IARF

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  • News Notes
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  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Team
    • Our History
    • 2025 Annual Report
    • 2026 Strategic Framework
  • IARF Community
  • Education
    • 2025 IARFuture
    • Frontline Supervisor Training
    • DHS-DDD Training Calendar 2025
    • Webinars
    • CQL Training Options
  • 2025 Conference
  • Resources
    • Policy Action Center
    • Community Behavioral Health Care Professional Loan Repayment Program
    • Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program
    • I/DD Navigator
    • Status of the Illinois IDD Service System: A Multi-State Comparative Analysis
    • NewsNotes & Briefs
  • Membership
    • Member Login
    • Membership Information
    • Supporting Members
  • Event Calendar
  • 2025 IARF Compensation Survey
  • News Notes
  • Status of the Illinois IDD Service System: A Multi-State Comparative Analysis
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Webinars

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COMMUNITY.  ADVOCACY. POLICY. 

UPCOMING WEBINARS

The Roadmap to Becoming a Behavioral Health Clinic 
​Register Here
Tuesday, October 7th at 10:00 AM
Join Missy Munday (Cornerstone) and Nicole Zanon-Tocke (Glenkirk) for the first session in our three-part webinar series, The Roadmap to Becoming a Behavioral Health Clinic (BHC).
This in-depth session will guide organizations through the essential steps and considerations for becoming a BHC, including:
  • Key regulatory requirements
  • The differences between a Community Mental Health Center and a BHC
  • Credentialing and billing requirements
  • Staffing and service definitions
Drawing from their own successful experiences, Missy and Nicole will share practical insights to help your organization navigate the process with confidence.

Registration is free but required.
​

 Introduction to the IDD System Redesign Coalition ​
Register Here
Tuesday, October 14 at 11:00 AM
The IDD System Redesign Coalition (also known as Disability Partners) is pleased to announce that work is underway on several projects. This work is the culmination of a three-year journey made possible by a grant from the Coleman Foundation. The Coalition members will provide in-depth information about their mission, history, and plans for the coming year.  Everyone is invited to attend this free introductory webinar to learn more about the work of the IDD System Redesign Coalition.

StationMD’s STAT Service – 24/7 Access to I/DD Specialized Physicians
Click here for webinar recording
Passcode: 
%2z.A2KF​
Tuesday, October 14 at 12:00 PM
Designed specifically for Illinois IDD providers, this webinar introduces StationMD’s telehealth service, which delivers on-demand access to physicians trained in the unique needs of individuals with IDD.
You’ll learn how StationMD can:
  • Provide immediate, informed medical care in CILA and Host Home settings
  • Reduce unnecessary ER visits
  • Offer specialty assessments, care coordination, and follow-up support
  • Strengthen outcomes for both individuals and agencies
​
How Your Agency Can Use AI
Register Here
​
Tuesday, October 21st - 2:00 pm
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a future concept, it is here and already helping agencies overcome everyday challenges. In this session, you’ll see real-world examples of how providers are using AI to:
  • Reduce administrative burdens
  • Save staff time
  • Improve outcomes for the people they serve
MITC, a leader in workforce management solutions for human services, will share how their tools can help streamline scheduling, payroll, service delivery, and more.


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AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

Alternative Payment Models in I/DD Long Term Services and Supports
Wednesday, October 9th - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
As Medicaid Managed Care contracts come up for renewal in Illinois, we are again faced with questions about its role in I/DD services and supports. Join this informative webinar hosted by ANCOR's Vice President for State Partnerships & Innovation Donna Martin as she discusses alternative payment models through managed care.
IARF Workforce Webinar: Recruitment and Retention
Wednesday, March 13th - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Available on Demand
On Wednesday, March 13th at 11:00 am, the IARF HR Committee is hosting a panel presentation with IARF members to discuss their recent efforts on recruitment and retention of staff within their organizations.  Invited panelists include:

  • Rita Potter, Executive Director - Open Door Rehabilitation Center - Sandwich, IL;
  • Michelle Hula, HR Director - Garden Center Services - Burbank;
  • IL Lauren Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer - Envision Unlimited - Chicago, IL;
  • Mark Ottenwalder, Human Resources and Staff Development Manager - Search, Inc., IL
 
Join our expert panelists for their presentations and a robust Q&A period! An excellent opportunity to share ideas and experiences to improve staffing at provider organizations!

Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Progress Report
Tuesday, February 13th - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Available on Demand

Dr. Dana Weiner, Director of the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation, presents an update on implementation of the Transformation project.  This update is based on the Progress Report that was published in late January 2024. 
Energy Savings Opportunities for Illinois Disability Providers
Wednesday, November 15th - 11:00 am - Noon

Available on Demand
IARF Supporting Member Common Energy is pleased to provide an informational and engaging webinar with our members on energy savings.  The 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act established the Community Solar Illinois program.  Through this program - and  programs such as Illinois Shines - organizations can purchase a portion of electricity produced by solar installation and receive credits towards electric bills. 

