Sessions
2008 Rehabilitation and Transition Conference
Below you will find descriptions for each of the sessions at the 2008 Rehabilitation & Transition Conference as well as downloadable handouts and PowerPoint presentations associated with each session.
Wednesday, April, 9
Pre-Conference Ticket To Work Meeting with SSA and DVR Staff
- Below is the power point presentation given by Sallie Rhodes and Sue Suter, from the Social Security Administration and Charlene Dwyer from DVR on the new Ticket to Work plan.
1:00 - 2:30
- Session 01 - Self - Advocacy Course Outcome
Lisa Hebgen, SWTC and Vicki Faber, Richland Center High School and student panel
A youth panel will share their experienes with the course, a combination of direct and computer-based instruction. Course participants will share how they gained knowledge of their skills and potential, documented them in a Resource Portfolio, gained knowledge of career possibilities by job shadowing, visited post-secondary institutions and completed 10 hours of community service. (TRANSITION) - Session 02 - The NEW Ticket to Work Program
Sallie Rhodes, SSA Ticket to Work Program Specialist, CESSI
New Social Security Ticket to Work regulations are scheduled for release in April 08 (really!!) and will encourage new and different ways for employment providers to assist Social Security beneficiaries return to work or increase their employment. The new rules provide for incentive payments for relatively modest increases in employment, and larger payments for substantial employment increases. Come and discover the ways the new Ticket will be designed to better serve SSA beneficiairies and encourage the expansion of Employment Networks in Wisconsin. (EMPLOYMENT, TRANSITION, SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 03 - Benefits Counseling 101: The Nuts and Bolts of Work Incentives
John Benbow, ERI and Cheryl Fine, UW Stout SVRI
Have you heard about the new specialty field of Benefits Counseling, but aren’t exactly sure what it entails? Join us to learn about the basic work incentives built into public benefit programs for people with disabilities and how work and earnings interact with these programs. (SPECIAL INTEREST, EMPLOYMENT) - Session 04 - Introduction to Autism
Lisa Hoeme, MS and Sharon Hammer, MS, Imagine a Child’s Capacity
Participants will be provided an overview of the most up-to-date information on autism spectrum disorders including causes, rates, who it affects, recent research, and basic support strategies. (AUTISM, TRANSITION, EMPLOYMENT) - Session 05 - Supporting Successful Communication with Individuals with TBI
Lyn Turkstra, PhD, CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS, University of Wisconsin
Many individuals with TBI have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to read, write, listen and speak effectively in work and community settings. Cognitive and communication challenges often are a major barrier to re-employment and return to school, limit participation in social life, and are a source of significant stress for caregivers. We will discuss strategies for supporting communication, as well as evaluate your own communication style and develop a plan for successful interactions with clients and their families. (EMPLOYMENT, TRANSITION, SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 06 - Successful Succession: Managing Executive and Organizational Transformation
June M. Perry, Access to Success
Many organziations are facing transition of long term executives and founders who are ready to move on. These transitions must be handled carefeully with full participation of Board members, as well as top leadership and key supporters. The presenter has experienced a “successful succession”, as co-founder and long term leader of a non-profit and will share key areas that need to be addressed. (MANAGEMENT) - Session 07 - DHFS DLTC Managed Care and Employment Task Force
Fredi Bove and Lisa Mills, DHFS, John Bloor, N.E.W. Curative Rehabilitation, Stacy Wigfield, Reach, Inc. Atttendees will be informed of the work and resulting draft recommendations of the Managed Care and Employment Task Force convened in May 2007 by the State Division of Long Term Care. The Task Force was charged with developing a blueprint for ensuring that people with disabilities participating in Family Care have the full range of employment choices available to them. Come learn about the draft reommendations, which are being circulated for public comment. (COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES, EMPLOYMENT)
3:00 - 4:30
- Session 08 - Love and Logic Solutions for Kids with Special Needs
David Funk, New Berlin Public Schools
The basic principles Love and Logic can be applied to students who challenge our teaching. Information provided is designed to be used by participants to address a wide range of learning and behavioral problems throughout all grade levels. Specific techniques will be identified that focus students on problem ownership and responsibility. (TRANSITION)- This session does not have handouts
- This session does not have handouts
- Session 09 - Family Care and Employment - What's Ahead?
