2012 Main Conference Session Descriptions
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To view the complete conference program, click here.
Download the conference program as a PDF.
Wednesday, April 11
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Hot Breakfast Buffet / Registration and Exhibits Open All Day
Welcome & Keynote Speaker Geri Jewell "Same Walk, Different Street"
Palm Garden Ballroom
Geri uses humor and insight in looking at how our perceptions are very individually based. Her presentation will demonstrate how to be more flexible in valuing all of our differences, and have more self-confidence in a diverse workplace. Geri’s key points remind us that only through our differences are we ever going to attain sameness. We can feel good and proud of who we are, and still remain unique in the diverse world, as we know it.
What You Will Learn
- Learn how diversity can lead to an appreciation of how much the same each of us are
- Learn greater self-satisfaction
- Learn more about Geri Jewell’s inspirational and motivating life
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRCs, advocates, gov't employees
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Gottfried A
Autism & Asperger's: Historical Origins, Empirical Distinctions & Sociological Ramifications
Ever since 1944, when Hans Asperger described a condition he dubbed “autistic psychopathy,” scholars, clinicians, and individuals diagnosed with this condition, have questioned its distinction from that which Leo Kanner described just one year earlier, “autistic disturbance.” This program will describe the history of the condition that 50 years later became known as Asperger syndrome, as well as the history of the terms “high functioning autism” and “low functioning autism.” This program will also review the empirical evidence for versus against distinguishing between autism and Asperger syndrome. Lastly, this program will discuss the sociological ramifications of removing this diagnosis from the DSM 5, almost twenty years after its debut.
What You Will Learn
- Create a timeline of the onset and growth in popularity (and in some cases disappearance) of the terms, childhood schizophrenia; autistic disorder; low grade and high grade idiot, low grade and high grade imbecile, low grade and high grade moron; high functioning and low functioning autism; and Asperger disorder
- Identify five sources of data that do not support a distinction between autism and Asperger syndrome and one source of data that does
- List and discuss two arguments for maintaining the diagnostic category of Asperger syndrome and two arguments for removing the diagnosis
Target audience: community-based providers, advocates, gov't employees
Villa Gottfried B
Practical steps for effective vocational planning for persons diagnosed with an intellectual disability
Individuals diagnosed with a learning disorder(s) or borderline intellectual functioning may experience academic, social, emotional, and vocational impairment. This presentation will briefly address the semantics of classification but mainly focus on what rehabilitation counselors need to know to help promote effective vocational planning for the clients they serve. Attention will be focused on understanding appropriate assessment of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior and practical considerations when working with this population.
What You Will Learn
- Know how to make a referral for an assessment to get the data you need for case planning
- Know strategies and skills needed to work more effectively for goal attainment
- Learn the advantages of collaboration with service providers to increase goal attainment
Target audience: job developers, transition coordinators, VR counselors
BACK TO TOP10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 11
Crystal Lake Ballroom A & B
From Homeless to Hope: A Veteran's Perspective
Jacquline Bethany, Ph.D.; Joseph Absher, VRS; Robert Maddox, VRS
The Compensated Work Therapy/Homeless Veteran Supported Employment Program (CWT/HVSEP) is helping homeless Veterans obtain and maintain competitive employment in the community utilizing a modified version of the CWT/Supported Employment (SE) model. Veterans were hired as Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists to implement the CWT/HVSEP. The program provides vocational assistance, job development and community placement, and time limited on-going employment support designed to improve employment outcomes among homeless Veterans. CWT/HVSEP is one of the Department of Veteran Affairs decisive actions taken toward its goal to end homelessness among our Nation’s Veterans. Session attendees will learn how to implement this supported employment model to help individuals who are homeless work in the community.
What You Will Learn
- Define the Department of Veterans Affairs practice of Compensated Work Therapy/Homeless Veteran Supported Employment
- Discuss the Compensated Work Therapy/Homeless Veterans Supported Employment program best practices
- Identify innovative job development techniques to help Veterans who are homeless obtain and maintain competitive employment utilizing a modified version of the CWT/Supported Employment model
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 11
Elkhart Lake Ballroom A
How to Build a Living & Dynamic Culture Across Your Organization
This presentation is designed for leaders who want to take an active role in bringing their organizations culture to life by ensuring each member of their team understands the power of his or her work and especially how their work fits into the organization’s values, mission and culture. An organization’s culture can either just happen, or the culture can be supported and grown through specific programs designed to recruit talented individuals, select the right people, and give everyone the opportunity to contribute.
