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Thursday, April 24 Schedule

Session Schedule

7:00am

NY Alliance Annual Fun Walk, Roll & Run 5K

Fun Run Begins at the Front Door of the Main Hotel

The NY Alliance Annual Fun Walk, Roll & Run 5K - honors our Direct Support Professionals by supporting the Jim Kosakowski fund. The fee is $10 per runner, walker or roller. Teams of three to six individuals are encouraged however individual participants will be accepted. Prizes for winners will be announced on Friday following the Keynote speaker. 

Sponsored by NFP​​

9:00am-10:30am

Session 4

25) Employment (not) first: Addressing inequities in employment supports and outcomes

This session examines systemic barriers to meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in New York. Drawing on OPWDD data, the session will highlight the disproportionate funding allocated to less integrated programs over competitive employment supports, racial disparities in employment for people with IDD, and the impact of these inequities on health-related social needs like housing and economic stability. Attendees will gain insights into policy recommendations to promote equity, integrate services, and create pathways to meaningful employment.​​

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26) Values Based Leadership: Living the Values--"All Abilities Beloved and Respected"

Explore how values-based leadership transforms organizations and empowers individuals with developmental disabilities. AABR leaders share their journey in embedding the core belief that All Abilities are Beloved and Respected into every aspect of their work. Learn to align personal values with organizational missions, foster inclusive cultures, and implement practical strategies for impactful change. Gain insights from real success stories and leave inspired to build a future where dignity and respect are at the heart of leadership.

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27) Provider Experiences on Journey to be more Data-Driven

This presentation will provide, highlight examples of how Providers can use quality and financial data to improve organizational performance & prepare for Value-Based payments. Educate Providers on Value-Based Healthcare, Alternative Payment Models, and the current trends in the Health and Human Services Industry. Share techniques and tools for guiding Providers through a pivotal information transformation to manage the organization more efficiently and effectively in a changing industry and Educate Providers on the success factors to becoming Data-Driven beyond creating reporting.

 

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28) Community Participation: An Intentional Approach to Success

Community participation continues to be an elusive right for people with complex needs. Being intentional from beginning to end improves the success rate when organizations select the right approach and the right staff in consultation with the individual to ensure a good match between the individual and the DSP who must be taught and demonstrate capacity in basic clinical skills, cultural sensitivity, and compassion.

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29) Leading With Impact: Driving Performance While Elevating Competence

This is an engaging and impactful presentation showcasing how continued leadership training can impact your role as a leader. The objective of this presentation is geared towards inspiring and equipping all staff in a supervisory role with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel. 

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This presentation will help agencies identify their own internal organizational tiers of management while exploring the core qualities of impactful and purpose driven leadership and staff retention.

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30) NYS CoP on DEI, Regional Teams Connect!!

Join this interactive session where NYS Regional Teams on DEI explore their collective journey, offering a platform to examine challenges and opportunities in an ever-changing environment. Participants will engage with peers who are equally passionate about fostering inclusion. Through storytelling and discussion, breakout groups will explore meaningful progress while acknowledging barriers that require collective innovation to experiences, creating an exchange of ideas and strategies. This session is about building a stronger network that sustains ongoing collaboration and mutual support.

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31) Leveraging NYSID Membership to Provide Pathways to Employment

Over the past 50 years, NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) has aligned with disability service agencies to create employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities, including New York Alliance member agencies.

 

Join NYSID to discover how becoming a Member Agency can establish or expand employment opportunities, creating competitive integrated employment for the individuals you serve.


The discussion will also include Member Agency success stories from two New York Alliance member chapters.

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32) Mindful Movement and Practices to Foster Well-Being

In this workshop, we will learn about mindfulness to relieve stress and burnout for ourselves and our staff.  Practices, chosen to expand one’s coping techniques, will include stretching, stress management practices, mindful walking and mindful breathing to foster health and well-being and relieve tension held within one’s body.  Practices will be easy and accessible for participants to weave into their own lives in a regular way. The intention is for participants to build up their reservoir of resilience and share the practices with their staff and people in their lives to relieve stress.

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10:45am-12:00pm

Session 5

33) Motivating Staff for Maximum Performance

In these challenging times we all want to keep our most talented employees. The way to keep them is to keep them motivated. Motivated employees are more productive, more quality oriented and innovative. In this workshop we will look at the concept of motivation theory, discuss how to customize and more effectively implement your efforts to motivate your staff and the role of the direct supervisor in this process. We will explore how organizations and individual leaders can create a culture of motivation by addressing four drives inherent in us all that motivate employees.​​

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34) The Bright Future For Supported Decision Making in New York

This session will share the latest updates on the Supported Decision Making NY project and provide a vision into the future! Topics will include OPWDD's new SDM implementing regulations and a discussion of the OPWDD's Request for Proposal (RFP) for the next phase of the state's implementation. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and get involved in shaping NY's future of Supported Decision-Making!

