wednesday, november 11, 2015 - vaaccses.org - …€¦ · wednesday, november 11, 2015 1:00 –...

ollaborationsonference2015

Oceans of OpportunitiesProgram Narrative

Wednesday, November 11, 20151:00 – 2:00 pm VRCEA Membership Meeting1:00 – 6:00 pm Conference Registration Desk Open1:00 – 5:00 pm Exhibit Set-Up2:00 – 5:00 pm Pre-Conference Training Sessions

Ethical Implications of Social Media UseSponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University

What are ethical implications for rehabilitation professionals who use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other tools? What kinds of problems might result if professionals are not careful with the way they use social media? How might this risk harm to their clients, their working relationships, and their reputations? What can rehabilitation professionals do to minimize the risk? This presentation will draw on relevant sections of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification’s Code of Ethics to guide discussion of these issues.

Objectives: 1) Identify ethical implications of social media use. 2) Identify relevant sections of the CRCC Code of Ethics applicable to social media use. 3) Discuss options for minimizing professional risk associated with social media use.

Speakers: Christine A. Reid, Ph.D. CRC and Amy J. Armstrong, Ph.D. CRC, Chairperson, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Becoming a Person-Centered Provider, Virginia’s Person-Centered ISP Redesign and the CMS Final Rule

This pre-conference session will build your skills and competencies as a provider based on the requirements of the Virginia Settlement Agreement, CMS Final Rule, and the work of the Learning Community. The first half of the session includes training in person-centered practices, community integration and self-determination to provide you with knowledge and practical tools to effect change in your organization. Develop organizational thinking, values and culture from system-centered to person-centered. People Planning Together (PPT) is an option for supports that teaches choice, authority, control, responsibility and advocacy for self-advocates. PPT is about teaching people receiving services to take a leadership role in planning a life they desire. The second half of the session will focus on cross-walking the requirements of the CMS Final Rule with Virginia’s Person-Centered Individual Support Plan (ISP). Learn more about Virginia’s person-centered ISP and other documentation including development of goals, activities and how to answer guiding questions throughout the process.

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Oceans of Opportunities



Program Narrative

Objectives: 1) Learn how to develop and sustain a person-centered organization that complies with Medicaid and the CMS Final Rule for Settings requirement. 2) Learn how well defined roles (facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, planning partner, self-advocate, hospitality) and responsibilities significantly improve the planning process. In addition, how to develop the skills within each role. 3) Learn how self-advocates will be taught how to develop their own plans that become part of their ISP by using effective techniques to listen and communicate more clearly. 4) Learn the requirements of the CMS Final Rule with Virginia’s Person-Centered Individual Support Plan (ISP) and how ISP elements and documentation meet standards and expectations.

Speakers: Barry Seaver, Jennifer Kurtz, and Eric Williams, Community Resource Consultants, Office of Provider Development, DBHDS

5:30 – 7:00 pm Exhibitor Welcome Reception Hosted by Sponsors & Exhibitors

Thursday, November 12, 20157:30 – 5:00 pm Conference Registration Open Exhibits Open7:30 – 8:30 am Continental Breakfast8:30 – 10:00 am Concurrent Sessions

Supporting Individuals with Complex Medical Needs To Integrate Into Their Communities Safely and Happily

The new CMS Rules mandate that all day and other programs provide integration for individuals in their communities. When an individual has significant medical issues, this is often a frightening and difficult task. With the existing and new services under the waiver, providers can safely and with great success foster true integration for these individuals. This presentation will focus on helping providers identify and access services through the waivers to offer a model of integration. Using nurses as partners, protocols and on-call medical and therapeutic supports will allow staff to be confident and creative in supporting all individuals with meaningful activities that foster true opportunities for integration. Attendees will leave this session with the identification of new tools and skills to serve individuals with complex medical and behavioral needs.

Speakers: Susan Rudolph, RN and Christina Nicol,The Arc of Greater Prince William/INSIGHT

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DARS and the Medicaid Waiver – DARS and Long Term Employment Support Services (LTESS) Documentation: Collaboration Leading to Success

Do you sit up at night wondering how to navigate through DARS and the Medicaid Waiver funding systems? Do you struggle with knowing when an individual can receive services funded by DARS and when Medicaid waiver pays for services? Presenters will review and answer questions about allowable billable activities for the Long Term Employment Support Services (LTESS) funding as well as discuss new documentation requirements for LTESS and Employment Support Services (EES) funding that will be implemented early next calendar year. Feel free to come ready to discuss a current case you are trying to navigate through the system.

