2010 collaborations conference collaborations · pdf filevirginia rehabilitation association...

Co-hosted by

VA-APSEThe Virginia Association for Persons In Supported Employment

vaACCSES The Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitation Programs

VRAVirginia Rehabilitation Association

Collaborations 2010October 3-5, 2010

Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel

Diamond Partners

Gold Partners

The Choice Group, Inc. Eggleston Services, Inc.

Navigate Your Wayto Success

2010Collaborations Conference

Sunday, October 3, 20101:00 – 5:00 pm Exhibit Set-Up1:00 – 6:00 pm Registration2:00 – 6:00 pm Concurrent Training Sessions

•UNIQUECONFERENCEFEATURE–ExperientialLearning–HandsOnTechnologyFairThe Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) will host a “Hands-On” Technology Room! Throughout the course of the conference, participants will be able to “drop-in” to the Technology Room and personally try out some of the latest and greatest assistive technology (AT) and gadgets available to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace. This year, the Technology Room will focus exclusively on technology needed for successful employment outcomes.

VATS staff and disability service agency professionals will provide: 1:1 training to increase participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies regarding AT; and 1:1 demonstrations to enable an individual to make an informed choice regarding AT. AT available for demonstration includes low tech to high tech devices to help individuals with disabilities obtain and or maintain employment. Conference participants will be able to come and go as their interest and schedule permits and interact directly with the presenters and the technology. This is an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn the benefits and resources available for AT in a fun and non-intimidating setting!

Technology Room presenters will include representatives from VATS Central Office, VATS regional sites at Old Dominion University (ODU), Virginia Tech, and George Mason University as well as representatives from Virginia’s Training and Technical Assistance Centers (T/TAC) at ODU, the Department for Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH), the New Well Fund, and Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC). The Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) “Hands-On” Technology Room was a huge success at last year’s Collaborations Conference. This year, we expect it to be even better!Hosts: Virginia Assistive Technology Systems (VATS)

•Ethics,EmergingTechnologies,andGenerationsintheWorkforce

Sponsored by the George Washington University Center for Rehabilitation Counseling, Research and Education (CRCRE)The presenters will review and highlight the major changes to the most recently implemented (January 2010) CRCC Code of Ethics. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the impact of emerging technologies and communication tools on the workforce and on the ethical implications of such technologies in the workplace. Tips and strategies will be shared for enhancing professionalism when utilizing emerging technologies. Finally, the impact of generational diversity in the workplace will be examined. Information detailing how each generation approaches the world of work and suggestions for increasing cooperation among generations will occur. This session will use a combination of lecture, small group case study reviews, and discussion. Speakers: Robert J. Froehlich, Ed.D, LPC, CRC, Assistant Director, The George Washington University Region III TACE Center; Matthew Siblo, MA, Ed.M., Technical Assistance & Continuing Education Assistant, GWU Region III TACE Center

•Virginia’sMedicaidWaivers101–AnIntroduction&OverviewofVirginia’sHome&CommunityBasedWaivers

Sponsored by vaACCSESDid you know that Virginia has several HCBS waivers in addition to the Virginia Medicaid State Plan that provide community living supports for Virginians with disabilities? Although certain processes are shared between them, access to and screening for each waiver is unique. Most waivers offer a wide variety of specific services. Some are unique to a particular program or population – others are shared by multiple programs or populations. This workshop will provide an overview of Virginia’s current waiver programs including current trends and important policy issues. This workshop is perfect for new staff needing an introduction to HCBS waivers as well as others who would like a refresher course.Speakers: Sandy Hermann, Waiver Expert & Mentor; Community Resources Coordinator, Care Connection for Children at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, Norfolk