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  • Naomi Brickel, MSEd, Project Director, Supported Decision-Making New York (SDMNY)

  • Haldan Blecher, Deputy Counsel at NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

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35) NYHRC, Your Essential Guide on the Path to Inclusive Housing

The path to inclusive, independent housing options is a journey that requires thoughtful person-centered planning, strategic partnerships, and sound information on many different topics. This is where the New York Housing Resource Center (NYHRC) comes in. This session will explore the redesign of the NYHRC website and the breadth of housing-related resources available to support a successful housing journey. Learn how to use the NYHRC to navigate the complexities of person-centered housing planning, build a strong financial foundation for independent living, and identify the housing options that make sense for you and your loved ones. Attendees will learn how to use this free library of resources to ensure everyone can access affordable homes in their community, promoting greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

  • Seth Greenman, NY Alliance Consultant

  • Carol Napierski, NY Alliance

  • John Maltby, NY Alliance Consultant

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36) NADSP EBadge Academy NYS Pilot

This session will feature a presentation on the NADSP's EBadge Academy NYS Pilot initiative. The presentation will review the progress of the New York provider organizations who are successfully utilizing the NADSP E-Badge Academy to provide a path to national certification for the DSPs and Frontline Supervisors they employ. The presentation will include the data collected thus far on many points including the number of staff certified, the impact on their work and the quality of the supports they provide, etc. Time will be available for Q & A.

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  • Kathy Brown, Regional Manager of E-Badge Academy Operations (NYS), NADSP

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37) Personal Request App: Using Technology to Overcome Barriers and Obstacles to Person-Centered Services

The Personal Request App is an online form created by Abilities First, Inc. that allows Abilities First employees to submit personal requests on behalf of the people we support. The App was designed as a tool to promote person-centered service delivery and to ensure that people who receive supports and employees at every level of the organization are heard.

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38) Systems Change for Cultural and Linguistic Competence at OPWDD

In this presentation, DEI practitioners from OPWDD will share highlights from the last 3 years of our partnership with Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence, plus the successes and challenges of implementing systems change for cultural and linguistic competence and equity throughout all of OPWDD.

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39) Creating a culture of learning- for DSPs by DSPs

Learn about AHRC NYC’s efforts to promote culture of learning, growth, and collaboration among frontline staff. Presenters will focus on the implementation and outcomes of AHRC NYC’s innovative professional development projects: Youth Workforce Development Program funded by NYC DYCD as well as NY statewide NADSP E-badge Academy pilot and our DOL funded Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training Program. Presenters will connect the dots and discuss ways to use social capital through structured and naturally occurring peer support as well as mentorship opportunities evolving from the professional development initiatives.

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  • Steve Towler, AHRC NYC

  • Yuliya Khripunkova, AHRC NYC

  • Lindsay Murry, AHRC NYC

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40) Supporting Those Who Support: Building Wellness and Resilience for Staff

This presentation explores strategies for fostering wellness among staff members who provide direct support to individuals in need. Attendees will learn practical approaches to support mental health, create a positive work culture, and empower staff through sustainable wellness practices. Discover how to build a healthy, resilient workplace that values the well-being of every team member.

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1:15-2:30pm

Session 6

41) Navigating Uncharted waters

The new federal administration has created substantial uncertainty for providers seeking to plan for and provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This presentation will provide current information regarding the federal initiatives and state responses, to assist providers in navigating these uncertain times.

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  • Roger Bearden, Senior Counsel, Bond, Schoeneck & King

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42) A New Day: Propelling Passion and Purpose

The Community Players is a collective of Human Service professionals from a variety of provider agencies in the Mid-Hudson Valley.  We offer lively skits to elicit thoughtful and provocative discussions highlighting some of the most problematic points in supporting people in their daily lives. DSPs and FLSs play a critical role in balancing the needs/desires of people supported while keeping in compliance with financial and logistical needs of programs and agencies.  We will highlight some of the ethical and professional difficulties that supervisors, administrators and DSPs have while having fun and eliciting heartfelt responses from the attendees.  Through this presentation, we will see that we all help staff and people supported to have PASSION and PURPOSE in their daily lives and in their jobs.