Speakers: Heather Norton – Director of Community Support Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) and Donna Bonessi, Manager, Employment Services, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Motivational Interviewing – Helping People Change

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that elicits change in health, mental health, and addictive behaviors. Originally developed as an alternative to addiction approaches that relied on an expert, authoritarian stance in counseling, Motivational Interviewing has evolved into a mainstream, frequently used method for eliciting change across a wide variety of settings, clinical problems, and populations. This workshop focuses on how well-meaning friends, family and sometimes professionals unintentionally increase client resistance to change, and how counselors can right the course to help consumers work through lingering ambivalence about change and focus their energy on seeking a more fulfilling future.

Speaker: Chris Wagner, Ph.D., CRC, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, VCU Departments of Rehabilitation Counseling, Psychology and Psychiatry and Vice Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling

Brain Injury: A Primer on the Who, What, Whys of the Disability and Where to Find Resources in Virginia

Acquired Brain Injury can be a baffling disability to service providers. Why does someone act that way? What can you do to work more successfully with a person with a brain injury? Where can you find support for your clients? This presentation will provide basic information on brain injury, as well as provide a discussion of what is (and is not) available to help your clients maximize their abilities. A question and answer discussion will be held with attendees regarding the creation of a brain injury waiver in Virginia and what should be included if established.

Speaker: Christine Baggini, MSW, CBIS, Senior Resource Coordinator, Brain Injury Association of Virginia

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Program Narrative

Reasonable Accommodations: Engaging in the Interactive Process

This session will provide an overview of the interactive process from the perspective of employees and employers. How does one effectively negotiate the request for accommodation? What do you disclose and what do you not disclose? Session will review potential accommodations and accommodation resources. Discussion will be held regarding the necessity of procedural safeties and how that can ensure that accommodation and protocols are established should supervisors change. The presentation will address what can be done to reduce stigma, and address confidentiality, and what a workplace can do to be more welcoming. How does prior case law offer guidance? Case examples will be reviewed to provide an opportunity for discussion and review of hypothetical situations.

Speaker: Paula McMahon, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Virginia Commonwealth University

10:00 – 10:30 am Break10:30 – 12:00 pm Opening Session

New Vision, New Direction, New Opportunities!

Marja Lee Freeman, Speaker, Trainer, Author - ML Freeman Consulting, LLC; Author, “Career Building: How to Stand Out, Get Ahead and Get Noticed!”

As a respected resume, employment consultant and veteran trainer, Marja Lee Freeman takes great pride in helping people find greater fulfillment in developing a career strategy and finding success in their active career.

Marja draws from a vast well of military experience in personnel management and employee seminar training throughout the country and around the world. Her topics include: handling office politics, career transitions, designing a resume that gets results, the question behind the interview question and educating people on effective new techniques to grow in any position. Having sat on both sides of the table, Marja understands the apprehension companies have when hiring someone struggling to re-enter the workforce and building the confidence of these individuals as they work through the hiring process.

Her experience as former director of The Laurie Mitchell Empowerment and Career Center which specializes in supporting individuals with other career challenges, she offers proven strategies that offer hope in finding and maintaining employment. Marja has previously served as board president and continues to support LMECC with community outreach. In this role, she maintains a high public profile speaking extensively throughout the community. She is also a published author of “Career Building: How to STAND OUT, Get Ahead and Get Noticed!” and develops and facilitates training programs for federal

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government agencies, military environments corporate companies and non-profit organizations. Marja knows how to turn on the enthusiasm and will challenge you to see a new vision for yourself, grow in new directions, and find the courage to take on new opportunities!

12:00 – 2:00 pm Lunch on Your Own12:00 – 1:45 pm VRA General Membership Meeting1:00 – 1:45 pm vaACCSES Membership Dessert and Coffee My Job. My Choice. VA Campaign2:00 – 3:30 pm Concurrent Sessions

Positive Psychology: Thriving in Work and Life (Part 1 of 2)

The very mission of the profession of rehabilitation counseling /vocational rehabilitation is to promote the flourishing of those we support and serve. This interactive session will present an overview of the science of positive psychology, wellbeing theory, positive organizational behavior and appreciative leadership. Strategic applications to affect overall wellbeing, positive change, employee engagement and leadership development will be discussed.

