Choice: A Personal Journey
CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
September 27, 2011
Keynote: 9:30 - 10:15
Al Condeluci, PhD, CEO, UCP Pittsburgh
Morning Workshops: 10:30 - 11:45am
(101-106)
101. Why We Do What We Do: Bringing Back the Passion in our Lives
Al Condeluci, PhD, CEO, UCP Pittsburgh
The work done in human services and community building is often routine and repetitive. If we focus on just the work, energy can give way to mediocrity. This animated presentation will re-examine the roots and background of our work. The history of how people with disabilities have been treated will be explored and ways we can rekindle our passion for inclusion and community will be offered.
102. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in Disability Service and Support Settings
Steven Staugaitis, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Alixe Bonardi, OTR/L, MHA Lecturer, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Assistant Director, Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research
Participants will be able to describe the differences between a "finger pointing" approach to investigation and one that focuses on prevention across the entire system of support. Participants will be able to describe when Root Cause Analysis should be used, and the fundamental steps for conducting a Root Cause Analysis.
103. Adult Family Care - A Community Based Living Option
Lisa Prince, MS, LSW, President of MA Council for AFC; Beth Shelton, Program Manager, AFC Services
An overview of the MassHealth Adult Family Care program and its benefits to elders and adults with disabilities will be presented. This session will include up-to-date information regarding any changes in regulations.
104. Choice and Risk in Shared Living Clinical Service Delivery - Part 1
John Struth, EdS, Clinical Director, Shanna Burke, MSW, LICSW, Clinician, James Kiely, MS, Clinician, Nonotuck Resource Associates
This is a two part workshop. An overview will be presented on providing clinical services in context of system requirements, risk protocol and facilitating choice opportunities within the context of serving individuals who receive shared living supports.
105. Special Needs Planning, financial eligibility for Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver Services and related legal issues
Frederick J. Misilo, Jr., Esq., Fletcher, Tilton, PC
This workshop will explore the inter-relationship between special needs trusts, financial eligibility for waiver services and related legal issues. Participants will learn about important planning steps that can be undertaken in order to preserve assets while maintaining financial eligibility for waiver services. This will also involve an overview of essential elements of a special needs trust, the types of trustee options available in Massachusetts, the impact the recent adoption of the Uniform Probate Code has had on estate planning petitions in Probate Court and the types of services, supports and benefits which can be paid for by a special needs trust.
106. The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Home and Community Based Services Adult Waiver Programs
Michelle Harris, Community Systems Director, Central West Region DDS; Donna Boucher, Area Director, North Central Massachusetts DDS
Participants will gain knowledge of the choices, services and eligibility requirements for the DDS waiver programs.
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Afternoon Workshops:
1:30 - 2:45201. Interdependence: The Whole Community
Al Condeluci, PhD, CEO, UCP Pittsburgh
The key to life (or community) success is found not in specific strategies, but in building strong natural relationships. This session looks at the elements of interdependence, how relationships grow and develop and how we all can get better at making them happen in our lives.
202. Providers Share Their Experiences: An Interactive Workshop
Providers and individuals from across the state will share their differing experiences. This is an open forum for discussion.
203. Stress Management for Caregivers
Douglas Hughes, Clinical Service Manager
This workshop will present an overview of stress and stress management with an emphasis on caregiver stress. Participants will learn the elements of successful stress management with a focus on learning relaxation techniques.
204. Case Examples of Choice and Risk in Clinical Service Delivery -
Part 2
Dan Shafer, MEd, Clinician, Shanna Burke, MSW, LICSW, Clinician,
Tim Jubinville, LMHC, Clinician, Nonotuck Resource Associates
This workshop will provide participants with case examples that illustrate clinical services using choice and risk in design and implementation. The workshop will be a practical companion to the morning session in which a more theoretical overview of service decisions is made.
205. Behind the Scenese: A look at qualifying and supporting a Shared Living Household
Elizabeth Bird, HMEA; Christine Young, Nonotuck Resource Associates; Jodie St. Louis, Alternatives
This workshop will take you through the process of qualifying a potential Shared Living provider, identifying a potential match and transitioning an individual into their new home. This will be a beneficial workshop for those considering shared living for themselves, a loved one or someone they are advocating for and are looking for answers.
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