Session Materials

Destination Collaboration - April 1 - 3, 2009

Conference Questions? Contact Katie Powers at 608-244-5310 or kpowers@rfw.org.

This page will be updated through April 24 as session materials are provided by the conference speakers. If you are seeking materials that are not available for download past April 24, that is because the speaker(s) does not wish to publish the materials.

• Wednesday, April 1
• Thursday, April 2
• Friday, April 3

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 - 1:00 - 2:30 PM
SESSION 1 • Download Session Materials. Transition: Baraboo Style • Shelley Mordini, LaNae Jabas, Victoria Wiegand and Kathy Tuttle, Baraboo High School • Transition is a team process at Baraboo, no one program could work on its own. The team will present on the process of developing programs and meeting the students’ ongoing needs from ages 14-21. There will be a highlight on the Garden Project, Micro-Green Enterprise, Transition Plus, the program for 18-21 year olds, Sauk/Columbia Transition Team and much more! TRANSITION

SESSION 2 • Session Materials Provided at Conference. ADA Amendments Act-Federal and State Perspectives • Dennis McBride, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Douglas Feldman, Lindner & Marsack, S.C. •This past September, the President signed the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. The Act makes important changes to the definition of the term “disability” by rejecting the holdings in several Supreme Court decisions and portions of EEOC’s ADA regulations. Dennis McBride will discuss and answer practical questions regarding the new regulations and the potential impact on federal EEOC enforcement guidance. Douglas Feldman will discuss state comparisons as related to the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. EMPLOYMENT, LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 3 • “You Need to Know Me” - The National Advocacy Campaign • Jeff Britt, McGuireWoods Consulting• Launched in 2001, ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign seeks public support to achieve the program’s overall objective to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. This session will discuss the campaign and the “Direct Support Fairness and Security Act” (H.R. 868 in the 111th Congress), so that you can help build a grassroots network to garner additional Congressional sponsors for the bill. LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 4 • Download Session Materials.  Lights, Camera, Action! Using Video Technology to Support Individuals with Disabilities • Lisa Hoeme, MS, CRC, Lisa Ladson, BS, BCABA and Sharon Hammer, MS, Imagine a Child’s Capacity •Using the latest video technology is an innovative technique utilized to support individuals with disabilities in a number of areas including transitions, skill development, employment, support staff training and self-advocacy. This presentation will highlight using video technology, and will teach participants the reasons it is beneficial, including an exploration of recent research. In addition, participants will learn the conceptual basics of video modeling and how to identify when to use the technique. Real-life examples of how to put the techniques into practice will be given. BEST PRACTICES

SESSION 5 •  Download Session Materials (1)(2)(3). Mental Health Parity • Eileen Mallow, Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Robin Jones, Great Lakes Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center • Come hear about the Mental Health Parity bill, from the federal level to its implications for Wisconsin. A discussion of how the ADA comes into play as well as accommodation issues associated with seeking treatment for a mental illness including leave will be included. LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 6 • Becoming an Executive Director • Barbara Rowland, Eisenhower Center, Ron Opicka, East Shore Industries and Jean Zweifel, Greenco Industries • Attend this session led by those who have once started in your shoes. If you have the desire to reach higher levels in your career, this is the session for you to attend! MID-MANAGEMENT

SESSION 7 • Benefits Specialists: Many Programs, United for Quality • Tammy Liddicoat, ERI and John Lui, Ph.D., MBA, CDMS, CRC, UW-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute •Wisconsin has a wealth of benefits specialists that are very different, representing a variety of programs to assist people with disabilities at different life stages navigate the complexities of public and private benefit systems. This session will cover the types of benefits specialists, finding them, eligibility issues, referral and more. Learn how these professionals have aligned to develop common quality assurance initiatives and a professional credential toward the protection of consumers, continuing education and common standards of practice. ETHICS/POTPOURRI

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 - 1:00 - 2:30 PM
SESSION 8 • Download Session Materials (1) (2) (3) (4). Implementation of the Transition Process Model, Key Next Steps of the DPI, DVR, DHS Multi-Agency Work to Improve Results for Students with Disabilities. • Steve Gilles, DPI, Mike Greco, Cynthia Cain, DVR and Mike Linak, DHS • This session describes the next steps and current implementation of the DPI, DVR and DHS joint agreement and transition process model. This session will focus on the Implementation of the Interagency Agreement and supporting Transition Action Guide, and its efforts to increase collaboration, improve relationship among agencies, provide clarification on roles and responsibilities within school districts, DVR and ADRCs. TRANSITION