Speaker: Amy J. Armstrong, Ph.D. CRC, Chairperson, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Handheld Technology Changes Employment Outcomes for Clients with Autism

In recent years, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) has served a growing number of individuals with autism. Across all programs there remains an upward trend in the number of clients being served with autism and a growing need for innovative Vocational rehabilitation (VR) service models to address the unique social, communication, and behavioral challenges that are obstacles to effective VR service delivery and positive employment outcomes. Accordingly, DARS has been expanding customized assistive technology services for clients with autism in the state’s VR program. This session will focus on: Research and model development; collaboration among VR and AT program stakeholders in developing staff-focused AT training program and equipment distribution; lessons learned through case studies; and program outcomes to date. Specific smart technologies and apps used for employment success will be discussed.

Speakers: Barclay Shepard, Carrie Clawson, Pat Burns and Patti Drescher, Assistive Technology Specialists, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

A Pathway Out of Poverty: Asset Building & Starting A Business

Come learn how asset building can help clients move forward and improve their financial situation. We will define asset building strategies and turn our focus on small business development. We will discuss the tools used to save money including Individual Development Accounts (IDA); talk about savings limits allowed and how to help our clients navigate those limits; and give examples of how these scenarios have worked.

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Program Narrative

We will discuss the myths of people losing public benefits if they save money or work due to increase their income and how to calm these fears of our clients and their families. We will discuss how Self-employment and small business ownership are increasingly seen as viable options for individuals with disabilities. We will show how asset building and small business development can bring people and organizations together to make our communities better.

Speakers: Courtney Cranor, Director of Business Development, Staunton Creative Community Fund and Larry Roberts, Self-Employment Enterprises Coordinator, WWRC

What’s Up With the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) of 2014

This session will provide an overview and provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) which reauthorized the Rehabilitation Act in 2014. Session will include proposed regulations to implement the Act and the status of Virginia’s Combined State Plan. Attendees will learn about changes that affect vocational rehabilitation services, focusing heavily on services to transition age youth with disabilities, as well as the process/schedule for implementation of changes to DARS vocational rehabilitation policies and procedures to implement the changes brought about by WIOA. A question and answer period will be provided.

Speaker: Elizabeth Smith, Director of Policy and Planning, Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Transitioning and Employment After Incarceration, Addition, Mental Health Issues and Other Challenges to Employment

Join us for this high energy interactive session. As the president of her own placement service, Ms. Freeman understands the apprehension companies have when hiring someone with a criminal past which makes them the most difficult people to place. Having sat on both sides of the table, Marja speaks with authority on the job search process and its pitfalls that get in the way of success! This session will help to define 1) the five phases of transition, 2) the question behind the interview question, 3) power phrases and how to use them, 4) resume designs with punch, and 5) handling the waiting game. Participants will receive her handbook on the subject matter.

Speaker: Marja Lee Freeman, ML Freeman Consulting, LLC; Author, “Career Building: How to Stand Out, Get Ahead and Get Noticed!” and President, Laurie Mitchell Employ-ment Center, Fairfax, Virginia.

3:30 – 3:45 pm Break3:45 – 5:15 pm Concurrent Sessions

Positive Psychology: Thriving in Work and Life (Part 2 of 2)

The very mission of the profession of rehabilitation counseling /vocational rehabilitation is to promote the flourishing of those we support and serve. This interactive session will

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present an overview of the science of positive psychology, wellbeing theory, positive organizational behavior and appreciative leadership. Strategic applications to affect overall wellbeing, positive change, employee engagement and leadership development will be discussed.

Speaker: Amy J. Armstrong, Ph.D. CRC, Chairperson, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Panic to Productive: Handheld Technology and Anxiety/Stress Management

According to a 2008-2012 report from SAMSHA, 5.7% of adults reported having an anxiety disorder in the past year. In addition, 4.7% of adults who work full time acknowledged an anxiety disorder in the previous year. The Virginia Division of Rehab Services recognizes the impact of anxiety on successful outcomes for employment, and has been using Handheld Technology to support anxiety management and improve employment outcomes. This presentation will discuss strategies and applications with handheld technology to impact anxiety and stress management. Several case studies will be presented; consumers who experienced a reduction in anxiety that enabled them to enter or remain in the workforce will be highlighted. Apps, “tech support” for habit formation, and motivational interviewing techniques to effect behavior change will be demonstrated. Participants will leave ready to implement strategies with a variety of populations, including people with anxiety or other mental health issues, autism, ADHD, TBI, and with ages ranging from high school students to older adults.