Collaborations 2010Navigate Your Way to Success



•PersonCenteredThinking,Planning,andDevelopingaPersonCenteredOrganizationIn 2003, the Commonwealth of Virginia and various partners kicked off an initiative to change the way services and supports were provided in Virginia. The goal is to develop a comprehensive person centered planning process that will improve the quality of life for persons who are receiving services. This presentation will focus on one organization’s on-going journey to change from a system centered organization to a person centered organization and other happenings throughout the Commonwealth. The discussion will cover the topics of Writing a Person Centered Vision and Values statement, Using Person Centered Thinking (PCT) tools and PCT Plan Facilitation skills to develop a person centered plan, and Initiating a PCT Leadership and Coaches team. In addition, we will present various experiences and the learning that has occurred over the past 7 years including key elements and obstacles to developing a person centered organization. Speaker: Barry Seaver, Person Centered Thinking (PCT) Statewide Instructor and Jodie Riley, Direct Support Coordinator, Northern Neck Community Services Board (CSB)

•CommunityConversation:CommunityActionthroughCommunityConversations:

Sponsored by VA-APSEJoin us for the first Collaborations Community Conversation…A leadership conversation that will not only be about people with disabilities or how we can do our jobs better, but will challenge us to focus on our collective and personal growth and tap into our community. Have we considered what our role might be in a forward-looking community? Are we ready for new relationships and alliances? What is required of us? Participating in this leadership conversation will challenge us to work differently and together for the betterment of our communities as a whole. What we give will be as important as we get.

What is a community Conversation? Community Conversations are based on the World Café Process, which is a structured discussion format designed to build conversations around a meaningful question or questions in order to discover and build on the collective voice and knowledge of participants. The World Café Process approach has been used in numerous formats worldwide as a way to “intentionally harness the power of conversation for business or

social value”. It is a natural way to bring together stakeholders in a relaxed yet meaningful manner. Enabling participants to contribute and find common ideas as well as diverse perspective is a natural outcome of the World Café Process.

6:00 – 8:00pm Exhibits Open6:00 – 8:00 pm Exhibitors Kick Off Reception7:30 pm Early Bird Drawing9:00 – 12:00 am Conference Hospitality Suite

Monday,October4,20107:30 – 12:00 pm Registration Open7:30 – 8:30 am Continental Breakfast7:30 – 4:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open8:30 – 10:00 am Concurrent Training Sessions

•EstablishingaCommonFrameworkandUnderstandingforCulturalCompetence(Part1of2)

Sponsored by VRAThis 3 hour two-part workshop will first discuss the theoretical framework and the importance of culture and cultural competence. In the second part, we will dig deeper into what cultural competence means to the participant and how systemic racism and ethnocentrism play a role in the service seeking behaviors of those we serve. As a wrap up discussion, we will talk about how individuals and organizations can use the CLAS Standards as a framework and assessment tool to address cultural competence in their organizations. The CLAS standards are also a valuable tool in CARF accreditation evaluations. Two interactive diversity exercises will help participants apply course objectives.

Part 1: To establish a common framework and understanding for cultural competence.Topics: Brief history of cultural competence; Importance of Culture; Exercise: The Common Cold; Characteristics of culture; Defining competence; The five elements of cultural competence; The cultural competence continuum; and, Defining and distinguishing linguistic competence from cultural competence.Speakers: Cecily Rodriquez, Director of the Office of Cultural Competence, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Daisy Maldonado, Bilingual Statewide Multicultural Manager, Department of Rehabilitative Services




• The “Dirty Little Secret” About Workers’ Compensation Experience ModificationsHow non-profits deal with workers’ compensation is becoming increasingly important. In fact, in today’s challenging business environment, it’s necessary for organizations to take every precaution relating to insurance claims and the efficiency of their operation.

The Experience Modification Rating (EMR) is a formula that compares the claims and costs of workers’ comp in your organization compared to other like kind operations that are similar in terms of size and capital. Although, more and more non-profits recognize the importance of the rating and are taking steps toward controlling and lowering their EMR, many operations still don’t realize how much their EMR relates to their premium costs.

During this must-attend session, you will learn 1) the full impact that your organizations’ EMR can have on your insurance premiums,; 2) why controlling and lowering your EMR is so critical; and, 3) how loss control and claims management techniques can help lower your EMR.

