101. Building a Vision for the Future

This workshop will provide a better understanding about the principles of self-advocacy & self-determination, the critical components and the process on implementation of this into everyday lives and creating the environment to support this.  Focus will be on how to overcome barriers and challenges.

Jeff Keilson, V.P. for Planning & Development, Advocates Inc.

102. Interactive Workshop

Three providers and individuals, along with a family member, will share their differing experiences.  This will be an open forum for discussion.

Claribel Jimenez & Angel Miranda, RRI; Meri Vlano, Seven Hills; Angela Procopio-Rahilly & Carrie Bona, Fred & Dale Bona, Nonotuck

103. Effectively Supporting  Shared Living Households (part 1)
This workshop will examine the complex role and skills of the manager or case worker who provides diverse support to each Shared Living home.  Developing trusting relationships with members of the household is critical so strategies to assist with monitoring and assessment of each home will be presented.  In addition, systems to provide managers with their own network of supports will be reviewed. Training is suitable for managers, case workers or support people who provide regular oversight to Shared Living households.
Lisa Hella, Jayne Webster & Jennifer-Lyn Boisclair, Program Managers, Alternatives

104. Shared Living Safeguards

This presentation proposes that each person's spirit needs to be recognized and nurtured through personal and voluntary connections with other people. Presenters will share and discuss concrete examples of how to do so.

Bertha Young, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, DMR

Michael Seibold, Director of Community Services, Alternatives

105. Turning 22 - Transition Planning

The workshop is designed to inform participants about their rights and responsibilities during the school-age transition process including the changes with the Federal Law IDEA 2004 which focus on post-school outcomes and results.  Community options after age 22 will be discussed.
Patricia  Pakos, MS is the Assistant Project Director for the ARC of Mass Transition Project

Christine Lewis Shane, Ph.D. Assistant Professor at Fitchburg State College

106. Friends & Lovers (part 1)

This 2 part workshop will provide a framework for understanding and addressing the relationship needs and interests of people with developmental disabilities.  Time will be spent talking about the skills, opportunities and potential barriers that may emerge in the effort to support development of a full range of relationships and how shared living providers can support and respond to people’s needs and interests.
Patricia Carney, B.A. Department of Mental Retardation

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First Afternoon Workshops:  1:30 - 2:45
(201 - 206)

201. Loss & Grief

This workshop will review definitions of loss and grief, stages of grief, the various affects of loss, and strategies that support recovery.

Diane  Gould, Sr. Vice President, Advocates Inc.

Donna Macleod-Prior, Director of Individualized Support Services, Alternatives Inc

Karyn Smith, Shared Living Program Manager, Alternatives

202. Adult Foster Care: Implementing Regulations

This workshop will provide a brief overview of Mass Health, Office of Long Term Care's Adult Foster Care Program, from guidelines to regulations.

Jen Bergeron, Assistant Director, Residential and Adult Day Health Services, DMA

203. Effectively Supporting Shared Living Households (Part 2)

This workshop will continue the discussion begun in workshop #103.

Lisa Hella, Jayne Webster & Jennifer-Lyn Boisclair, Program Managers, Alternatives

204.  Creating A Secure Future

Designing a legal and estate plan which supports future planning for individuals with disabilities and their families

Fred Misilo, Jr., Esquire, MEd, Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple

205. Sooner than Later

This workshop will help families unravel some of the thorny issues that must be settled sooner rather than later.  Families are strongly encouraged to bring individuals who may be involved in future planning.
Patricia Pakos, MS is the Assistant Project Director for The ARC of Mass Transition Project.

Christine Lewis Shane, Ph.D. Assistant Professor at Fitchburg State College.

206. Friends & Lovers (part 2)

This 2 part workshop will provide a framework for understanding and addressing the relationship needs and interests of people with developmental disabilities.  Time will be spent talking about the skills, opportunities and potential barriers that may emerge in the effort to support development of a full range of relationships and how shared living providers can support and respond to people’s needs and interests.
Patricia Carney, B.A. Department of Mental Retardation

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Second Afternoon Workshops:  3:00 - 4:15
(301 - 305)

301. "I am here and not yet gone, the Alzheimer's Experience"

The presentation will provide a brief overview of the disease process and the experience of a person with Alzheimer's.  The presenters will share information and utilize visuals to convey message.  There will be a clinical profile presented with a brief discussion.

Audrey Kracke, RN

Sarah Bernd, RN

302. Your Rights are My Rights

Discussion and dialogue of rights and responsibilities of both the provider and individual receiving supports.

Marty Rachels, DMR 

303. Shared Living:  Why would I want to live there?

Presenters will offer a construct of the various models within Shared Living which will include: Traditional Model, Peer, Roommate, Adult Foster Care, Therapeutic Foster Care and other emerging models.  Both presenters are leaders in design and service delivery of Shared Living and will share their insights on how these models work.  The workshop will encourage questions from the attendees and examine why various models may be more clinically appropriate for particular individuals.  Those who are considering Shared Living for either themselves. a loved one or someone they are advocating for and are looking for answers may wish to attend.

Richard Niedel, MSW, The Association for Community Living/Specialized Home Care

LuAnn Gardner, Shared Living Recruiter & Development Specialist, Alternatives

304. Alternatives to Guardianship

This presentation will analyze and review the key legal issues relating to legal competency of individuals with diminished capacity.  Such topics as presumption of competency, alternatives to guardianship, and a discussion of legal consequences of a court imposing a guardianship decree.

Fred Misilo, Jr., Esquire, MEd, Fletcher, Tilton & Whipple

305.  Practical Ways to Stay Physically Fit

This workshop presents an unconventional but practical look at things around the home that offer opportunities to pursue functional fitness development and enhancement.

Larry Stalvey, HealthLearn Founder