Speaker: Carrie Clawson, Assistive Technology Specialist, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Northern Region

I Can Be Anything - Or Can I? How Vocational Evaluation Contributes to Realistic and Successful Job Placement

This session will provide a brief overview of vocational evaluation with a discussion of just what Vocational Evaluation is and what it is not. Why is vocational evaluation so important? Valuable information can be gained from an appropriate evaluation. Examples of the various assessments and tools used, along with what the tools measure and indicate will discussed. How does one put into practice the vocational evaluation information? The results, when interpreted comprehensively, can be applied to job development and job coaching strategies along with identifying realistic and successful employment. We will demonstrate how to get the most out a vocational evaluation and its findings. We will share the preliminary results of a national survey being conducted to determine the state of vocational evaluation.

Speakers: Janice Chory, Graduate Student in Collaborative Vocational Evaluation, The George Washington University and Pamela LeConte, Ed.D., Director, Collaborative Vocational Evaluation Master’s and Education Specialist Programs and online Transition Special Education Master’s and Certificate programs, The George Washington University.

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Program Narrative

Social Enterprises: How to Plan, Develop and Implement

Come learn about new affirmative business ventures or “Social Enterprises” developed by vaACCSES Employment Service Organizations (ESOs) to provide integrated community-based employment opportunities for Virginians with disabilities. How does an ESO conceptualize, do market research, create a business plan and secure funds to support new lines of business? How can social enterprises and affirmative business be used to assist individuals in day programs do discovery and exploration of employment? The benefits to the community at large as well as the individuals who participate will be discussed. Discover how these ESOs are moving in new directions. A Q & A will be included to encourage discussion of ideas amongst attendees.

Speakers: John Brauer, President and CEO, NW Works and Sarah Bowman, Director of Marketing & Development, VersAbility Resources

6:15 – 6:45 pm Cash Bar and Awards Dinner Seating6:45 – 8:45 pm Awards Dinner – Celebrating Staff, Employers and Virginians with Disabilities8:45 – 9:00 pm Awardee Formal Pictures

Friday, November 13, 20157:30 – 12:00 pm Conference Registration Open7:30 – 12:00 pm Exhibits Open7:30 – 8:30 am Continental Breakfast8:30 – 10:00 am Concurrent Sessions

Virginia’s ID/DD Waiver Re-Design: An Update from the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Don’t miss this session on Virginia’s re-design of its ID/DD waivers. There are several moving parts including various advisory committees, workgroups, new proposed services, new service descriptions, new proposed provider rates, and countless timelines. Director of Waiver Operations Dawn Traver, DBHDS, will provide attendees with an informative up-to-date overview on where Virginia is headed regarding this major initiative.

Speaker: Dawn Traver, Director, Waiver Operations, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Preferences, Choices, Consent and a Person-Centered Reality (Part 1 of 2)

In the midst of growing regulatory reviews, expectations and accountability, there is an increased focus upon community opportunity, employment first and inclusive service delivery. In this 2-part workshop, the balance of roles and responsibilities will be established between individuals receiving services, their loved ones, substitute decision makers and providers. Making this balance of expectation a foundation will increase the reality of true person-centered outcomes. The truth is, in the current state of influx with 22



regulatory changes and increased expectations, relationships have gotten confusing, thus putting outcomes at risk. By openly exploring the challenges, clarifying roles and fostering best practice, all parties benefit and the lives of individuals flourish.

Part 1 of this workshop will explore the differences between person centered theories and person-centered reality. Furthermore, the first session will establish the importance of capacity as the key component for establishing the roles and responsibilities of all parties.

Speaker: Kevin Paluszak, ECCO Consulting

I Can’t Work, I Can’t Risk Losing My Benefits - From Intake to Working

Your clients refuse to consider employment, or worse, they want to quit working due to their fear of losing benefits! Your agency has received notice that your client has lost Medicaid benefits and there is no funding for provided services. This session will address real world case studies, self-employment rules, CDB, over-payment reversals, General work incentives (IRWE, SEIE, PASS, Subsidies/Special Conditions, Medicare, Medicaid) as well as the all-important Waiver working/earnings rules. Attendees will learn how to use SSI/SSDI work incentives to assist clients to work more hours, earn more income and manage entitlements, and what work incentives to suggest to clients for success. The session will also cover little known working rules for waiver and other state specific programs that are not generally discussed and are underutilized. Attendees are encouraged to bring cases to discuss.