Speakers: Michael C. Cosca, Commercial Sales and Risk Management Executive and John L. Lubatti, Mid-Atlantic Region Marketing Manager, USI Insurance Services LLC

•ExecutiveFunctionsandSoftSkillsAcquisitioninIndividualswithAutismSpectrumDisordersEstimates of high unemployment rates for adults with Asperger Syndrome (88%) and Autistic Disorder (98%) give rise to many questions as to why this is the case and how individuals on the autism spectrum can achieve successful employment outcomes. Acquisition of “soft skills” is especially problematic to individuals on the autism spectrum due to the underlying neurological substrates and the defining features of ASDs.

For more than 30 years, employers have rated soft skills as the primary foundation for accessing and maintaining employment, yet the relationship of executive function to the successful acquisition of soft skills is often overlooked during the employment preparation process for those with autism spectrum disorders and other neurological conditions characterized by significant executive dysfunction. Learn how to assess executive functions across the autism spectrum and concrete steps you can take to turn the assessments into planning and instruction

tools leading to improved employment outcomes. Speaker: Dorothy Narodny, Adult and Transition Specialist and Work Incentives Specialist Advocate, Commonwealth Autism Service

•DevelopYourLeadershipSkills Are leaders born or made? No one can teach another

person leadership. Leadership is something one teaches oneself. As a result, this workshop is highly experiential. Participants will learn how to identify the 10 competencies of leadership, will create individual goals to leverage individual strengths, and will learn how to acknowledge that personal values and leadership styles are unique and diverse. Participants will grow their skills, knowledge and attitude to help them be a better, well-rounded leader. The overall goal of this workshop is to teach participants to continually choose to be a leader, growing in their capacity in time in their role.

Speaker: Elizabeth Scott, Elizabeth Scott Consulting, LLC.

•BuildingBusinessRelations:DemandSidevs.SupplySide

Do you want to learn more from businesses regarding their needs and build services to meet those needs? Do you want to receive tips from business on how to get your foot in the door? This session will allow the participants to learn how to generate business relations and hear what businesses want from community service providers. The demand side is becoming more creative and moving forward with hiring people with disabilities. However, the supply side still need to be active partners in the developing the pipeline as well as serving the business accounts developed in the community. This session will share new ideas, new models as well as allow the participants to ask questions and engage in a discussion on the employment for people with disabilities and building those business connections and relations.

Speakers: Howard Green, Business Liaison for VCU-RRTC and Director of Employment Services, VCU RRTC Business Connection program

•ExperientialLearning–HandsOnTechnologyFairCont’dExperience the latest assistive technology and gadgets available in the Technology Room. Experience “hands on” demonstrations of low tech to high tech devices for every day living as well as hand held technologies




and computer accommodations. This session will be available to participants throughout the conference.Hosts: Virginia Assistive Technology Systems

10:00 – 10:15 am Break10:15 – 11:45 am Concurrent Training Sessions

•EstablishingaCommonFrameworkandUnderstandingforCulturalCompetence(Part2of2)

Sponsored by VRA Part 2: To examine cultural competence elements

related to managing the dynamics of difference and linking cultural competence to the broader context issues that create inequality.

Topics: Defining worldview; Exercise – The Scale to Assess Worldview; The American racial hierarchy; The definition of racism; Structural racism; White privilege and micro-aggressions; and, Internalized oppression and historic trauma.

Speakers: Cecily Rodriquez, Director of the Office of Cultural Competence, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Daisy Maldonado, Bilingual Statewide Multicultural Manager, Department of Rehabilitative Services

•MovingIntoManagement101Goodbye to responsibility for just your own work. Hello to uncharted seas. Hello to managerial responsibility and to setting a good example. Hello to evaluating others performance. This session is designed specifically for new supervisors who have moved into their roles within the last two years from direct service positions. This session will address the multiple and competing roles of managers. Participants will learn the common traits of new supervisors and techniques to enhance skill set as well as how to increase supervisory skills which lead to improved employee performance and a positive culture. The challenges of transitioning from being an individual contributor to being responsible for all aspects of the work of others will be explored. Typical traits of the untrained or new supervisor and transitional issues will be identified along with skills needed and solutions to see you through. Speakers: Wendy Gradison, LCSW, President and CEO, PRS, Inc. and Lisa Morgan, Executive Director, ServiceSource, Inc.