SESSION 9 • A Legal Workout: The Twists and Turns of Harassment, Discipline and Disability in the Workplace • Dennis McBride, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Douglas Feldman, Lindner & Marsack, S.C. and Robin Jones, Great Lakes Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center• Harassment, retaliation and discipline issues involving employees with disabilities are emerging as unique workplace challenges for human resource managers and company supervisors. During this highly interactive session, attorneys will “argue” three cases from the both perspectives (employee and employer), illustrate how differing federal and state laws may treat some of these issues and offer tips for dealing with these complex areas of the law.  EMPLOYMENT

SESSION 10 • Download Session Materials.  Community Building: The Importance of Meaningful Relationships • Peter Leidy • This is designed for those who want to delve deeper into the “community” part of the work. Why relationships are important, why inclusion/community building is hard to keep on the “front burner”, and strategies for building more meaningful lives. Real stories are shared, and not just “success” stories. SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 11 •  Download Session Materials. Promising Practices to Improve Employment and Community Participation for Youth with Significant Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities • Erik Carter, Ph.D., UW-Madison Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education Department, Beth Swedeen, Nikki Ditchman, Waisman Center • The panel group will present findings from a three-year federally-funded research project studying the impact of an intervention package to increase summer employment for Wisconsin youth with significant disabilities and emotional/behavioral disabilities. The presentation will focus on replicable strategies used in the project that educators and other service providers can use to better connect students to summer employment and other community opportunities. BEST PRACTICES

SESSION 12 • Download Session Materials (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) . Ticket to Work - Status of Employment Networks in WI • Susan Kell, Joseph D’Costa, DVR, Bob Monahan, SSA, Joel Middleton, Ticket to Work, Partnership Plus• Under the Social Security’s Administration’s implementation of the new Ticket to Work regulations this session will provide a look at the development of Employment Networks in Wisconsin serving SSA beneficiaries/Ticket holders. Hear from state/local agencies and service providers regarding the status of collaborative EN development, the relationship of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (Partnership Plus Model), and the effect that the Ticket to Work program is having on service providers and consumers. LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 13 • Download Session Materials. Changing Employee Behavior Through Effective Counseling and Discipline - A Legal and Practical Guide • Thomas Mackenzie, Lindner & Marsack, S.C and Barbara Rowland, Eisenhower Center. • 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. MID-MANAGEMENT

SESSION 14 • Download Session Materials. Independent Living Centers • Mike Bachhuber, Independent Living Councils, Inc. • Hear from the Executive Director of the Independent Living Council on the Wisconsin State Plan for Independent Living and their goals and supports to maximize the empowerment, leadership and productivity of individuals with disabilities. ETHICS/POTPOURRI

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2 - 10:15 - 11:45 am
SESSION 15 •  Self Directed Services for Employment from High School Through DVR to Long Term Care • Caroline Leung, CESA 2, Nathaniel Lentz, and youth council• Come hear youth present their experiences regarding their transition from high school to either postsecondary school or employment. This session will demonstrate various options involving DVR. Included in this panel is Caroline Leung, WSTI Youth Transition Coordinator and Nathaniel Lentz, a student attending Madison Area Technical College. TRANSITION

SESSION 16 •  ADA Amendments Act-Information on the New Law Direct From Our Keynote Speaker! • Andrew Imparato, American Association of People with Disabilities • Hear from one of the DC-based advocates who oversaw the successful political strategy to get the ADA Amendments Act signed into law last September.  Learn what is in the new law, how it garnered the support of the national employer and disability communities, and how it can be leveraged to improve employment opportunities and employer practices in Wisconsin. EMPLOYMENT

SESSION 17 •  Download Session Materials (1) (2). Working With Ex-Offenders• Maria Anderson, Anderson Professional Training Services • There are many characteristics common to the ex-offender population. Understanding the criminal mind and how ex-offenders think and communicate is critical to establishing a productive relationship. Learn some prevalent attitudes and how to address these with the client; comprehend the offender thought process and learn/apply some best methods of communication. Lastly, understand the employer incentives available for hiring an ex-offender. SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 18 •  Work Smarter-Not Harder • Ken Hagmann, MS, Opportunities Inc •A fast-moving presentation using equipment and demonstrations, this session covers function ergonomics for consumers in the workplace. Intended for trainers, job coaches, supervisors and teachers, the content will cover human factors principles, task/job set-up, ergonomics risk factors and recommendations for seating-positioning and better task design. BEST PRACTICES

