All of our workshops are designed to offer Direct Support Professionals and Front Line Supervisors skills and knowledge to move to the next level of awesome! Our presenters and facilitators are excited about sharing best practices with attendees. Many of these workshops will be offered twice to give participants the greatest opportunity to see the session they are interested in. Here are some brief descriptions of what you can look forward to from our awesome presenters:
OPENING PLENARY
"Raising the Bar for Direct Support Professionals"
Joseph M. Macbeth, Executive Director,
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
As advocates, families, providers and policy makers find themselves at a critical point in shifting support models for people with disabilities toward individual autonomy and self-direction, this keynote offers a chance to reflect on how the strength of advocacy led the community living movement over the past 40 years. Reflect on the changes coming to our system that are driven by funders, families and people with disabilities and how service organizations must implement continuous quality improvement practices in their approaches to empowering people to lead self-directed lives. This session will also address some of the issues that direct support professionals across the country are telling NADSP about their work, what they need to be successful and offer suggestions that promote the notion that "Quality is defined at the point of interaction" and how NADSP envisions that direct support professionals should walk side-by-side with those they support toward a life of freedom, dignity and choice. Macbeth will share some stories from the road, and some "uncomfortable truths" to make you consider things a little differently about the work of direct support professionals.
WORKSHOPS
"The NADSP Code of Ethics Encounter"
Joseph M. Macbeth, Executive Director
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
Joe Macbeth will share real examples culled from decades of practicing in the field of intellectual disabilities in a highly interactive role play, unlike any other. In learning about ethical responsibilities, they will act out some real dilemmas and ethical decisions that confront direct support professionals on the job every day. Using the NADSP's Code of Ethics, participants will consider ways that ethical practices can be incorporated into daily practice. The beliefs and attitudes that are associated with being an effective human service professional are critical to understanding this code - it is not the handbook of the profession, but rather a roadmap to assist us in staying the course of securing freedom, justice, and equality for all.
"Trauma Informed Support"
Karyn Harvey, Ph.D. ,
Consultant
This session will assist direct support professionals in understanding and facilitating the growth of the people they support. It will explore the effects of trauma and what is needed for healing.
"The Investigation Process - Why Me?"
Sequaya Tasker, Executive Director Developmental Disabilities Department of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
and
Stephanie Bell
EPIC, Director - Individualized Supports
Join this interactive session that will give direct support professionals a better understanding about the investigation process. DSPs often feel they are being targeted. Attend this session to find out the need to do investigations, the need for different types of information and documentation.
"What's Your Plan"
Lydia Faleye
BB&T @Work Financial Wellness Consultant
If you were to give yourself a grade based solely on how financially successful you are, what would it be? In this session we will discuss financial strategies to get you to an A+. We will share information on saving plans, budgeting, and establishing/maintaining credit. Get ready for the most exciting and engaging session about your money! Let’s have a better and brighter financial future!
"Stress, Burnout, and Resiliency; Finding the Joy in Your Career!"
Kori Wilson
Consultant
It sometimes seems that the pace of life and its stressors have spiraled out of control. There never seems to be enough time to deal with all the directions in which we are pulled.
Although it seems like there is no time for self-reflection, invest in yourself and take 75 minutes to identify the causes and symptoms of burnout and acquire specific tools to help you develop resilience.
"The never expected...
....
JOURNEY
of
OPPORTUNITY
"
Donna Bailey
Individual Receiving Supports
and
Co-Presenter Donna Retzlaff
Executive Director, Spring Dell Center, Inc.
Follow the journey
of a woman whose life changed dramatically after she decided that she wanted more opportunities in her life outside of the “traditional” day program that she attended for decades.
Listen to her talk about her journey
and how the State’s Employment First movement created the platform that would change her life forever. Follow the journey she and her agency embraced the last 2 years that has
moved
her from a facility setting to a community setting
with purpose
. Listen to the many, many obstacles that were
encountered and learn how the obstacles did not weaken her new-found passion and realization that:
THIS JOURNEY IS ALL ABOUT ME
.
.....FINALLY.......
"My Story, My Experience, My Success - Overcoming Loneliness"
This powerful session will be presented by a panel of people who receive supports. Join them to hear their stories on what has inspired them to keep going in the midst of staff changes, loneliness, disappointments, and just regular life events. Learn how DSPs and supervisors have impacted their lives for the better.
"It's My Turn: Positioning yourself for Advancement"
Clarissa Mitchell
Executive Director, EPIC
This is an interactive session where DSPs will have an opportunity to gauge their capabilities for career growth. Gain tips on how to “position yourself for promotion”; participate in interactive scenarios; pitfalls to avoid; and have lots of FUN while LEARNING.
Person Centered Planning: Why You Matter!
Allan Sheahen
Program Director, Service Coordination, Inc.
Direct Support Professionals play a critical role in each person’s life. The development of the PCP is no different. Explore how the DSP role impacts the person centered planning process and can change a plan (including the meeting) from good to awesome!
MACS - DSP Talks!
This session has been designed with you in mind. Have you ever listened to a TED TALK?
TED Talks
are influential talks from expert speakers on various topics using their own creative way of presenting.
Five DSPs who consistently go above and beyond their responsibilities will give their
"MACS TALKS"
on what has been their motivation to help the people they support live better lives. You will hear tips that may help encourage you to do something different to help to someone's life be happier and more empowering.
CLOSING PLENARY
"
Spirit of the Gospel: DSPs leading the way through transformation and full inclusion, impacting lives of people with disabilities
"
Dr. Monica McCall
Executive Director, Creative Options, Inc.
What an honor to celebrate during a time of forward thinking in the disability industry. Looking back on how far we have come and the world of possibilities before us. Understanding the impact of CMS Final Rule. Imagine, if what we thought is impossible was actually possible? DSPs are in the forefront of creating a diverse and full inclusive world of people’s experiences and ideas. Taking this journey, creating options, opportunities, believing that there is no one way to full inclusion, and commitment. Transforming policies, strategies, and initiatives to “do the right thing because it is the right thing to do”. If anyone can transform opportunities for inclusive living with the people we support, DSPs can.