What You Will Learn
- Learn how the Goodwill NCW Values Road Map became the foundation and scorecard for creating their intended culture
- Take away examples of people and leadership programs that have brought their culture to life
- Be exposed and learn from culture builders and busters
Target audience: human resource managers, leadership team members of community-based providers, gov't employees
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 11
Elkhart Lake Ballroom B
Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual & Learning Diabilities
The University of Iowa REACH Program is a two-year, transition certificate program for students with multiple intellectual, cognitive, and learning disabilities. REACH provides a living-learning campus experience to empower young adults to become independent, engaged members of the community. Coursework, campus life, and career preparation assist students in reaching their full potential. Post-graduation support assists students as they transition to work and self-sufficiency.
What You Will Learn
- To inform participants about a post-secondary, public university option for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities
- To provide information about how to prepare the student and family for a university, living-learning experience
- To engage participants in a discussion about program development and implementation when working with young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, job developers
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Parlor
Fireside Chat With Kathy West Evans and DVR's Senior Leadership Team
Kathy is the director of business relations for the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, and JoAnna Richard, Mike Greco, Enid Glenn, John Haugh and Kim Pomeroy are DVR's Senior Leadership Team responsible for statewide services. Join them for an informal networking opportunity and shared discussions about state and national VR initatives.
What You Will Learn
1. Find out what’s new in VR, including the loan cancellation policy for staff training and development, learn about proposed rules for Section 503 Federal Contractors, and the Federal Executive Order for hiring people with disabilities in federal agencies
2. Learn about what’s new in Wisconsin VR services
3. Learn about trends in VR services and how these might relate to the State of Wisconsin
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, job developers, CRP leaders
LEADERSHIP AWARDS LUNCHEON
Attendees will enjoy a plated lunch in the Palm Garden Ballroom and learn about the Employer of the Year Award and Guest Keynote Speaker
Speaker Kathy West Evans
The Power of the National Employment Team: A Focus on VR Customers
The National Employment Team (NET) is a national initiative focused on providing services to both the individual and business through a dual customer model. Why has VR focused on business and how does that improve career opportunities for individuals with disabilities? How is VR working nationally with other VR systems and community agencies to meet the employment needs of business through qualified applicants from the VR system? The speaker will provide a national perspective of The NET with state and local ties. Learn how this model is changing the way business does business and the lives of the individuals we serve.
What You Will Learn
- Attendees will learn more about the origins and infrastructure of The NET
- Participants will understand the benefits of the dual customer model and what it means to both the individual and the business
- VR staff and community partners will develop a better understanding of why we all play a role in the employment outcomes for our individual customers.
Target audience: All conference attendees
1:30 - 2:45 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Palm Garden Ballroom
Celebrating Ability
This session is a unique journey using humor and actual life experiences to demonstrate how we can open our eyes and hearts to a better understanding of those with a disability. Celebrating Abilities also introduces techniques to how to open doors in the workplace. Geri’s warm yet humorous presentation will help all to realize that those with a disability often have fewer obstacles to overcome than others.
What You Will Learn
- Develop a better understanding of those with disabilities
- Techniques to create greater opportunities in job placement
- Be inspired by one person’s story of courage and perseverance
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRC, advocates, gov't employees
1:30 - 2:45 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Gottfried A
How To Integrate Technology Into the Classroom, Workplace & Home Environment to Accommodate Individuals with Disabilities
This program will introduce various technological advances including iPod’s, iPad’s, and computer programs in order to better accommodate individuals with disabilities. The session will include concrete examples and resources that will directly benefit individuals who struggle with anxiety, organization, oral communication, low cognitive ability and reading comprehension. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops, iPod’s, and iPad’s to the session. The session presenter will bring 20 iPod Touches for attendee use on a first-come basis.
What You Will Learn
Participants within this session will be able to identify and use various aspects of technology in order to assist individuals with exceptionalities within all aspects of daily life.
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, job coaches, benefit specialists
1:30 - 2:45 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Gottfried B
How To Recognize & Overcome Energy Vampires
Vampires are typically described as beings who subsist by draining and feeding on the life essence of other living creatures. They are routinely disguised as “normal” creatures, making them very difficult to readily identify. Vampires are generally indiscriminate in selecting their targets, and they attack their victims with little or no advance warning. When vampires continue to exist and thrive, they have a very detrimental effect on the physical and emotional health of those who endure their assaults.