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  • John Mcphee-New Horizons

  • Mike Wheatley- New Horizons

  • Jeannie Werber- New Horizons

  • Victoria Pistritto- Anderson Center for Autism

  • Tiffany Skerritt- Anderson Center for Autism

  • Claude Porter Jr- Anderson Center for Autism

  • Lori Johnson- Cardinal Hayes Home

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43) TANGO + The Alliance = Enhanced Member Resources.

Learn about our exciting new partnership with TANGO. Our discussion will focus on how TANGO’s business-oriented education, resources and mission support can help you move your agency forward.

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44) From PrideAbility to Proud & Supported: A Training for Inclusion

PrideAbility is a New York Statewide movement dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Through regional self-advocate-led groups, it fosters socialization, advocacy, and education while providing a safe space for LGBTQIA+ adults, their families, and allies to connect and build community.

 

Building on this foundation, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) developed Proud and Supported, a train-the-trainer program designed to educate direct support professionals, individuals with disabilities, and families on sexuality and LGBTQIA+ identities within the disability community. This workshop will explore key features of the training, including how it promotes inclusive communities, expands social opportunities, and equips provider organizations with the NADSP Code of Ethics and other resources.

 

Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to enhance their knowledge, skills, and values in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals with I/DD, ensuring they receive the respect and inclusion they deserve.

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  • John Raffaele, Director of Education, NADSP

  • Jaime Crispin, Family Residences & Essential Enterprises, Inc, jcrispin@familyres.org

  • Claire Bingham, Family Residences & Essential Enterprises, Inc, CMiller02@familyres.org

  • Self-Advocate Presenters: To be determined

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45) Strengthening the Quality and Effectiveness of Care Management Services

OPWDD leadership will discuss various initiatives that are aligning to lay the foundation for a multi-year quality improvement strategy to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of care management services, a key goal in OPWDD’s strategic plan.

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  • Allison McCarthy, Deputy Director, Division of Policy and Program Development, NYS OPWDD

  • James Kaufman, Deputy Commissioner,  Division of Policy and Program Development, NYS OPWDD

  • Abiba Kindo, Deputy Commissioner, Service Access, Program Implementation & Stakeholder Support, NYS OPWDD

  • Megan O’Connor-Hebert, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Quality Improvement, NYS OPWDD

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46) DSPs are Whole People: A Data-informed Workforce Support Initiative in New York State

New York-based organizations have an opportunity to invest in workforce-related capacities. A collective effort led by the IAC uses scholarly research and data to understand DSPs as whole people and rethink sustainability. This presentation digs into the evidence behind this movement. It draws from a first-of-its-kind study with over 4,500 DSPs, frontline managers, and upper management in New York State and Ohio. The session will emphasize takeaways from study findings on turnover intentions and applications for management.

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  • Jennifer Cohen, PhD, Miami University, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), Rutgers Program for Disability Research, University of the Witwatersrand, jencohen@workstudies.org

  • Marco Damiani, AHRC New York City, Marco.Damiani@ahrcnyc.org 

  • Wini Schiff, InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc.
    wini@iacny.org

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47) Generational Diversity: Bridging Generations & Building Success

Working in the I/DD field requires empathy, adaptability, and effective communication. With a workforce spanning multiple generations, diverse perspectives bring unique strengths and challenges to the workplace. This training is designed to help teams understand and embrace the nuances of working in a multigenerational environment to build mutual respect, collaboration and provide quality services to the people we support. Participants will explore the distinct communication styles, values, and work approaches of the five generations currently in the workplace.

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48) Employing and Empowering Individuals who Receive Services (Advocacy Specialists)

At Wildwood, we created an innovative opportunity to hire people we support, deemed Advocacy Specialists, to provide both educational sessions for their peers and orientation training sessions for incoming staff. The areas of person-centered advocacy, code of ethics, natural supports and rights are the focus of their expertise. Through PowerPoints, posters and personal stories, workshop attendees will learn about the creation and ever evolving path of Advocacy Specialists. Join us to hear more about how this replicable journey progressed from dream to reality.

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49) Realizing the Role of Safety Net Provider: Development of a Statewide Evidence-Based Direct Care Staffing Management System

Methods for determining how many direct care staff are needed to support people with I/DD served in certified residential settings is complex. It is far more complex in a service system as large as the one operated by the NYS OPWDD, which employees approximately 14,000 staff to support over 5,500 individuals living in State Operated residential programs. This workshop provides insight into work currently getting done at OPWDD to create a statewide systemic approach to management of direct staffing needs.

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2:45-4:00pm

Session 7

50) Leveraging Technology and Analytics to Turbocharge DSP Recruitment

This workshop will explore how Soter leverages data-driven technology to tackle staffing challenges in the DD sector. By integrating with EHR and ATS systems, Soter streamlines the recruitment process, connecting families and agencies with pre-screened DSPs. Attendees will learn how Soter’s platform uses custom criteria, marketing channels, and analytics to improve recruitment efficiency, retention, and service delivery within the DD field.