Join Common Energy's Managing Director of Community Engagement Leo Pagarigan - a former Financial Controller and Director of Development with Community Access Unlimited , as he outlines work Common Energy has done with community providers throughout the country to help them save on utility bills and advance renewable energy.  

Common Energy has provided a useful FAQ for your review in advance of the upcoming webinar. ​
The Fatal Five Plus! Learn How to Reduce the Risk of Death in People with Disabilities
Available on Demand

Join Dr. Craig Escudé, family physician and President of IntellectAbility, as he discusses the Fatal Five conditions that are widely known to be preventable causes of illness and death in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities PLUS one additional condition.

Topics include identifying and preventing Bowel Obstruction, Aspiration, Dehydration, Seizures, and Sepsis, plus Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

​This webinar is perfect for nurses, direct support professionals, case managers, support coordinators, agency leadership, and anyone who touches the lives of people with IDD.

Learning Objectives Include:
1. Describe the top causes of preventable causes of illnesses and death in people with IDD.
2. Implement practice changes when seeing people with IDD in their practices to be better able to address and prevent common health conditions
3. Recognize earlier, the signs of health destabilization in their patients with IDD.
Employer Engagement: Our Impact on the Employer’s Bottom Line
This webinar will describe the positive impact that Employment Specialists have on the operations of local employers and how to manage the employer engagement process to achieve stronger employer relationships.  The presentation is intended to foster coordination and commitment amongst employment staff who work with local employers to offer consistent, quality employment services.  This presentation of employer’s perspective on our services is based on the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Office on Disability and Employment Policy (ODEP) Employer Economic Impact Study.  This interactive webinar will emphasize the importance of developing the skills in our Employment Specialists to be effective when working with employers which can lead to successful careers providing community-based employment services. 
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Defining Economic Impact and Benefits to Employers
  • Describing possible Employer Economic Impact and Benefits of Employment Programs including Customized Employment
  • Strategies to Support and Develop Employer Engagement Skills in our Staff

Building Organizational Capacity: The Critical Role of Job Coaches

Employers have increasing workforce need. A lot of people with disabilities want jobs. BUT…there are just not enough job coaches to go around! Agencies that invest time and attention on developing the knowledge, attitude, and skills of their job coaches build their organizational capacity to meet local workforce needs and increase competitive integrated employment outcomes.

Wisconsin Act 323 (aka the Partners with Business initiative) has been supporting capacity building strategies with employers and service providers since 2017. Shannon Webb has been providing training and technical assistance to Act 323 grantees, including Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin (NCW). Goodwill NCW has been building their capacity through the Partners with Business initiative by fostering increased growth, independence and inclusivity for the people they support at work and improving job coaching and case management practices. During this webinar, they will share insights about:

• Why enhancing job coach competency is critical to organizational capacity building efforts
• Best practice strategies for building job coach competencies
• Engaging employers, participants and families in understanding the role of the job coach

Reaching Goals with Remote Supports: It’s Much More Than Technology
Available On Demand

Think Remote Supports is just about technology? Think again! Discover the human element of Remote Supports services and continue to provide the highest levels of care. Facing administrative time and workforce constraints? We can help! Identify scenarios where using Remote Supports makes sense and how straightforward it is to get started with Night Owl Support Systems.

Effective Grassroots Engagement to Influence State Policy
Available On Demand

During this webinar, attendees will learn from the presenters on the best, most effective ways of engaging with legislators in this hybrid online/in-person environment. The learning objectives from this webinar include:

- Understanding the time/issue demands on lawmakers;
- How best to engage your legislator(s) on complex topics, including breaking down complex issues;
- Importance of staying engaged with lawmakers over time to maintain trust and credibility;

TaylorUhe LLC is known for its strategy-driven approach to lobbying, the ethical manner in which it carries out assignments and the importance of regular accountability to clients. Its high degree of success in handing complex legislative issues is a direct result of these attributes and the skills and experience of its principals. The Taylor Uhe team includes experts with decades of experience advocating to Illinois administrations and the General Assembly. IARF has retained the expert advice and counsel of Taylor Uhe since 2008.

​Questions? Click here to contact us.
 Access past webinar recordings in the members only area.

©2024 Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. All Rights Reserved.
206 South 6th Street  |  Springfield, Illinois 62701  |  Phone: 217.801.9303
IARF is a proud member of ANCOR, NADSP and The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
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