SESSION 19 •  DVR: Meeting Employment Challenges in a Challenging Economy • Charlene Dwyer, Manuel Lugo, Mike Greco, DVR • Learn how DVR is: managing its service staffing, case aids budget, and wait list in these challenging economic times, utilizing economic stimulus funds to increase employment opportunties and outcomes, and setting priorities for investment in innovative projects and partnerships. LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 20 •  Download Session Materials. Putting Conflict to Work for You • Claudia Orvis and Sharon Mylrea, 24C Coaching and Consulting • Conflict is inevitable -- in the workplace, in our personal lives, in our social interactions. However, conflict doesn’t have to be negative. In fact, conflict can provide a significant opportunity to strengthen and improve our relationships, and to ultimately accomplish our goals. This workshop provides methods and techniques for positive conflict resolution. Participants will assess their own personal responses to conflict and identify options for making effective choices in conflict situations. Techniques for dealing with conflict proactively and positively will be discussed. MID-MANAGEMENT

SESSION 21 •  Download Session Materials (1) (2) (3). Ethical Thinking is Critical Thinking • Linda Hedenblad, MSE, CRC, SIUC TACE • Often professionals 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 influence our work, and practice critical thinking techniques to improve decision making. ETHICS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2 - 1:30 - 3:00 PM
SESSION 22 •  Download Session Materials. The Summary of Performance as a Transition Tool • Jennifer Ledin, CESA 12 • This presentation will discuss the components of an effective Summary of Performance and show how and why the SoP can be used from high school through the transition process to postsecondary education and accessing adult service agencies. TRANSITION

SESSION 23 •  Download Session Materials (1) (2) (3) (4). Job Development in Touch Economic Times • Maggie Leedy, Montgomery Works • We’ve lost 760,000 jobs since last January and unemployment is at a five-year high. Yet hiring across the country has hardly come to a complete halt. Jobs exist, but fewer openings and more competition mean they’re not all easy to come by. This workshop will provide job development strategies on how to become more flexible and diverse with outreach efforts resulting in more opportunities for your job seekers. EMPLOYMENT

SESSION 24 • Download Session Materials. Ex-Offender Employment: Preparing for the Job Search • Maria Anderson, Anderson Professional Training Services • This workshop will focus on one of the biggest challenges facing ex-offenders: how to discuss their record with an employer. Many offenders want to lie. Some say things they shouldn’t, while others don’t say things they should. Learn a proven formula to increase client honesty and employment success rates. Lastly, learn about off limit jobs and realistic job opportunities. SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 25 • Download Session Materials (1) (2) (3). Evidence Based Practice in Supported-Employment • Claire Courtney, MS, CRC, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Cheryl Lofton, DHS • Supported Employment is one of the mental health Evidence Based Practices recognized on the national level by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This presentation will cover the research behind and the major principles of EBP-SE. Practices related to achieving high fidelity to the model will be presented. Wisconsin’s perspective and plans for implementing EBP-SE will be shared. Staff from Minnesota will share how EBP-SE has implemented and provide an overview of the lessons learned and results to date. BEST PRACTICES

SESSION 26 • How the ADA Amendments Act and Higher Education Act Will Impact Post Secondary Institutions. • Andrew Imparato, American Association of People with Disabilities and Elizabeth Watson, Center for Students with Disablities-UW Whitewater• This session will give a national “birds eye view” of what changes post secondary institutions can expect from the ADA Amendments Act and Higher Education Act.  Our presenter recently chaired a committee of the bipartisan Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel to the SSA that developed recommendations for increasing our investments in youth and young adults and transforming the major federal entitlement programs so that they have more of an investment orientation.  Learn the details of those recommendations, and how they may fare in the new Administration. The Higher Education Act has changed to provide special funding for specific innovative disability related programs as well as allow for Financial Aid to support special non degree programs.  Find out how these supports will change the landscape of post secondary education. LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 27 • Download Session Materials (1)(2). Self-Care: For You! • Claudia Orvis and Sharon Mylrea, 24C Coaching and Consulting • As we work to meet our responsibilities to others, we often begin to neglect the care we need to provide for ourselves. Yet maintaining our own personal physical, mental and emotional health is critically important, particularly in difficult and/or stressful situations. In this workshop, we will consider the amount of “control” we exercise in situations, how to identify options for ourselves, and how to accept responsibility for making personal choices. We will also focus on the importance of choosing a positive attitude and having FUN! MID-MANAGEMENT