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51) From the Hospital to the Community: A Successful Collaboration between YAI and OPWDD

YAI, in partnership with OPWDD, successfully transitioned twenty-three individuals from hospitals and residential schools to community living between February and September 2024. Multiple regions and departments within OPWDD collaborated closely with various departments at YAI. Together, they implemented an integrated whole-person model of support to achieve the outcomes designed by OPWDD. This successful collaboration resulted in the transition of approximately half of the total individuals eventually placed statewide at the end of the CTI project.

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52) Diving Into Greatness: The Importance of Empowerment and Advocacy

This presentation will provide the framework for an empowerment group for people with ID/DD. This program, called Diving Into Greatness, utilizes different methods to engage group members in conversations about safety, self-confidence, emotional regulation, advocacy, boundaries, and creating meaningful relationships.

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53) Recognizing the Intersections of Gender-Based Violence and Developmental Disabilities

People with developmental disabilities face alarmingly high rates of victimization, yet many are unable to access gender-based violence services. This is due to factors like limited awareness and attention to the issue of violence against people with disabilities. In this workshop, participants will learn about the high rates of victimization, social risk factors that increase the likelihood of violence, unique tactics of abuse, barriers to addressing services, and how to connect survivors with developmental disabilities to the gender-based violence response system.

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54) The Vocational Engagement Model

The Vocational Engagement Model (VEM) presents the intersection of different disciplines to rethink job placement services as they are offered to people with disabilities today. The model connects aspects of the medical, educational and rehabilitation disciplines in a process to improve the skills of the people who seek assistance to find and keep employment.

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55) Propelling Passion & Purpose through Storytelling

In a sector limited by restricted funding, storytelling is key to sustaining programs and fostering innovation for people with I/DD. New Hope Community shares how compelling narratives build trust, engage staff, and inspire donors. Learn to craft impactful stories, engage sponsors, and develop campaigns that unite communities. Leave with practical tools, including a Development Plan Blueprint and a Story Discovery Checklist, to create compelling narratives that drive both emotional and financial investment.

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56) Creating Employee Engagement thru FUN!!

In an industry with high turnover, there is a continuous need to find strategies to retain employees. Join this workshop from The Arc of Monroe to learn how they set in place a year's worth of fun and engaging activities planned by members of the workforce to help with employee happiness and retention.

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57) Trauma-Effective Supervision: Supporting Professionals Who Work with People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on the Frontline and in Administration

This session will focus on the critical importance of trauma-effective supervision for professionals working with individuals with disabilities. Given the complex, often intersecting trauma histories of both the individuals receiving services and the staff providing care, it is essential that leadership understand the nuances of trauma and its effects on both recipients and providers.

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58) Preparing People to Move from24 Hour Residential Care to More Independent Setting

Access has had a long history of successfully moving people from 24-hour IRAs to independent housing. Some of these have been people who have traditionally been considered to need more supports such as people coming out of residential schools and developmental centers with Risk Management Plans and people with no or minimal family involvement. In this presentation we’ll review some of the easy implementable strategies we have utilized to prepare people for these moves and help create lasting success and combat loneliness once they are in their new apartments. These include alone time training groups, multiple person-centered meetings with the residential and community habilitation throughout the transition and having people do overnights in hotels to practice sleeping alone.  Ongoing strategies include using technology such as electronic pill minders, organizing staffed and unstaffed group hang outs and holiday get together, and regular clinical meetings with the comm hab team to identify anyone needing additional supports.

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4:15-6:00pm

Art Exhibit, Reception & Regional Gatherings

NY Alliance proudly presents its annual art exhibit by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the people who support them. The exhibit showcases the talent and creativity of people supported and served by our member agencies.

Art Exhibit sponsored by Pharmerica

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Members and non-members attending the conference are invited to join the NY Alliance Regional Directors for a casual networking opportunity alongside the Annual Art Exhibit. Raffle tickets will be given to everyon who joins us for a chance to win something from one of the six NY Alliance regions across New York State! Join Us!

6:00pm

Dinner On Your Own

La Bella Vita takes reservations for dinner Thursday evening. Call the on-site restaurant, La Bella Vita at 518-743-6101 to make a reservation.

9:00pm

DJ/Karaoke Dance Party

Join us in Belleview in The Conference Center for our annual Karaoke & Dance Party. Featuring DJ Darik Habel of Encore Productions -- Gift Cards will be awarded to the top two singers! 

NYAII PRE & ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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