Fortunately, vampires are generally considered to be mythological creatures that do not literally exist. However, evidence strongly suggests that most of us confront “energy vampires” on a daily basis. We routinely encounter situations and individuals that seem to drain us of our energy and our positive outlook. Learning to recognize our “energy vampires” and identify ways to deal with them effectively are vital skills for helping ensure our survival and well-being.
In this workshop, we will use interactive techniques to help participants identify the “energy vampires” that they typically face. We will discuss ways to minimize their effect on us, and will also discuss ways to maximize our positive energy and attitudes. Participants will develop a practical plan which contains solutions and ideas for proactively managing stress and the effect of negative interactions. Techniques for developing and maintaining optimistic and realistic expectations for professional assignments and working relationships will be emphasized.
In addition to considering personal strategies, participants will also consider and discuss methods for dealing with “energy vampires” on an organizational basis. What behaviors, processes and messages can professionals use on a day-to-day basis to help ensure that their organizations remain energized and positively focused.
Participants will receive a compilation of recommended techniques, methods and dialogue models to help them confront their “energy vampires”, as well as suggested proactive methods for maintaining and increasing personal energy levels.
What You Will Learn
- Learn to recognize and specifically identify their personal “energy vampires”
- Understand the physical, emotional, professional and personal impacts associated with unmanaged or poorly managed stress
- Develop realistic personal goals and expectations for productive and personally satisfying outcomes associated with their professional careers
- Discuss tools and techniques for decreasing stress associated with daily work situations
- Discuss tools and techniques for increasing positive energy
- Develop specific, personal strategies for dealing with energy-draining situations
- Create a practical implementation plan for incorporating, practicing and reinforcing positively-focused, energizing behaviors
- Discuss and identify best practices for dealing with “energy vampires” on an organizational basis
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRC, advocates, gov't employees
1:30 - 2:45 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Elkhart Lake Ballroom A & B
Right, Left and Straight Ahead - The Future of Self-directed Supports in Wisconsin
Self-Directed Supports transcend political boundaries. They are based upon a strong and solid sense of fiscal conservatism, a belief in the strength and wisdom of individual citizens and families, and an understanding of the importance of people with disabilities having a real home, a real job, and being contributing members of their communities. Join DHS Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades and Dennis Harkins for a discussion of how SDS is changing the landscape of long-term care services in Wisconsin
What You Will Learn
- How and why SDS is growing within Family Care, IRIS and other developing long-term care options within Wisconsin
- How vocational services providers and staff can use SDS to help people obtain varied, creative and successful vocational outcomes
Target audience: community-based providers, job developers, benefit specialists, ADRC, advocates, gov't employees
1:30 - 2:45 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Crystal Lake Ballroom A & B
Four Steps To Building a Relationship With Employers Part 1
Job development is generating employment outcomes by working with employers seeking employees and clients seeking employment. The Job Developer’s key role is engaging employers. This is primarily done through building relationships with employers likely to hire your clients. The importance of relationship building cannot be overstated. All successful Job Developers are effective relationship builders whether their skills are natural or learned. You need to be very clear on the magnitude of the employer relationship and of marketing in securing these relationships.The Four Steps in Building a Relationship with an Employer are; Prospecting—Needs Analysis—Selling—Follow Up. These steps outline the activities through which an approach can be adjusted to suit each employer.
What You Will Learn
- Acquire a 'road map' that can guide them in the building of future employer relationships
- Be able to use the 4-step model to assess where they are currently (in terms of relationship building) with existing employers
- Understand the importance of creating the perception of 'value' in the mind of the employer
- Understand why some employers say "Yes" and others say "No" to your request to work with them
- Practical, effective skills to enhance your confidence and effectiveness when talking to employers
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers
2:45 - 3:15 BREAK
3:15 - 4:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Palm Garden Ballroom
2012 Mental Health Updates
This presentation will review the latest information concerning diagnosis, management, and treatment of the main mental disorders, including, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia.
What You Will Learn
- Participants will hear the latest research regarding presentation and treatment of the major mental disorders
- Participants will be introduced to proposed changes in DSM-5
- New medications will be reviewed
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, benefit specialists, advocates, gov't employees
3:15 - 4:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Gottfried A
In Pursuit of Nonprofit Sustainability
In today’s challenging economic environment, nonprofit leaders – both on the Board and Staff – are re-examining what it takes to accomplish their mission AND remain financially viable. This interactive workshop defines sustainability in broad terms that encompass both programmatic and financial sustainability. We introduce participants to the Matrix Map, an easy-to-use visual tool that allows them to see their business model and offers strategic imperatives to strengthen it for sustainability.