SESSION 28 • Download Session Materials. The Ethics of Counseling Across Cultures• Linda Hedenblad, MSE, CRC, SIUC TACE •We are all shaped by our life experiences. Our personal values and those of the people we serve have a significant impact on the design and delivery of services. Through case study and discussion we will investigate the ethical challenges of working with different cultural groups. We will introduce tools that can help us demonstrate respect for the diversity of the groups that we serve. ETHICS/POTPOURRI

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2 - 3:30 - 5:00 PM
SESSION 29 • Effective Transition Planning for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities, Focusing on the Customized and Integrated Employment Option • Lori Turim and Cheri Sylla, CESA 1, Gail Wilke, Brookfield East High School, Eric Sylla, Student • This session looks at “Customized Employment” as an employment option for students with significant disabilities, with emphasis on the “Discovery Process.” Among the presenters are a student, his teacher and his mother and they show the importance of using the student’s strengths and attributes in marketing his future employment. TRANSITION

SESSION 30 • Download Session Materials (1) (2) (3) (4)(5). Stepping Out of the Job Development Comfort Zone • Maggie Leedy, Montgomery Works • You are known in the community as the “disability job person.” The ebbs and flows of disability employment are familiar, and we are entering another tough time. When better to step, no jump, out of your comfort zone and learn some new, different, and exciting job development techniques for yourself and for your job seekers? This workshop will provide examples of “different” job scenarios for people with disabilities and the steps taken for their success. EMPLOYMENT

SESSION 31 • Download Session Materials (1) (2). SSA Disability Benefits and Working Basics • Megan Fowler, Employment Resources, Inc. • The presentation will give a brief description of the Social Security benefits that may be available to people with disabilities and the work incentives that are associated with these programs. The presentation will describe how these work incentives are applied for individuals who are on benefits and working. Information will also be provided about resources available to assist individuals in understanding and navigating public and private benefits programs. SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 32 • Download Session Materials. Standards Based Compensation System • John Villegas-Grubbs, Johnston, Villegas-Grubbs, Abraham and Associates • This presentation will discuss the evidence behind a standard rate setting mechanism, which if used by MCOs in contracting for all services, would ensure fairness and equity by addressing discrepancies in funding and availability of services for persons with similar needs. BEST PRACTICES

SESSION 33 • Download Session Materials (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)

Handbook English / Handbook Spanish / Handbook Hmong / Handbook Russian / Handbook Large Print

New Long Term Care Choice: IRIS • John O’Keefe, DHS and Shanna Jensen, IRIS Independent Consultant Agency • This session will present IRIS, Wisconsin’s new long term care option that allows adults to self manage their publicly funded long term supports and services. Hear from the DHS Rep and an Independent Consultant on how they can help individualize the support and service plan, IRIS’ history and more! LEGISLATIVE

SESSION 34 • Download Session Materials. Putting Out Fires While They Are Small (Managing Priorities) • Susan Peek, Creative Community Living Services, Inc . •Do you find your workday consumed with “putting out fires” and moving from one crisis to the next? Do you find that everything on your to do list is a priority? If so, then this session is for you. Learn how you can make the transition from a reactive mode of operation to a proactive one. Applying methods used by firefighters to prevent and control wildfires, we will discuss how to focus energy and time, invest in employees and address root causes of workplace fires. MID- MANAGEMENT

SESSION 35 • Download Session Materials (1) (2). Ethics and Boundaries • Linda Hedenblad, MSE, CRC, SIUC TACE • Every day professionals are confronted with situations which test professional boundaries. How we define respectful boundaries in rehabilitation has been shaped by the civil rights movement of people with disabilities. We will examine professional boundaries using this historical perspective. Through case study and discussion we will evaluate the complexities of maintaining respectful boundaries with those we serve. ETHICS

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FRIDAY, APRIL 3 - 8:30 - 10:00 am
SESSION 36 •  Going to College: What You Need to Know • Laurie Petersen, UW-Milwaukee, Sandy Hall, MATC, Martha Bledsoe, Carroll University • A panel of postsecondary Disability Service providers will provide an overview of accessing disability services for students, including the differences between secondary and postsecondary education, the laws, accommodations, and typical processes used by most higher education institutions. Representatives from the technical college system, the UW System and private colleges will describe their programs and institutions’ uniqueness. Participants will be able to compare and contrast the differences between the different institutions. Questions and participation are encouraged. TRANSITION