•WorkingwithIndividualswithCriminalHistories

This presentation will explore the opportunities and challenges rehabilitation professionals face when serving individuals with criminal backgrounds. By providing a brief overview of the American criminal justice system as context, this training will discuss the difficulties this population faces when transitioning back to their communities, along with their struggles in obtaining gainful employment. By highlighting promising interventions and programs, participants will gain a new perspective on this often-difficult population. This presentation will focus on the unique challenges of specific populations such as adolescents and individuals with disabilities. Speakers: Matthew Siblo, EdM, Senior Research Assistant, TACE Assistant, TACE Center Region III, The George Washington University

•ProjectSEARCHinVirginia Project SEARCH is an international transition program

that has hit Virginia. The goal of this one-year internship program for students with disabilities in their last year of high school is competitive employment. With eight project replication sites across the Commonwealth, transition age youth with disabilities are leaving high school with vocational skills that have translated into jobs! Learn how this successful model can be further duplicated in Virginia. Speaker: Jennifer Todd McDonough, Associate Director of Training, VCU - Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

•BehavioralSupportsforAdultswithAutismSpectrumDisorders

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) interact with the world differently from Neuro-Typcial (NT) individuals. Differences in how ASD individuals receive, process and interpret information create communication difficulties. These difficulties, in turn, can lead to difficulty expressing emotion, conflict with family and others, challenges with social interactions and problems developing daily living skills. This presentation will prepare practitioners to first identify core characteristics of individuals with ASD, while acknowledging the diversity of individuals with ASD. Practitioners will also learn strategies to assess important skill areas, including cognitive processing, communication, emotional understanding and social




interaction. Practitioners can then develop potential intervention strategies to address deficits in these areas and help individuals with ASD plan, organize and implement daily living skills that are essential to effectively transition to adulthood.

Speakers: Kathleen Fairchild, Community-Support Specialist, PRS, Inc. and Anita Kane, RN, OB/GYN Practice in Annandale and mother of individual with Autism and ADHD

•ExperientialLearning–HandsOnTechnologyFairCont’dHosts: Virginia Assistive Technology System and VATS Regional Sites

11:45 – 12:15 pm Awards Luncheon Seating12:15 – 2:15 pm Welcome & Awards Ceremony2:15 – 2:30 pm Break2:30 – 4:00 pm Concurrent Training Sessions

•MedicaidDocumentation:WhatHaveWeLearnedfromtheRecentCliftonGundersonAuditsandDMASQualityAssuranceReviews?

Sponsored by vaACCSES Many providers have undergone audits and quality

assurance reviews in the last year or two. There have been a lot of rumors and a lot of information about the results of these audits and not all of the information floating around is accurate. This presentation will feature a panel of providers who have actually been involved. This panel will share what they have learned to assist other providers and staff in meeting the regulations. Providers will include those that have been audited by both Clifton-Gunderson and the DMAS Quality Assurance Division. DMAS has agreed to provide us with their top ten findings from their QA reviews. If you bill DMAS for Medicaid services, this is the one session that you don’t want to miss!

Speaker: Panel of Medicaid Providers

•BestPracticesinEmploymentforPersonswithAutism

“If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism”- Stephen Shore.

This quote sums up the importance of understanding the delicate balance between utilizing “best practice models” for a specific disability and treating each person as an individual with unique needs and strengths. We know that persons with autism, even if they have severe behaviors, can work if they are given the correct supports. Yet, the

actual employment numbers for persons with autism are lower than the overall developmental disabilities population. This session will focus on the practices that we currently know to be effective in employment and are innovative and promising models. In addition, the 2010 General Assembly passed House Bill #1099 which assigns DBHDS, DRS and CSB’s the task of planning for proven supports in various aspects of the job seeking/retention process for this group of folks. The concepts of Good Job Match, communication/organizational/sensory demands, and the role of a “good employment specialist” will be explored during this session. A brief review of 3 current projects in our state will also be presented. Speaker: Dr. Carol Schall, Director, Virginia Autism Resource Center and Assistant Professor, School of Education, VCU; and, Emily Helmboldt, LPC, Community Resource Manager, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

•WorkSatisfactionthroughChildhoodPlay-Sowhatwereyoudoingforplaywhenyouwere8or9yearsold?