What You Will Learn
- Understand sustainability as an orientation that requires ongoing strategic decision making
- Utilize the matrix map to see and understand how their activities work together to create impact and financial viability
- Know the strategic imperatives to strengthen their business model
Target audience: community-based providers, gov't employees, advocates
3:15 - 4:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Gottfried B
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing a client’s intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. In this session we will explore the theory of MI and its current application in the field of VR. Participants will practice using a few easy to use MI tools, designed to enhance work with consumers.
What You Will Learn
- Distinguish Motivational Interviewing theory from other forms of counseling
- Understand the role ambivalence plays in client interaction
- Apply 3 simple tools used and MI to work with consumers
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, job developers, vocational evaluators, benefit specialists
3:15 - 4:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Elkhart Lake Ballroom A & B
IRIS & Employment - Making It Happen
Discover how IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) assists people who want to explore and pursue their employment interests. Learn about the IRIS philosophy and the support available to people who choose IRIS as their long-term care program. This session includes stories about IRIS participants making progress toward employment. Bring your questions, ideas and stories to share.
What You Will Learn
- The IRIS philosophy and function
- How IRIS supports people in their pursuit of employment goals
- Best practice for coordination of resources to achieve employment interests and outcomes
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, community-based providers, job developers, benefit specialists, ADRC, advocates, gov't employees
3:15 - 4:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Crystal Lake Ballroom A & B
Four Steps To Building a Relationship With Employers Part 2
4:30 - 5:30 P.M. Wednesday, April 11
Villa Gottfried Parlor
STUDENT SCIENTIFIC POSTER SESSION
An opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to present their work related to the field of disability and employment to a large meeting of government, academic, and business leaders.
Exhibitor Reception Palm Garden Ballroom
Appetizers and cash bar plus exhibitor door prizes!
Attendees may enjoy dinner on their own.
Map of Elkhart Lake Restaurants, including links to websites and menus.
5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 11 DVR STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK SESSION
Thursday, April 12
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Continental breakfast buffet and exhibits open
Palm Garden Ballroom
Plenary Session Family Care Update on Legislation and Advocacy
Rock Pledl and Thomas Cook
This program will provide information about the latest developments in the Wisconsin Family Care Program, including recently-passed or pending legislative action and the status of any Family Care-related legal claims or appeals, based on the state’s statute and/or Federal disability laws.
What You Will Learn
- The latest developments in Family Care
- Recently-passed or pending legislative action concerning the Family Care Program
- Status of Family Care-related legal claims or appeals, based on the state’s statute and/or Federal disability laws
Target audience: Attendees who deliver Family Care services in Wisconsin
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 12
Palm Garden Ballroom
Evidence-based Individual Placement & Support Model
The majority of people with severe mental illness want to work. Studies indicate that approximately two out of every three people with mental illness are interested in competitive employment, but less than 15% are currently employed. Individual Placement and Support (IPS), also known as evidence-based supported employment, helps clients in community mental health services to become a part of the competitive labor market. IPS is nearly three times more effective than other vocational approaches in helping people with mental illness to work competitively. Join national and state experts as they describe the IPS model, the Johnson & Johnson/Dartmouth grant initiatives, and the Wisconsin experience.
What You Will Learn
- What is the IPS model
- The effectiveness of this model
- The IPS fidelity scale
- Strategies for implementing IPS
- Learn about the Wisconsin experience with IPS
- Learn about the Johnson & Johnson pilot sites and other programs operating in Wisconsin
- Target audience: vocational counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, job coaches, advocates
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 12
Villa Gottfried A
Holistic Rehabilitation
Participants will examine Native American beliefs and culture while learning to integrate core values and spirituality as a foundation for VR counseling and guidance practices.
What You Will Learn
- Participants will be taken through the VR process by means of a traditional/cultural component and understanding the competencies needed to make a difference in the lives of the Native American individuals they work with
- We will examine and work towards understanding the Sacred Seventh Direction
- We will disagree with Maslow and the hierarchy of needs, compare and contrast the Natural and Unnatural worlds of Native Americans and work towards understanding what Native American Psychology is
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 12
Villa Gottfried B
An Update on Employment Law for Managers and Supervisors
The legal requirements impacting fundamental employment decisions including hiring, firing and promotion will be addressed. In addition, the program will cover the National Labor Relations Board's recent decisions affecting non-union employers in the areas of social media and changes in the rules pertaining to union organizing.
