The New York State Association of Day Service Providers Annual Symposium 2015 November 4th, 5th and 6th, 2015 Gideon Putnam Hotel Saratoga Springs, New York ______Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Session I 1:00 - 2:30 PM 1. Non Residential CMS Guidelines and Higher Scrutiny: Ceylane Meyers-Ruff, Director of Employment and Meaningful Community Activities - OPWDD. As we move towards the April 2019 implementation of the new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services waiver guidelines, many discussions are occurring across the state. Please join us for a discussion on how these changes will affect the provision of Day Services going forward, including insight into the new higher scrutiny standards. 2. I See, I Talk, I Share: Stephanie Wagner, SLP & Nicki Steiner, BT, ARC of Monroe. Hands on Demonstration & Discussion on programming with the use of I-Pads and Smart Technology. Learn how to use Ipads, Apple TV's & wireless switches to develop group activities with a focus on communication. 3. Creating Quality Volunteer Sites to Enhance Employment: Stephanie Rozanski, Senior Supervisor & Warren Alley, Supervisor, YAI Seeing Beyond Disability. Volunteer sites are an integral part of the entire Day Habilitation system. Whether you are just starting to establish a community-based volunteer program or want to enhance your existing program; this training will provide you with all the basic strategies for obtaining and maintaining first-rate volunteer sites. We will provide you with resource materials and ideas to get the whole team motivated and involved in creating valuable community-based learning opportunities which will lead towards employability skills for the people we support.
4. Garden Harvest Station: Jean Reinhart, Steve Gagas, & Melissa DaCosta, DDI. Currently Long Island Harvest (one of the biggest suppliers of donated food on Long Island) is considering working with DDI at our location. They would utilize space in the greenhouse and on our grounds to grow organic vegetables for their for their mobile pantry truck. We also participate in Smithtown Day selling plants etc. Our consumers have total hands on experience from seed to harvest. Our consumers also sell our produce to our employees and identify what the various vegetables and herbs are. This is also reinforced during their scheduled cooking classes. DDI has also recently started a health and wellness initiative which teaches staff and consumers the importance of proper diet and exercise, the farmers market is a great way to further explain the benefits of vegetables during cooking classes and scheduled greenhouse classes. Our farmers market also provides freshly grown organic vegetables to staff at very reasonable prices.
5. Wellness Together - How to implement a successful, outcome based wellness program for people with disabilities: Gina Warsaw & Charlene Pavlak, Lexington Center/ Schoharie ARC. "Wellness Together" is a health and Wellness program developed in partnership with the Regional Collaborative on Health and Wellness. The cornerstone of the Wellness Together program is that no one has to do it alone. Studies show that people who engage in a health regime with a partner are more likely to succeed in their health and wellness goals. We will focus on the specific strategies aimed toward improving health outcomes for people with disabilities. Wednesday, November 4, 2015 Session II 2:45 - 4:30 PM
A. Aligning Boutique Group Day Habilitation Services to Present-Day Challenges: Stephanie Gray, Crystal Ladd, Teri McGaughnea, Stephanie Trask-Vlasak, & Catheryn Viggiano, Arc of Rensselaer County. This presentation will outline The Arc of Rensselaer County's efforts toward incorporating choice, diversity of service and CQL into our group day habilitation supports. Over the last three years, we have undergone a significant change process, motivated by our desire for increased individualization within our group model and in alignment with the current direction of the field. This has led to the development of what we term "boutique services". We will discuss the process involved in developing this model as well as our plans for the future. We will outline our intended connection to CQL, as well as new CMS community participation guidelines. This will include the use of quality of life project, Framework For Planning, and CQL interview results.
B. Self Direction in Action: Alex Schneider (Fiscal Intermediary), Roman Palleschi (Self- Advocate), Danielle Palleschi (Parent) & Tarcisio Ramos dos Santos (Staff), COARC will present their experiences self-directing services. The team will discuss and take questions about the positive aspects and challenge faced hiring staff, developing activities, working with OPWDD, pushing boundaries and taking charge using the Self-Directed Services model.
C. Video Premiere – Training Program on Informed Decision Making: Perry Samowitz, Training Specialist NYSRA & Nancy Champlin, Admin Director for Center for Disability Services
D. Clean Slate 2.0 – Transforming Your Space into a More Functional Learn Environment. Silver-Lewis & Ken Reedy, YAI Seeing Beyond Disability. Teaching is about moving individuals toward maximum independence. Many times, the learning environment can serve as a tremendous obstacle that staff are often unaware of. This presentation will take the audience through the necessary steps to eliminate the barriers that interfere with the teaching process and sheds light on how to make your program space work for you.