Revisiting childhood play can quite often garner areas of work interest, fulfilling work activity and preferred work environments during the vocational process. This Vocational Evaluator will take you on a trip back to your childhood days to explore play interest and how play connects to adult work preferences. This is a valuable, free tool for any career counselor to use in the intake process that will generate work preference ideas and establish a rapport of trust with the consumer.

Speaker: Susan Cianfaglione, M.Ed, CVE, Certified Vocational Evaluator, Department of Rehabilitative Services

•TheRoleofDRSandtheirPartnersinTransition Come learn about effective practices and how DRS and its

partners are involved in the transition process. Discussion will focus on the importance of early involvement, resources such as assistive technology, post secondary and workplace accommodations and successful collaboration between community partners. Participants will learn about successful models in transition that can be replicated in their home communities. Bring your questions and comments and take away tips, tools and resources that will assist you in providing collaborative transition services for youth from school to work.

Speaker: Kristi Lockhart, MS, CRC, Transition Coordinator, DRS; Beth Somers, Transition Coordinator,




Education Services Unit, DRS; Erica Lovelace, Education Services Unit Manager, DRS

•What’sGoingOninWashingtonDC?Sponsored by VA-APSE Speaker: Stephanie Birmingham, Public Policy Associate, APSE

4:00 – 5:00 pm Mini Sessions and Membership Meetings

•TheStateEmploymentLeadershipNetwork:DBHDS’RecentEffortstoImproveEmploymentOutcomesforPersonswithDevelopmentalDisabilities

The State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) is a multi-state national collaborative project lead by staff from the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Institute of Community Inclusion (at University of Massachusetts in Boston). Virginia became a member in July 2009. The SELN staff completed a site visit and findings report which outlined the history and current status of employment issues within our state. DBHDS staff have formed an advisory group comprised of a variety of stakeholders (public and private providers, agency staff, advocacy leaders, self advocates, business community members and others).

Involvement in the project has enabled us to look at increasing capacity in developing, implementing, and supporting effective integrated employment initiatives. We have established new connections between historically isolated agencies and employment groups to collaboratively analyze and improve our systems. The end result is that Virginians with Developmental Disabilities will have more choices and better supports to work in community settings earning viable wages.

Speaker: Emily Helmboldt, LPC, Community Resource Manager, DBHDS

•WhatisaPooledSpecialNeedsTrustandHowCanItProtectYourClient’sEligibilityforGovernmentAssistanceProgramssuchasMedicaidandSSI?

A Pooled Trust can enhance the quality of life for an individual with a disability by providing through the trust the ability to purchase additional support, services, therapies and other items that are not adequately provided for by available government programs. Pooled Trusts are allowed under federal statute and established

and managed by authorized nonprofit associations. Families of individuals with disabilities and the individuals themselves may establish a Trust. Each account in the trust is established solely for the benefit of the beneficiary by parent, grandparent, legal guardian, a court or the beneficiary themselves. The purpose of a trust is to enable people with disabilities to derive the greatest possible benefit from family money, financial settlements, financial gifts and other awards of money and assets. This is in addition to any public benefits and services to which they have entitlement in order to protect the individual’s assets and to ensure that government benefits and serves are not jeopardized. Participants will leave this workshop understanding how a Pooled Trust may be a valuable option and resource for some of their clients.

Speaker: Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia

•VRAAnnualMembershipMeeting•VA-APSEGeneralMembershipMeeting

6:00 – 9:00 pm Special Activity Available - Boat Tour & Dinner9:00 – 12:00 am Reception/Social Event

Tuesday,October5,2010

7:30 – 10:30 pm Registration7:30 – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast8:30 – 10:00 am Concurrent Training Sessions

•AT@Work:AssistiveTechnologyintheWorkplaceThis interactive and ‘hands-on’ presentation is designed to help a variety of professionals to learn about assistive technology devices services and other resources and to understand how assistive technologies and simple accommodations can support staff in their work with consumers, employers and other human resources professionals. Participants will learn how assistive technologies can support efforts to identify, obtain and maintain employment. This training program also provides an overview of the American with Disabilities Act; disability etiquette; assistive technology tools for employee participation, independence and productivity; work site modifications; accessible electronic and information technology; and resources available to support Virginia employers locally, regionally, and statewide.