Panel of Providers
This panel of Employment providers working in Family Care areas will discuss how it’s going, how it was different from the old system, pros and cons, challenges they found making the transition, etc. (EMPLOYMENT, BEST PRACTICES, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS) - Session 10 - Professionalization Issues of Benefits Counseling as an Emerging Profession
John Lui, SVRI, Tammy Liddicoat, ERI, Inc., Holly Laux O’Higgins, DHFS, and Paul Andrew, CARF
As the need for benefits counseling grows in the field, many questions have arisen for practitioners and program administrators involving issues such as funding, oversight, training, and quality control. Join us to learn how these issues, as well as others, are being addressed at the state and national level. (EMPLOYMENT, BEST PRACTICES, SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 11 - Building Sensitivity and Awareness of Autism
Lisa Hoeme, MS and Sharon Hammer, MS, Imagine a Child’s Capacity
We will address the rationale behind doing sensitivity and awareness training with staff, family members, coworkers, support staff and peers who will be or are interacting with individuals on the autism spectrum. Participants will learn how to present a variety of activities designed to simulate various experiences and challenges of living with an autism spectrum disorder. (AUTISM) - Session 12 - Going Beyond Everyone's Expectations
Ben D. Anderson, Break Through Inc.
Our presenter will discuss his life experiences after being misdiagnosed with a low IQ in the 60s; going to a private school for people with disabilities in his early years to coming home and going to junior and senior high in Special Education and then on to college and graduating with a degree and becoming a self advocate. (SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 13 - The Future of Collaborative Marketing to Promote an Inclusive Workplace
Panel of Community Employment Opportunities Association members
Budget cuts, increased demand for services, and restructuring of supports have resulted in an uncertainty about what the future holds for community employment for people with disabiliites. Come to hear how this group came to the realization that all provider agencies and funding sources are ultimately working toward a common goal of finding meaningful, gainful employment for the people they serve, and formed a collaborative effort. (COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES, MANAGEMENT) - Session 14 - Update on the new DPI, DVR, DHFS Joint Agreement
Panel of state agency professionals
The new joint agreement supports improved transition services from school to short term DVR employment supports leading to long term care through DHFS. The agreement creates collaboration among agencies & WSTI, and will have a web-based, multi agency directory of transition resources, as well as a technical assistance guide. (COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES, TRANSITION)
Thursday, April, 10
10:15 - 11:45
- Session 15 - YiPPE! The Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment Program
Jenny Neugart and Deb Wisniewski, DHFS
Learn about this innovative new program that provides parallel leadership training for youth with disabilities, ages 14-21, and their parents from throughout the state on the transition process from high school to employment or post-secondary education. (TRANSITION, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES) - Session 16 - Rehabilitation Technology for Farmers of All Ages
Mary Beck, National AgrAbility Project and Cally Ehle, AgrAbility of Wisconsin
Farming is an occupation that engages people of all ages and abilities. This session will explore: transitioning youth who want to work on the family farm but face disability-related barriers, working with someone who’s had an accident, resulting in a disability, and wants to return to farming and other scenarios. Increase your understanding of current strategies used to help farmers remain in farming, including alternative enterprises and agricultural-related assistive technology. (EMPLOYMENT, SPECIAL INTEREST, TRANSITION) - Session 17 - What’s Up Doc? How to Talk to a Physician/Psychiatrist
David Mays, MD, PhD
Of all people who should be easy to talk to, you’d think a psychiatrist would be at the top of the list. Maybe in session, but in terms of getting a consultation on a mutual client, or getting advice on how to manage a bad situation at work, everyone has their own horror story. This session will give some tips on how to increase your chances of getting what you want when you talk to a doc. (SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 18 - Emotional Regulation
Lisa Hoeme, MS and Sharon Hammer, MS, Imagine a Child’s Capacity