E. Using Person Centered Planning: Jennifer Cole, Schenectedy ARC. Our panel will present on our six chapter collaborative BIP, (Balancing Incentive Program), project. The pilot project will infuse a person centered planning approach within the organizational cultures of the collaborative with the primary goal of helping approximately 150 individuals in sheltered and day habilitation settings achieve personal outcomes identified through CQL, (Council on Quality and Leadership). To accomplish this goal, Schenectady ARC, as lead agency and fiscal agent, contracted with Carol Blessing of the Blessing Consulting Group to train 36 employees of the collaborative in the use of the person centered planning methodology, “A Framework for Planning©” (FFP). We will provide an overview of this methodology and review how it supports planning for individuals to achieve desired CQL Personal Outcome Measures©. We will also discuss how this collaborative began and the benefits to working across agencies on such projects.
President’s Reception 5:00 - 7:00 PM Putnam’s Restaurant Please join the NYSADSP Board of Directors to unwind and discuss the day’s events. Cash Bar Available ______Thursday, November 5, 2015 Award Ceremony 9:00 – 10:15 AM
Leadership Award The Leadership Award is for those who provide direct supervision of Direct Support Professionals. It is awarded to a leader who has provided strong and consistent leadership for direct support staff and exemplifies these qualities consistently.
DSP of the Year The Service Provider of the Year Award is for those staff who provide Direct Support or direct services for consumers in some capacity. It is awarded to a DSP who has demonstrated exemplary performance over the course of his/her employment, who has been dedicated to assuring quality and promoting independence.
Mary Frawley Grants Every year NYSADSP awards grants to provider members who submit proposals that will be used to develop new creative programming ideas that exemplify quality programming and identifies best practices. Mary Frawley Memorial Grant winners are asked to present at the Annual Symposium to share these unique ideas so that other programs can also utilize these ideas in their own programs.
Keynote Speaker 10:30 AM – 12:00PM Leading with Enthusiasm: Creating Fun in the Workplace Diana P. Vega, Director of Education & Training, Lifespire Given all the financial constraints we currently face in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, Direct Support Professionals and Frontline Supervisors need encouragement to meet the needs of the people we support. Leading with enthusiasm is a practical way for all employees to create a healthy and positive environment that is conducive for professional growth.
Diana P. Vega is the Director of Education and Training at Lifespire. Since she joined Lifespire in 1989, she has worked as a Direct Support Professional, Residence Manager and Director of Community Habilitation where she developed her leadership, mentoring and coaching skills. Diana is a highly sought out speaker in the areas of Staff Development, Cultural Competence and Managerial Leadership. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) speaker, she brings a sense of humor that encourages a positive learning environment.
She serves as a training consultant to various agencies in NYC and is often invited to speak at several annual conferences. She has been an Adjunct Lecturer for several City University's of New York including the College of Technology for the Departments of Human Services and Continuing Education, La Guardia Community College and Manhattan College.
She earned a BA in Speech Language Pathology from CUNY, Queens College, an MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work and Post Graduate work at the Alliance Graduate School of Christian Counseling at Nyack College.