Speaker: Marilyn Morrison, Statewide Project Coordinator for the vaACCSES Work Incentives, Planning and Assistance (WIPA) cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Preparing Individuals for Transition to Successful Employment & Community Engagement

MOST™ (Meaningful Opportunities for Successful Transitions) is a one year individualized program of activities and training designed to facilitate successful transition into the community. The MOST™ Program serves as a portal for individuals and their families, through which they are introduced and integrated into a broad range of community resources. Program components focus on areas of: Self-Sufficiency, Community Inclusion, and Employment Planning. This workshop will walk you through a year at the MOST™ Program and strategies that can be used in any organization.

Speaker: Marcy Bennett, Director, Meaningful Opportunities for Successful Transitions Program (MOST™), Jewish Foundation for Group Homes

Reintegration – Tools and Tips

What barriers exist for ex-offenders upon release from jail, prison or transitioning from probation? This workshop will discuss programs within the Virginia Department of Corrections, including programs in the community, that are geared toward improving upon the likelihood of success for ex-offenders transitioning to the community. There will 23





Program Narrative

be a discussion about barriers to employment that create the stigma of “they don’t hire ex-offenders” and laws and public policy put in place to assist with offender re-entry success. Attendees will learn to identify resources available to offenders and employers to address employment issues. The “how-to” and benefits of Fidelity Bonding will also be discussed.

Speakers: Michelle Ford, Offender Workforce Development Specialist and LaToya Chambers-Lewis, Probation and Parole Officer, Virginia Department of Corrections; Kia Parsons, Virginia Department of Corrections

10:00 – 10:15 am Break10:15 – 11:30 am Concurrent Sessions

Preferences, Choices, Consent and a Person-Centered Reality (Part 2 of 2)

Part 2 of the workshop will build upon the first session and will provide clarity on the differences of preference, choices and consent. The clarity of all of preference, choice and consent will enable all members of the team to embrace their role, share their voice, advocate for the best, and see a higher level of not just person-centered planning, but person-centered outcomes.

Speaker: Kevin Paluszak, ECCO Consulting

Positive Interactions with Law Enforcement

One of the most stressful experiences that individuals with disabilities may face is interacting with Law Enforcement. As a service provider and representative for your clients, you can help by fostering positive interactions between your clients and law enforcement officers. Attendees will learn strategies to assist their clients when they must interact with law enforcement, as well as how best to work with law enforcement officers when an interaction is taking place.

Speaker: Travis Adkins, Executive Director, disAbilities Resource Network, Inc and Crime Prevention Specialist, Roanoke Police Department

Transition from High School to Self-Employment

Experience the personal employment journey of a young woman with disabilities. What works and what doesn’t necessarily work along the transition to post high school? This session highlights Brooke’s journey to self-employment. In spite of significant physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities, Brooke opened her own dog boarding business in 2012. This session highlights what she and her family did along the journey to reach this goal, shares some key data about youth in transition, and invites participants to engage in dialogue about what works and doesn’t work for supporting youth in transition to post high school life.

Speakers: Brooke Yarbrough, Owner, Brooke’s Happy Tails Dog Boarding and Dana Yarbrough, Director, Center for Family Involvement, Virginia Commonwealth University24



Implementation of Virginia’s Settlement Agreement - The latest on Where We Are

Where is Virginia regarding compliance with its Settlement Agreement? What next steps are needed to come into compliance? Where is Virginia in providing more integrated day opportunities and more integrated employment at or above minimum wage? Where is Virginia in providing smaller, community-based residential settings in an individual’s home community? With 3.5 years since the Agreement, what are the perceived and real barriers that need to be overcome in order to fully and successfully implement the Settlement Agreement? What are recommendations from the field? This session will include Q & A between DOJ and attendees.

Speaker: Jessica Polansky, Attorney and Kyle Smiddie MSW, Attorney – Special Litigation Section, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice

11:30 – 11:45 am Break11:45 – 12:15 pm Closing Session Final Drawing (Must be Present to Win)12:15 pm Conference Adjourns

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 - vaaccses.org - …€¦ · wednesday, november 11, 2015 1:00 –...

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