What is emotional regulation and how does it impact learning for individuals with autism? Participants will learn why and how emotional regulation may be challenging for individuals on the spectrum. Participants will also examine what behaviors we might see when emotional disregulation occurs. Strategies for assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorders to regulate, recognize and communicate emotions will be presented and practiced. (AUTISM) - Session 19 - Ethical Thinking is Critical Thinking
Linda Hedenblad, MSE, CRC, RCEP V SIU Carbondale
Often students define Ethics as simply “doing the right thing.” But, how do we individually define the right thing? In this presentation, we will examine common thinking traps, explore how they may negatively impact our work, and practice critical thinking techniques to improve decision making. (ETHICS) - Session 20 - Teaching Assertiveness
Mark Sweet, PhD, Disability Rights Wisconsin
Words like choice, empowerment and self-advocacy are commonly used in our field. Most of us didn’t learn to be assertive as a result of continuous either/or questions. Learning to be assertive is a process that can be supported and strengthened in our daily relationships, with people receiving support. Assertiveness in not just a good idea in general; it is imperative at a time when a significant number of people with disabilities are victims of abuse. (SPECIAL INTEREST)- Handouts for this session will be made available at the conference
- Handouts for this session will be made available at the conference
- Session 21 - CMS Quality Domains - Let’s Get Aligned
Paul Andrew, CARF
Many licensing and state certification systems were developed during the late 70s and early 80s and focused on the bricks and mortar and the building’s infrastructure. Now that the CMS quality domains are being promoted and a high degree of energy is being devoted to community living and working, the time to realign the system is here. This session will provide the audience with an overview of the CMS Quality Domains and how the CARF standards can be used to achieve alignment of purpose, philosophy and ultimately desired outcomes with achievement of requirements at the licensing and certification level. (MANAGEMENT, BEST PRACTICES)
1:30 - 3:00
- Session 22 - WSTI Effective Transition Planning
Linda Maitrejean, Director of Statewide Transition Initiative
This session will provide an overview of the "what " and "how " of effective transition practices. Participants will be provided a clear understanding of how to write measurable post-secondary goals, based on age appropriate transition assessment and the importance of building a cohesive course of study, coordinated set of activities and annual goals that will lead to the student's desired post-school goals. (TRANSITION)
Art Besse, Art Besse & Associates, LLC and Glenn Olsen, High Risk Population Specialist, DWD
A disproportianate number of both male and female WI offenders have one or more disabilities. More offenders than ever are being released from WI jails and prisons. In order to assist these individuals to find employment, it is critical that placement professionals have information on offender employment rights, restrictions and remedies. (EMPLOYMENT)
David Mays, MD, PhD
Prior to the 1990s, self-injurous behavior was relatively unknown to most people, and was associated only with people who had severe mental health pathology. Today, with the growth of the internet and other media exposure, self-injury has achieved cultural familiarity, if not acceptance. We’ll try to put SIB into perspective, and offer the latest scientific perspective on its causes and treatments. (SPECIAL INTEREST)
Nancy Alar, Autism Society of Wisconsin and Matt Alar
Matt will describe his life with autism, focusing on his college experiences. Nancy, Matt’s mother, will describe the innovative educational and transition strategies, including creation of a new legal document, the Educational Power of Attorney, that were used to support Matt in his successful drive to a BS in Mathematics from UW - Madison. (AUTISM, TRANSITION)
- This session does not have handouts
Linda Hedenblad, MSE, CRC, RCEP V SIU Carbondale
The need for respecting client confidentiality in our profession can’t be overstated, yet confidentiality can be difficult to maintain. Certain factors complicate the maintenance of confidentiality, among them are: student age, disability, physical surroundings, partnering, duty to warn, small communities, email communication and unique client circumstances. Through case study and discussion, we will formulate ethical responses to challenging stiuations that emphasize adherence to client confidentiality. (ETHICS)
Greg Risberg, MSW, CSP and Madeleine Van Hecke, PhD
The conflicts and misunderstandings that add stress to our work lives are often caused by communication problems. How can we be more geniune and honest in our communication without hurting others? What strategies can we learn to help us communicate more empathically and more effectively? What can we do when complaining, cynicism and fault-finding have become our automatic responses to frustrating situations? (MANAGEMENT)