SESSION 37 • Serving our Newest Veterans: VA Resources to Address the Needs of Veterans Returning from the Global War on Terror • Dr. Catherine Coppolillo and Andy Hendrickson, Zablocki VA Medical Center • Veterans who served abroad in the Global War on Terror have been returning to resume their lives in the United States since late 2003. As they navigate the complex process of reintegration into civilian life, their needs are equally complex. These veterans present to VA health care facilities with a wide range of medical, mental health and psychosocial readjustment issues that require sensitive, timely intervention. This presentation will offer information about the needs of returning veterans, the difficulties they may face as they seek to transition back to their lives in the U.S. and the resources available to them at Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee and its associated community-based outpatient clinics throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 38 • Download Session Materials. MIG 101 and Beyond • Cayte Anderson and Jackie Wenkman, Pathways to Independence • This session will provide an overview of Wisconsin’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG), specific strategic priorities, and recommendations of the Managed Care and Employment Task Force.  The background, current activities, and future direction of the grant and overarching goals will be discussed.  Participants will leave with a better understanding of MIG and the numerous collaborative partnerships involved. LEGISLATIVE

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FRIDAY, APRIL 3 - 10:15 - 11:45 am
SESSION 39 • Download Session Materials. Discussion of Assessment System • Pam Jenson, CESA 2, Victoria Whitish, Oregon High School, Kathleen Enders, DVR • Find out more information on how an assessment system is being used both through DVR and schools for students in school and adult life. TRANSITION

SESSION 40 •  Session Materials Provided at Conference. Managed Care and Integrated Employment: Action on Implementation of the Managed Care and Employment Task Force Recommendations • Lisa Mills and John Reiser, DHS, John Bloor, N.E.W. Curative Rehabilitation Inc. • This session will inform attendees about the multi-year action plan developed to implement the recommendations made by the Managed Care and Employment Task Force. The work of the Task Force involved a significant focus on expanding opportunities for integrated employment. Attendees will be provided with an overview of the range of initiatives being undertaken to implement the recommendations, and will have the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions which will be shared with the Division and the body charged with oversight and monitoring of the activities and initiatives related to implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations. EMPLOYMENT

SESSION 41 •  Download Session Materials. Meeting the “Miserable Minority” of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury • Tom Tatlock, MD •The goal of this session is to increase the participant’s awareness, knowledge and understanding of the “Miserable Minority”- the 15% to 20% with “Mild” TBI who continue to experience significant symptoms. Dr. Tatlock will present information from both the scientific literature and his own personal experience. SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 42 •  Download Session Materials. Web 2.0 Tools for the Assistive Technology Provider • Paula Walser, MS/CCC, SLP, ATP CESA 6 • This session will highlight free web based tools to use for communication, collaboration and learning. Learn how to make the web 2.0 work for you by using FREE tools like social bookmarking, voice thread, interactive learning objects, and online sources for text to speech and voice recognition. BEST PRACTICES

SESSION 43 • Download Session Materials. A Train-the-Trainer Approach to Abuse Prevention Curriculum Dissemination • C.Thomas Cook, RFW • This presentation will discuss an abuse prevention curriculum and its dissemination, with a focus on helping DSPs becoming change agents, so they can disrupt the “code of silence.” SPECIAL INTEREST

SESSION 44 •  Download Session Materials (1) (2). Volunteer Management - The Essentials • Bonnie Andrews, Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee • Ten things are crucial for any organization that utilizes volunteers - whether they have one or one thousand. The level of detail will vary, but every agency should start with their culture of volunteerism, explore the basic steps from recruitment to recognition, and then keep changing based on trends and new organizational factors. This session starts with a short self-evaluation and is packed with information and resources to help your organization in the quest for effective volunteer engagement. A recent report states that most nonprofits do not manage their volunteers effectively - don’t be one of them! MID- MANAGEMENT

SESSION 45 • The Fun in Collaboration • Nancy Pickett, Milwaukee Center for Independence • Join the Director of L.I.F.E. Services at Milwaukee Center for Independence as she shares her experience in teaming up with groups around the state such as REI, Rutabaga, Wisconsin DNA and Wilderness Inquiry. Find out how they and many other groups can help you increase the opportunites for people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors. ETHICS/POTPOURRI