She loves developing creative ways to teach, learning new languages and playing her Martin guitar. ______
Thursday, November 5, 2015 Session I 1:30 – 3:00 PM
A. Individual Engagement through Creativity (on a Budget): Matthew LaValle, DSP. This presentation aims to demonstrate unique and inexpensive ways to transform a Day Hab environment to better engage with consumers. These methods include expanding on established ideas (Tactile Activities & Sensory Rooms) as well as new approaches to engagement (i.e. a personalized board game that encourages communication, participation, and goal achievement.) Consumers can also help in he construction of these activities with staff supervision. B. Specialized Programming for the Aging Population: Dana Marrer & Michelle Moore, ARC of Monroe. We will provide discussion and interactive activities on the various sensory changes and variables that individuals can experience as they age, their impact, and how these may be supported. We will discuss recreation/leisure based programming for aging and will be sharing about an art group specifically designed to support dementia needs and how this group is utilized to apply sensory opportunities into valuable experiences for our individuals. C. Picture Boards, TOBI’s & Jigs, Oh MY! – A User Friendly Approach to Creating and Utilizing Visual Supoorts: Laurie Silver-Lewis & Ken Reedy, YAI Seeing Beyond Disability. Everyone learns more effectively with the utilization of multi-sensory tools, but purchasing these items can be cost prohibitive. This training will show one classroom’s utilization of the multi-sensory approach and give examples of visual supports and how to construct them in a cost effective manner. D. Developing Employment Skills in a Day Habilitation Setting: Lindsey Rosenberg, Kelly Bushen, & Bether Geyer (Program Directors), People, Inc. Opportunities are everywhere and this presentation will show you how to develop employment skills and opportunities within the day hab setting. From woodworking, to vehicles, to pen and paper we will give step by step ways to start a project that can lead to increased integration, community involvement and eventually into. E. Day Hab Without Walls Panel Discussion: Details to be provided
F. Blast Off on the CQL Journey…Mission Two: Leadership and Beyond: Lorene Bass, Shawn Schultz & Amanda Jeffreys, Herkimer ARC. This session will discuss what one Central New York agency has been working on to continue their CQL journey since becoming accredited in May 2014. Discussions will include: Personal Outcome Measures Development, Thinking Differently About Assessments, Use of the Core Competencies to Develop Leadership Skills in DSP’s, Empowering both DSP’s and People Supported to Engage in Leadership Roles, Creating additional Self-Advocacy Councils or Groups, Building Upon Partnerships, Supporting Individuals to Lead Their Own Meetings, & Develop Their Own Missions Because Anything is Possible. Thursday, November 5, 2015 Session II 3:15 – 4:45 PM
1. In the News: Stephanie DeBoerdere, Day Services Coordinator, Seneca Cayuga ARC. This presentation will assist DSP's and Day Service Coordinators with implementing an interactive media based class or program activity for individuals with exceptionalities based on accessible technical programs and lower budget costs. We will review and demonstrate the varying computer programs that are available to use for media based instruction, programs that are easily directed and learned. The process will then move forward in importing different nedia(videos, pictures, music) into the program and instructing reporting skills to individuals to expand on the development of "The News"
2. Innovative Programming: How to develop Unique Services and Supports: Shane Fallacara, Project Coordinator, FREE. By exploring the strengths of the Direct Support Professionals and other professionals' strengths in your organization, a multitude of opportunities can be developed for the individuals we serve. Through networking with groups in the community, local merchants and organizations and even groups outside the non-for-profit sector, our individuals can benefit from a number of supported experiences. FREE has developed a number of community relationships that has allowed us to expand our presence in the community as well as free up space in the centers for those who need the supports of center based services. We will discuss three of our unique programs and give you opportunities to ask questions.. 3. Employment Services: Lynn Thibideau, Assistant Director of Employment and Meaningful Community Activities, OPWDD. Over the past year there has been a great deal of changes in employment services individuals receive from OPWDD. This session will provide a recap of those changes and an update on how the changes to SEMP, Pre Vocation and Pathway are progressing.
4. Reduction of Adults Maladaptive Behaviors using Optimistic Training Model with DSP's: Makenzie Sandler, Behavior Intervention Specialist & Brian Goldman, Director of Psychology, Life's Work. A Director Support Professional training model adapted from V. Mark Durand's Optimistic Approach research originally completed with parents and teachers. The training is based primarily on Positive Behavioral Supports with secondary Cognitive Behavioral Therapy processes. This training was developed from the presenter' research conducted with 3 DSP's. Proposed results included increased DSP job skills, optimism as well as a reduction in maladaptive behaviors for the adults with special needs they supported. 5. Caterbilities: Travis Carter & Samantha Janes, Oswego Industries, Inc. Oswego Industries and Caterbilities was a proud recipient of one of this year’s Mary Frawley grants. Caterabilities was started with the goal of supporting individuals in gaining new skills they can use in their personal lives; and to increase their involvement in the community. With your assistance we are on our way to achieving these goals. So far, individuals are making progress with monetary transactions, shopping skills and safe food preparation. We strive to involve them in the business side of this endeavor. Individuals were involved in uniform design and selected the menu items. They also selected the food cart used to expand the business in the community. Caterbilities recently served the public at a concert by Flame of Oswego’s Veteran’s stage. We would like to share our process for creating this business; what has worked, what has not and lessons we have learned along the way. We will also focus on the progress individuals have made and our long term goals. We believe that our presentation will prompt other agencies to try similar endeavors and welcome feedback from attendees to help with our continued success. 