What You Will Learn
The goal of the program will be to enhance the knowledge base of managers and supervisors to reduce legal risk and minimize the cost associated with litigation.
Target audience: Human resource and leadership team members of community-based providers, gov't departments
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 12
Crystal Lake Ballroom A & B
Personal Boundaries, Social Media and Ethics for the Rehab Professional
VR staff are confronted with situations which test their professional boundaries every day. Using the CRC Code of Ethics, we will examine the ethical complexities inherent in both face-to-face counselor/consumer interactions and virtual interactions, such as social networking and email. Through case study and discussion we will explore approaches for maintaining respectful boundaries with those we serve.
What You Will Learn
- Define ethical professional boundaries in vocational rehabilitation
- Understand the potential for boundary violations when using email and/or social networking
- Apply critical thought to resolving boundary issues
Target audience: vocational counselors and evaluators, Human resource and leadership team members of community-based providers, gov't departments
9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 12
Elkhart Lake Ballroom A
Sexual Abuse & People with Developmental Disabilities
People with Developmental Disabilities are abused at a startling rate. They also may be sexually inappropriate and commit sexual offenses. This presentation will present the statistics, the symptoms, the challenging behaviors and assessment and treatment strategies.
What You Will Learn
- Statistics about sexual abuse and sexually inappropriate/offending behaviors
- Behaviors that may be associated with victimization, sexually inappropriate behaviors and offending behaviors
- Assessment and treatment strategies
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, benefit specialists, ADRCs, advocates, gov't employees
10:15 - 10:45 a.m. BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
10:45 a.m. - Noon Thursday, April 12
Palm Garden Ballroom
How to Create Community Services Partnerships
Paul Andrew, JoAnna Richard, and Mike Greco
In this era of serious fiscal shortfalls, now and for the foreseen future, community service providers will need to respond to the country’s fiscal shortfall challenge by strategically positioning and aligning their business operations and services. This will result in greater efficiency of business and free up resources to maintain a wide range of personalized and effective service choices for people with employment and living challenges in their communities.
Target audience: leadership team members of community-based providers, gov't departments
10:45 a.m. - Noon Thursday, April 12
Villa Gottfried A
Why Flexible Work is the Secret Sauce
Limit turnover and help your employees do more with less. Workplace flexibility is the secret sauce that reinvigorates your staffing strategies and stretches your dollars further. We’ll talk about the trends driving flexible work, including government mandates and possible changes in our labor laws. But more importantly, we’ll talk about the bottom line impact of flex and the business case for rethinking when, where, and how the work gets done.
What You Will Learn
- How to leverage today’s new work styles
- Understand labor trends
- How to demonstrate the business case to your board
Target audience: leadership team members of community-based providers, gov't departments
10:45 a.m. - Noon Thursday, April 12
Villa Gottfried B
2012 Retirement Plan Fee Disclosure Requirements & Related Challenges
Paul Wierzba and Paul Zahour
The program will summarize the DOL (Department of Labor) Final Regulations on Fee Disclosure and the steps an organization needs to complete by specific deadlines to be in compliance with these regulations. The purpose of these regulations is that fees, investments and other retirement plan information is communicated clearly to plan sponsors, participants and beneficiaries.
What you will learn
- To provide decision makers such as Executive Directors, CFO's and HR Directors with the necessary information to comply with these regulations in a timely manner
- To develop an understanding of how to determine the true cost of an organization's retirement plan
Target audience: Human resource managers and leadership from community-based providers
10:45 a.m. - Noon Thursday, April 12
Crystal Lake Ballroom A & B
Self Advocacy for Those Who Advocate for Others
One of the most important activities helping professionals routinely engage in is advocating for others. The ability to plead the cause of others, to defend a proposal or concept, to support or promote the interests of others, and to champion or defend a cause is crucially important to the professional success and effectiveness of conference attendees.
Equally important is our ability and responsibility to advocate for ourselves. Because our focus is so often concentrated on our clients and customers, we sometimes neglect to represent ourselves and advocate for the things we need and the causes we personally endorse.