The ability to use the computer is an important skill necessary for many types of employment. Accommodations that employees need are part of computer-based software that can reconfigure the screen, keyboard and mouse. Many of these accommodations can be changed using the accessibility features found in Microsoft Office. In these tough economic times these modifications can be a low cost way to enhance the computer performance of many employees. This session will teach you how to make changes to your computer and showcase the different accessibility features offered by Microsoft. At the conclusion of this program, participants will also have access to a variety of print and electronic resources for their use. Speakers: Bob Krollman, CRC, NCC, Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS); Barclay Shepard, Program Coordinator, Virginia Reutilization Network (VRN); Sinclair Hubard, Senior Disability Program Navigator, Western Region, DRS; and, Emily McKeough, Coordinator, VATS Northern Regional Site, George Mason University

•LookingforanEdge:ImplicationofaCareerReadinessCertificateforPersonswithDisabilitiesAre you aware of the career readiness certificate and how it may provide an edge for job seekers with disabilities? The Virginia Workforce Council is promoting the Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), an industry credential that is based on real world jobs. Attainment of a CRC can provide job seekers with disabilities an employment edge in today’s competitive job market. This presentation will provide an overview of the CRC and its relationship to WorkKeys, jobs and employers. Participants will experience the CRC test and the AZTEC Learning Software tool being used to assist job seekers with disabilities with CRC preparation. Participants will learn about a project using AZTEC to assist job seekers with disabilities to attain a CRC. Project results from WWRC and two local workforce centers will be presented. Speakers: Dr. Joe Ashley, CRC, Assistant Commissioner, DRS; Dr. Sharon Mullen, Principal, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC); Emily West, M.S., CRC, Disability Program Navigator, DRS; and, Paula Scott Dehetre, Workforce Development Services Manager, Administration and Resources, Virginia Community College System

•Virginia’sBrainInjuryClubhouses:ExpandingVocationalServicesforSurvivorsofBrainInjuryOver the past 10 years, Virginia has become the nationally recognized leader in the development of Clubhouses for persons with brain injury. The state currently has 6 brain injury Clubhouses operating around the Commonwealth and Clubhouses are now considered one of three state defined core services for persons with brain injury. In this session, the philosophical underpinnings, services offered at a clubhouse, and outcomes for survivors of brain injury will be discussed. Additionally, participants will learn in detail about the range of vocational services available at a brain injury clubhouse and how brain injury clubhouses work with VR Counselors and Job Coaches to enhance vocational outcomes for survivors of brain injury. A survivor will also share their personal story of how the Clubhouse has helped them more fully recover from their injury.Speaker: Jason Young, Executive Director, Community Futures Foundation (CFF)

•DepartmentofLabor(DOL)–FairLaborStandardsAct(FLSA)and14cUpdateDOL 14c and Fair Labor Standard Act audits are on the rise. What are the audits finding regarding exempt versus non-exempt staff? What are the audits finding regarding wage and hour issues facing community rehabilitation programs (CRPs) that hold 14c certificates? Get these updates and more from this invaluable “nuts and bolts” session. Speakers: DOL representatives

•ThegradCLASS:What’sItAllAbout?The Community Learning and Skills Support program, or gradCLASS, is a partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Regional Program and Blue Ridge Community College. This program creates a bridge between high school and adult living by providing students direct instruction in communication, social skills, self determination, and employment skills as well as providing supervised job training opportunities on a community college campus. Students, 18-21 years old with multiple disabilities or autism, who have completed four years of high school and are pursuing an IEP special diploma, may apply to enroll in this employment training program. Students learn life skills in a community-centered environment with other young




adults while receiving instruction and coaching from special education staff from area high schools and community college instructors and students. Come learn how you can develop a similar program in your community!Speaker: Julie Beard Foster, Harrisonburg City Public Schools