- Handouts for this session will be made available at the conference
Claudia Orvis and Sharon Mylrea, 24C Coaching and Consulting
Based on the popular book, this session will focus on the importance of an open attitude toward change, adapting to change quickly, how to enjoy the “adventure” of change and that when you move beyond fear, you feel free. (MANAGEMENT, SPECIAL INTEREST)
3:30 - 5:00
- Session 29 - Transition Planning and Community Support through Effective County Transition Advisory Councils
Panel TBD
TACs have been established in all Wisconsin counties to provide linkages and a transition network between district and agency representatives. Membership may include: parents, employers, educators, human service providers, youth with disabilities, supported employment staff, independent living center staff, DVR counselors, corrections staff and/or tribal representatives. The session will focus on an existing effective TAC and how it leads to interagency collaboration and improved services for students transitioning from school to work, education, training and/or independent living. (TRANSITION) - Session 30 - Career Planning for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders
James Emmett, Autism Consultant
This session will give participants an overview of the career planning process for people with autism, including: basic supports related to adolescents and adults with ASD, a career planning model that highlights strategies for persons with ASD, and developing concrete ideas on how to support job seekers with autism in the job search/placement process. (EMPLOYMENT, AUTISM) - Session 31 - Issues in Child/Adolescent Psychology
David Mays, MD, PhD
Attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, video game addiction, risk taking, substance abuse, suicide and antidepressants: This workshop will try to make sense of the latest crazes, phases, and insights in child/adolescent mental health practice and research. (SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 32 - Designing Services and Community Resources for Persons with Autism and Their Families
Paul Andrews, CARF
Designing and delivering community transition and life long adult services for persons with autism requires blueprint standards that can provide a road map to agency and community change. This session will address basic standards for addressing persons, concerns with advocacy, community change, networking families and establishing credible information and referral sources. (AUTISM, BEST PRACTICES, MANAGEMENT) - Session 33 - Ethics for Vocational Rehabilitation: A Philosophical Perspective
Linda Hedenblad, MSE, CRC, RCEP V SIU Carbondale
There are ancient philosophical principles which form the basis of ethics in Vocational Rehabilittion. We will explore the origins of these philosophical principles and show how they can be used today as a problem solving tool when considering ethical issues. (ETHICS) - Session 34 - Supervising Employees in Today's Legal Environment
Thomas Mackenzie, Lindner & Marsack, S.C.
As supervisors and managers, we face many legal issues in the employment context. This session will look at some of the following: documentation, investigations, EEO issues and dealing with disabilities of our own employees, etc. (MANAGEMENT) - Session 35 - Developing Natural Supports: The Journal of Eight Wisconsin High Schools
Colleen Kurkowski, Waisman Center, Erik Carter, University of Wisconsin, Sherry Gundlach, Ripon School District, and Jeremy Gundlach, youth representative
The statewide Natural Supports project seeks to discover, support and disseminate promising approaches for supporting youth with disabilities to participate in school, work, and community activities. This session will share findings from eight high schools as they form teams that include youth with and without disabilities, school staff, and community businesses, then develop natural supports in schools and communities. (COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES, TRANSITION)
Friday, April, 11
8:30 - 10:00
- Session 36 - Teaching Independent Living Skill Money Management to Transitioning Youth
Alie Kriofske Mainella, IndependenceFirst
This session will teach the basics of teaching money management for transitioning youth. You’ll learn to discuss on an individual or class basis, and receive materials from the IndependenceFirst high school transition curriculum that you can use. You’ll get concrete materials, ideas and hands-on experience! (TRANSITION) - Session 37 - Job Developer Mentor Project
Deb Walters, LSS, Nicki Steele, VARC, Tysa Goold Muench, Ventures Unlimited, Greg Sheehan, Riverfront and Tammy Hofmeister, DHFS