6. Camphill Village: A path to meaningful life and work in an integrated community: Kristina Labaty, Ted Sumners and guests. Camphill Village USA Inc., is one of two Integrated Residential Communities (IRC) recognized by New York State and OPWDD. In an IRC people of all types live and work together full time for the common good of their community. This working community creates a variety of vocational opportunities that allow everyone to make meaningful contributions and investments in their community. Come learn about an alternative model that is part of a world wide movement founded in 1939. Trade Show Reception 5:00 - 6:00 PM The Veranda All Symposium Attendees Invited Hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary drink included ______
Friday, November 6, 2015 Session I 9:00 – 10:30 AM
1. .Changes to Clinical Services in Day Habilitation: Dr. Jill Petinger Assistant Deputy Commisionor of Statewide Services, OPWDD. A discussion on the changes for members’ ability to provide certain clinical services as part of their Day Habilitation program. Additionally there will be updates on CAS, Start and some insight on the provision of services to individuals with intense and forensic needs. 2. Innovation in Collaboration: Launching a Multi-Agency Green Cleaning Business: Linda Tempel (Exec Director, DD Services) & Thomas Hunt, HeartShare Human Service and Cleaning with Meaning.. Presentation on the Green Cleaning Business enterprise followed by opportunity to ask lots of question, including that of the individuals employed by the business. 3. "If you knew me, you would…": Pat Gwinnell & Sheela Sooklall (Program Coordinators), Block Institute. Our unique self advocacy program presents their empowerment journey involving various community based groups. Through video clips, they share engaging conversations that re-inspire positive energy and focus on “People First” initiative. Presentation conveys that “We are more alike than different.” They collaborated with a customized business group “Made with Love” which supports the unique talents of their peers. Business supports giving back similar to the “Dress for Success” model which matches interview attire with business casual accessories.
4. Retirement Options for Older Individuals with I/DD: Jennifer Helmbold, Program Director, Heather Zeiner, Social Inclusion Coordinator, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. How Lifespan supports older adults with IDD through the retirement process. What is retirement? What are my options? How can I achieve my goals and aspirations while taking on the second half of life? Helping individuals understand retirement and navigate our service system beyond the sheltered workshops and day habilitation programs.
5. Community Explorers on a Budget: Frank Mutino, DSP II-R & Rachel Cangelosi, Hab Specialist, Helen Keller Services for the Blind. Discussion/Lecture: At Helen Keller Services for the Blind, we work with a diverse group of individuals with varying abilities who are involved in a program called the community explorers. Although this is a site based program we have modeled this program to function as a program without walls, This presentation will illustrate how we have redesigned the services provided to support our individuals in activities of their interest including volunteer, health, and wellness and exploring their interest within the community. 6. Becoming a Mom - Building Parenting Skills for an Individual with an Intellectual Disability: : Elizabeth McKee, Coordinator of ABA, Jajaida Gonzalez, VP of Day Hab Services, William Shea, Behavior Intervention Specialist, Services for the Underserved Friday, November 6, 2015 Session II 10:45 – 12:15 PM
A. Pet Connections Product Line for Community Based Prevocational Programs: Gail Furst, Leeann Foss, & Brenda Burton, Ontario ARC. A multi-media presentation in which you will learn about an innovative program that matches therapy dogs with people that have intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will learn how the therapy dogs will assist participants in learning animal related skills such as working as a trained assistant, socializing young dogs, working as a groomers assistant, working at a dog kennel, and making dog related products to create both jobs and revenue, reducing the agency's reliance on public funds. B. The Creative MOVEment Project: Ellen Benoit, Quality & Development Specialist & Miranda Fleming, Habilitation Inclusion Specialist, Center for Disability Services. The Creative MOVEment Project is an innovative program run by the Center for Disability Services, Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company and Albany Academy for girls. The project includes individuals who are multiply handicapped and use specialized equipment to help them actively participate in a dance performance. The individuals rehearse with the professional dancers and musicians over several months developing their skills and overcoming their many challenges to put on a wonderful performance for everyone to attend.
C. Creating a Retail Business to Provide Integrated Work Environments: Panel. As we embrace “Employment First”, agencies will need to be innovative; creating opportunities to empower individuals and prepare them for competitive employment. In this panel discussion, see how agencies are creating retail businesses with integrated workforces. These businesses not only provide on the job training but are changing community perceptions of disabilities while building social capital. D. New Staff Mentoring Program: Debbi Brenna & Jenal Nicol, Saratoga Bridges. How we pair new staff with Senior staff for the first twenty days of employment in Day Services.
E. Update from the Division of Quality Improvement: Maryellen Moeser, Bureau Director Continuous Quality Improvement, DQI