.
Dale Verstegen│ NEON Subject Matter Expert │ DOL Office of Disability & Employment
Across the nation, agency mission and vision statements espouse empowerment, supporting full-lives, reaching dreams, and community inclusion for all, but an agency’s services are only as great as the people who provide them. High performing agencies recognize their front-line staff as their agency’s greatest asset. As agencies transform services to create more pathways to community involvement and competitive integrated employment, thoughtful redesign of approaches to recruiting, training and retaining staff becomes a top priority to survive and thrive. Engaged, empowered staff make an agency’s mission a reality in the lives of the people with disabilities. This session will focus on considerations and strategies for: • Redesigning staff job descriptions • Recruiting and identifying new talent • Retaining and building the skills and capacities of staff
Learning Objectives:
5 Keys to Igniting the Leader Within You
Sparkle Sanders, MBA │ Leadership Trainer/Speaker/Executive Coach │ Maxwell Leadership
"How do I lead in today's society? What do I need most to be effective? How do I pour out, encourage, and lead myself and others when I feel drained, fatigued, and unsure?" As the world continues to grow and change, your response to these questions will be imperative. Everyone is looking for the answer and the answer lies within. Being strengthened from the inside produces a fortress on the outside. During this session, you'll learn 5 essential keys to drawing out the leader that's always been inside of you. These keys will: - help you live, lead, and work with more confidence and assurance. - inspire you to get more intentional about your role, work/life balance, and what's important to you. - teach you how to better lead yourself so that you can better and more effectively lead those around you. The 90-minute session will be two-fold: you'll spend time learning the keys and then interactively applying them to your life.
Learning Objectives:
Jim Vail │ President │ My25/Mainstay
Strategies such as Food as Medicine or Whole Person/Holistic Health are proven efficacious, and are quite appropriate for people with I/DD. But what these concepts encompass is so broad and so difficult to pin down, as to be almost unimplementable or at least unsustainable. In this seminar, we will go over the findings from the recent Food as Medicine conference, as well as to relay the latest research on how certain foods can maximize the health of various groups of persons with disabilities (I/DD, BH, MI, etc.). Additionally, we will review resources human service providers are using to facilitate statistically significant improvements in health for people supported via Food as Medicine.
Learning Objectives:
- What is the health case for Food as Medicine?
- How can human service organizations benefit from healthier people supported?
- What types of foods should people with disabilities consume? What is the scientific evidence behind this?
Becoming a Tech First Provider
Ken Smith │ Co-Founder/CXO │ NextGenAT
The future is now! We can no longer do business as usual and survive in health services without using the leverage todays technology provides. We will explore how todays provider can begin to provide services like Remote Supports and assistive technology...without starting from scratch.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand remote supports and assistive technology
- Recognize the benefits of adding these business lines to your agency
- How to become a remote support provider agency
The Clearbrook Ability Center – Focusing on Abilities
Karen Jones │ Senior Director of ICF Community Day Services │ Clearbrook
Laura Czopek, OTR/L, EdM │ Director of Therapy / OT │ Clearbrook
The Clearbrook Ability Center is a collaboration between day programs and clinical services to provide day program and therapy services in an innovative way. In the Ability Center, individuals can receive physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy services from licensed therapists, physical therapy assistants, certified occupational therapy assistants, or therapy techs. The day program side of the Ability Center offers intentional therapeutic activities throughout the day.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will leave understanding how the Clearbrook Ability Center was developed.
- Participants will identify why the collaboration between therapies and day programming is so beneficial.
- Participants will learn ways to incorporate intentional therapeutic activities in their current environments.
Recruiting and Retaining Staff in Changing and Challenging Times
Shannon Webb │ Independent Consultant │ Clear Vision Consulting
Julie Strenn │ President & CEO │ ODC, Inc.
Dale Verstegen│ NEON Subject Matter Expert │ DOL Office of Disability & Employment
Across the nation, agency mission and vision statements espouse empowerment, supporting full-lives, reaching dreams, and community inclusion for all, but an agency’s services are only as great as the people who provide them. High performing agencies recognize their front-line staff as their agency’s greatest asset. As agencies transform services to create more pathways to community involvement and competitive integrated employment, thoughtful redesign of approaches to recruiting, training and retaining staff becomes a top priority to survive and thrive. Engaged, empowered staff make an agency’s mission a reality in the lives of the people with disabilities. This session will focus on considerations and strategies for: • Redesigning staff job descriptions • Recruiting and identifying new talent • Retaining and building the skills and capacities of staff
Learning Objectives:
- Identify considerations and examples for redesigning staff job descriptions
- Identify considerations and strategies for recruiting and identifying new talent
- Identify considerations and strategies retaining and building the skills and capacities of staff
5 Keys to Igniting the Leader Within You
Sparkle Sanders, MBA │ Leadership Trainer/Speaker/Executive Coach │ Maxwell Leadership
"How do I lead in today's society? What do I need most to be effective? How do I pour out, encourage, and lead myself and others when I feel drained, fatigued, and unsure?" As the world continues to grow and change, your response to these questions will be imperative. Everyone is looking for the answer and the answer lies within. Being strengthened from the inside produces a fortress on the outside. During this session, you'll learn 5 essential keys to drawing out the leader that's always been inside of you. These keys will: - help you live, lead, and work with more confidence and assurance. - inspire you to get more intentional about your role, work/life balance, and what's important to you. - teach you how to better lead yourself so that you can better and more effectively lead those around you. The 90-minute session will be two-fold: you'll spend time learning the keys and then interactively applying them to your life.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover, redefine, and reignite your "why" for leading, working, and being in the services industry.
- Gain clarity on what you value, how to prioritize it, and how to better balance key aspects of your work/life.
- Practically vision-out what your role, work, and leadership looks like, and how to get to it.
*Final schedule subject to change. More sessions to be announced!