In this workshop, participants will discuss the implications of not being an effective self-advocate, and the impacts that can have both personally and professionally. Conversely, the benefits associated with appropriate self-advocacy will be identified. We will use interactive techniques to help participants assess their current level of self-advocacy, the activities they routinely engage in to promote themselves and their ideas, and the effectiveness of their current efforts.
Often we have self-imposed limitations on our ability to advocate for ourselves. We will discuss barriers to self-advocacy and examine messages and beliefs that may prove detrimental to our efforts. To help ensure that self-advocacy measures are effective and appropriate to specific situations, we will complete an evaluation checklist that answers the when, where, why, who and how questions associated with techniques and actions. We will also consider the importance of direct and effective communication, and discuss specific language that can be used.
Our ability to identify options and to make choices based on personal criteria help us to maintain a sense of personal control and direction. We will consider how we can increase our influence in challenging situations, and thereby strengthen our ability to advocate for ourselves and determine our outcomes.
Finally, participants will identify specific actions they will take after the workshop to implement at least three techniques or ideas. They will be asked to evaluate the effectiveness of those actions and to incorporate new self-advocacy approaches as a routine part of their day-to-day operations.
What You Will Learn
- Define concepts and practices associated with “self-advocacy.”
- Understand the importance of healthy and appropriate self-advocacy related to both professional and personal well-being.
- Identify personal current activities associated with self-advocacy and assess overall effectiveness.
- Identify concerns and barriers to self-advocacy, and identify ways to move past limiting behaviors and attitudes.
- Consider issues of “when”, “where”, “why”, “who”, and “how” associated with self-advocacy.
- Analyze personal “challenging behaviors” and barriers to self-advocacy, and identify techniques for dealing with these limitations.
- Learn effective communication techniques for self-advocacy, including specific dialogue recommendations.
- Consider how advocacy techniques professionally used with/for clients can be adapted and used for personal advocacy and promotion.
- Recognize the aspects that you can influence and the aspects that are outside of your control in challenging situations.
- Understand the power of identifying options and choices, and adapt a flexible methodology for making decisions on an ongoing basis.
- Develop a personal plan for ongoing reassessment, identification of future goals/objectives, and use of effective self-advocacy techniques.
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRCs, advocates, gov't employees
10:45 a.m. - Noon Thursday, April 12
Elkhart Lake Ballroom A
Procrastination: A Primer for Rehab Professionals
We all procrastinate but we are not procrastinators. Research has identified that up to 20% of the population may be procrastinators. Many rehab professionals are well organized and methodical in their personal and work lives. However, the clients we serve may not be as organized or methodical, hence possible procrastinators. This presentation will focus on understanding the psychology of procrastination and strategies to work effectively with procrastinators.
What You Will Learn
- Know the psychology of procrastination
- Know differences in personality characteristics of procrastinators
- Know the different types of procrastination
- Learn the lies procrastinators tell themselves and then you
- Learn strategies to work with procrastinators
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRCs, advocates, gov't employees
10:45 a.m. - Noon Thursday, April 12
Elkhart Lake Ballroom B
Great Ideas!
This session is a networking carousel of terrific ideas from experts throughout the State. Pick a topic to start with and when time is called, move to another topic of your choice. Experience a unique opportunity to find out what’s shakin’ in transition programs, community rehabilitation programs, and MCO provider relations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THIS SESSION, CLICK HERE.
What You Will Learn
- Lessons on Collaboration
- Creative Empowerment
- Transition and Support Through Youth Leadership
- Opening Doors to Adult Services
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRC, advocates, gov't employees
Thursday, April 12
Noon - 12:30 p.m.
Box Lunch / Rehabilitation & Gov't Leadership Awards
12:30 p.m.
Dr. David Mays presents the closing keynote
"Sex, Drugs & Rock-n-Roll"
The neuroscience of addiction has increased our understanding of how we are motivated by our strongest passions, and how craving for drugs and pining for love, and even bring transported by music all share the same neuro-pathways. This presentation will increase your understanding of what is going on in the mind with sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll.
What You Will Learn
- Participants will understand that addiction leads from pleasure to compulsion
- Participants will see the mechanisms of how people who are addicted lose the capacity to make reasonable decisions in their lives
- Participants will be introduced to the neurochemistry of sex and addiction
Target audience: vocational rehabilitation counselors, transition coordinators, community-based providers, job developers, vocational evaluators, job coaches, benefit specialists, ADRCs, advocates, gov't employees