Hear from four job development professionals who have been involved with a MIG funded project partnering them with job development mentors. (EMPLOYMENT, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES) - Session 38 - Keep on Rollin’
Denise Marquardt, Ventures Unlimited
Denise will discuss her stroke experience, beginning with a description of her life as a professional log roller prior to her stroke and how, in 1997, one month prior to defending her World Logrolling Championship title, she had a left cerebral embolic stroke that left her completely paralyzed on her right side and with a bleak outlook for survival. She will share her path to rehabilitation and eventual recuperation of speech and motor skills and her work as a Program Coordinator at Ventures Unlimited. (SPECIAL INTEREST)- This session does not have handouts
10:15 - 11:45
- Session 39 - Preparing Students for Work - Wildcat Style
Krista Shallenberger-Burton, Verona School District
You’ll learn about two successful transition programs at the Verona Area High School, Wildcat Cafe and Wildcat Card Shop. Both programs help to develop work and life skills via hands-on and practical endeavors. Incorporated in the program is community collaboration to support student activities. You’ll walk away with ideas to set up similar programs in your school and/or community. (TRANSITION) - Session 40 - Countdown to Disability Disclosure: What Employees and Service Providers Need to Know
Peter Berg, Great Lakes ADA Center and Alan Goldstein, Equip for Equality
Under the ADA, employers can’t ask about a disability or make medical inquiries of a job applicant. However, access to a workplace accomodation or customized employment situation can depend on the disclosure of disability related infomation. Learn why, when and how to provide disability or medical information to an employer and how to do so in a way that gains the employer’s trust, eliminates concerns, and moves the employment process along. (EMPLOYMENT) - Session 41 - Wisconsin’s New Assistive Technology Resource Center and WorkSource Wisconsin
Laura Plummer and Mike Lawler, SVRI, Ralph Pelkey and Mike Meulemans, DHFS
Join us to learn about the exciting new employment/disability training and technical assistance centers in Wisconsin. (SPECIAL INTEREST TRACK, COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES) - Session 42 - Transitioning to Life Beyond High School for the ASD Student
Cynthia DiCamelli, CESA 2 and Andrew Mozer
Students on the ASD encounter very different problems when they transition out of high school. Andrew, a young man with ASD and his mother, Cynthia, will talk about the successes and false starts that Andrew encountered as he moved from high school to college and the world of work. You’ll gain a first hand understanding of the transition issues facing young adults on the autism spectrum. (AUTISM, TRANSITION)- Handout
- Handout
- Session 43 - Managing Threatening Confrontations
Paul White, The Waisman Center
You’ll get an overview of how to support people with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors. You’ll be able to take away ideas on how to support people with escalating challenging behaviors that may include aggression, destruction and self injury. (SPECIAL INTEREST) - Session 44 - Hard Optimism
Sharon Mylrea and Claudia Orvis, 24C Coaching and Consulting
Our thoughts and our mental practices may be the most important aspect of both our work life and our personal life. “Hard Optimism” identifies 12 practices that can help us become more efficient in our jobs, help us develop confidence and creativity, and can help us manage stress, setbacks, disappointments and the constant change we face. In this workshop, we’ll examine the 12 practices and identify some ways to implement them in our daily lives. (MANAGEMENT) - Session 45 - Improving Collaboration Through State and National Communities of Practice Work Groups
Cindy Cain, DVR, Mary Kampa, WSTI, Beth Swedeen, Waisman Center and Steve Gilles, DPI
Wisconsin has a State Community of Practice on Transition and is part of the National Community of Practice on Transition. In 2004, federal, state and local agencies came together around their shared interest in improving school and post-school outcomes for youth. Today, four federal agencies, ten states and many national organizations are joined in the community. They focus on issues including: meaningful youth role, increasing accessible transportation, outreach to child welfare, juvenile justice and mental health, employment and post-secondary options. (COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, BEST PRACTICES, TRANSITION)
Contact Us:
- Conference Questions? Contact: Rebecca Hildebrandt at 608-244-5310 or rhildebrandt@rfw.org
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©2007 Rehabilitation For Wisconsin Inc.
©2007 Rehabilitation For Wisconsin Inc.
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