10:00 – 10:30 am Break/General Session Seating10:30 – 12:00 pm General Session

•LauraPosey–InspirationalKeynoteSpeakerLaura Posey brings much passion to her work as CEO of Dancing Elephants Achievement Group. She is a “firecracker” who likes to create and get things done. Over the years, she has received numerous awards and recognition for her sales and management contributions to different organizations. The description of how they came up with the company name also aptly describes her feelings about doing presentations: “If you were in a room full of dancing elephants you’d feel the impact. The walls would vibrate, the floor would shake, the chandeliers would rattle, and you’d know the elephants were there. And you’d be laughing and having fun the whole time. We knew then that the name was ours.”

Laura is the co-author of Six Secrets of Sales Magnets. In this book, she discloses the differences between average, good, and great salespeople and shows readers how to become part of the top 5% of salespeople in their field. Laura is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of State University of New York (SUNY) and received her MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. (www.dancingelephants.net)

Join us as she inspires us to be the best!

12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch on Your Own1:00 – 3:00 pm Post Conference Feature Session

•SteeringThroughObstacles:WorkingwithJobseekersWhoHaveDisabilitiesandCriminalHistoriesRehabilitation Counselors and other professionals with job development responsibilities often have a difficult time placing jobseekers who have disabilities and past criminal records. Employers can be understandably hesitant to hire persons with criminal records - even when they have excellent skills and experience. Barrier Crimes legislation curtails job opportunities in some fields. Employers may be concerned about Negligent

Hiring liability. Occupational Licensure applicants must often meet additional requirements. Yet there is much misinformation about each of these challenges.

Job developers need to have an in-depth understanding of these issues when working with persons with criminal records and marketing these potential workers to employers. There are also hiring incentives available, yet these are often underutilized. Leaders in Vocational Rehabilitation have recognized the need for specialized Career Development strategies for persons with criminal histories. Productive and active collaborations and partnerships are the key to successful job development and placement of persons with disabilities and criminal histories. This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to share information, resources, and success stories. Speakers: Gwynne Cunningham – Director of Specialized Programs at the Department of Correctional Education (DCE). Ms. Cunningham oversees Transition, Parenting, and College Educational Programs in correctional facilities statewide. Gwynne also serves on the Community and Interagency Leadership Team of the Governor’s Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Reentry Council. Gwynne received her B.S. in Administration of Justice & Public Safety and her M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor certification in 1998, Family and Human Services Professional Licensure in 1999, and Global Career Development Facilitator certification in 2003




Conference Information

Hotelmeetingroomsareoftencold—pleasedressaccordingly.

SpecialAccommodationsPlease e-mail [email protected] for any special accommodation/accessibility requests that you require (i.e. interpreter, Braille, large print, etc). Note that requests must be in writing and received by September 3, 2010 to ensure reasonable availability of these services. After this date, special accommodations can not be guaranteed.

Cancellation&SubstitutionPolicyRequests for refunds on payment, including P.O.s, will be honored but must be in writing via e-mail to [email protected] by September 17, 2010. After this date, no refunds will be issued. An administrative fee of $50 will be deducted from each registrant’s refund. Substitutions are welcome with advance written notice via e-mail by September 17, 2010. No-shows will be liable for registration costs and will be billed.

EarlyBirdPrizeYou could win a weekend get-a-way at the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel just by registering early! If we receive your registration with payment by September 3rd , you will be entered into a drawing for a weekend stay for two. The weekend get-a-way package is generously donated by the Norfolk Sheraton Waterside Hotel Sales Division. Valid registrations include registration forms accompanied with payment received by or postmarked by September 3, 2010. Faxed registrations or P.O.s will not be accepted as Early Bird registrations unless payment is received by September 3rd. The weekend get-a-way package winner will be drawn at the collaboration kick-off reception on Sunday, October 3, 2010. Must be present to win.

VA-APSEJewelSextonScholarshipsare available to financially assist Virginians currently receiving supported employment to attend VA-APSE sponsored training events. VA-APSE annually designates funds to this scholarship for consumers to attend the Collaborations Conference. In order to offer the opportunity to as many people as possible, the scholarship will be awarded to individuals that have not previously received one. Applications from previously sponsored persons will not be considered. Scholarship recipients will be notified by September 3, 2010. For an application, contact Scott Fraley through e-mail at [email protected] or (804) 662-7000 or (800) 552-2019 toll free. Applications must be received by August 27, 2010 to be considered for this year’s scholarship.

CRCCreditsAvailableCRC credits will be available for persons attending Collaborations 2009. Number of credits and the necessary forms will be available at the conference.

LodgingArrangementsSleeping rooms at a special conference rate of $89 (cityview) & $115 (waterview) have been secured and are available from October 2, 2010 through October 7, 2010. To receive this special rate, please contact the hotel directly and ask for the Virginia Collaborations Conference group rate. The $89 & $115 rates (Single/Double) are only guaranteed until September 3, 2010 and are based upon availability. Space at this special rate may not be available after this date. If special room accommodations are needed, please let the hotel know exactly what you need as an accomodation when making your room reservations.

NorfolkSheratonWatersideHotel777WatersideDriveNorfolk,VA23514

www.sheraton.com/norfolk757-622-6664

HotelDirections:Take I-64 toward Norfolk. Continue to I-264 West and take Exit 284A toward Norfolk. Follow Exit 9 to Waterside Drive East. Stay on left. Take left at first stop light. The hotel will be toward your right. Self parking (included free with each hotel room) will be on your left.



Seewww.sheraton.com/norfolkfordirections.



Please type or print clearly. One form per registrant.

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Cancellation & Substitution Policy

Questions

Contact Marilyn Morrison, Registration Coordinator, phone: (571) 339-1305, fax: (703) 569-3932, email: [email protected]

Will you be attending:Reception 10/3/10 Y ____ N _____Awards Luncheon 10/4/10 Y ____ N _____Post Conference Workshop 10/5/10 Y ____ N _____

Cancellations or substitutions must be received in writing or via e-mail to [email protected] by September 17, 2010 to qualify for a refund on payments including P.O.s. After that date, individuals and/or organizations will be responsible and billed for an additional registration. A $50 administrative fee will be charged for each regis-trant’s cancellation. No-shows will be liable for registration costs and will be billed.

PAYMENT PROCESSING

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Amount Rec’d ________________

Confirmation # ___________________

Training Conference Registration (Circle One)

Full Conference Registration Fee Schedule By 9/3/10* From 9/3–9/24/10 On-Site (After 9/24/10)Member $199* $249 $300Nonmember $250* $299 $350* All full-conference registrations include awards luncheon, all sessions & materials includes post conference sessions, continental breakfasts and breaks. Full payment must be postmarked or received by COB September 3, 2010 to be considered Early Bird rate and eligable for Early Bird Drawing. Any purchase orders must include a list of attendees with registrations attached. P.Os will not be honored for Early Bird rate if payment is not received by September 3, 2010. Only registrations with payment received by September 3, 2010 will be eligible for the Early Bird Drawing. Rate is affected by receipt date of both registration and payment. Participants will be billed any difference between date received and applicable deadline rate.

Single Day Rate** (Please circle day): 10/3/10 10/4/10 10/5/10Member $150 $150 $150Nonmember $175 $175 $175Additional Awards Luncheon Tickets for Guests $40 per ticket per person

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED (Including extra luncheon tickets) $__________________

Paypal and all major credit cards accepted. Go to www.vaaccses.org and click on Collaborations Conference link.Please complete this form and mail with payment to:Marilyn Morrison, Registration Coordinator, c/o vaACCSES, 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153Check payable to: VA Collaborations Conference. Tax ID # 54-1005-797For faster registration and confirmation go to www.vaaccses.org and click on Collaborations Conference link.

Registration Form

VA Collaborations Conferencec/o Marilyn MorrisonRegistration CoordinatorvaACCSES7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110Springfiled, VA 22153-2836

✦ Hands-On Technology Fair ✦✦ Quality Training at A Great Price ✦

✦ Networking Opportunities ✦

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Collaborations 2010October 3-5, 2010

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