ANNOUNCEMENT
Please note, the Fall Conference will not be providing printed handouts of speaker presentations this year. Available presentations are linked below beneath the session description. Feel free to download or print a copy. Some presentations are not yet available; please continue to check back as they will be uploaded when available.
Large print copies will be available at the conference for those that requested on their registration.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
People Who Challenge Us: Understanding Personality Disorders (Part 1 & 2)
Dr. Gregory Lester
Personality Disorders are the most common mental health condition and yet are the least familiar to most social service professionals. Individuals with these conditions are the most difficult clients to deal with, and they do not respond to the usual ways of dealing with clientele. As a result, understanding personality disorders and knowing how to deal with them are essential when working in social service settings. These presentations will teach participants practical and effective methods for understanding personality disorders, quickly identifying individuals with them, and will teach techniques that are effective in dealing with them and that will enhance outcomes with them.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Trauma Informed Care: Creating Safe and Empowering Environments
Dr. Trevor Manthey
This session introduces the foundational principles of trauma-informed care (TIC) and explores practical strategies for applying them in clinical, organizational, and community-based settings. Participants will learn how trauma affects brain function, behavior, and relationships; and how to build systems of care that foster safety, trust, and healing.
Learning Objectives:
Define trauma and its impact on the nervous system and behavior
Identify the principles of trauma-informed care
Recognize signs of trauma responses in clients and colleagues
Learn strategies for building trauma-sensitive environments and policies
Apply trauma-informed principles to reduce re-traumatization and improve outcomes
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Business Benefits of Disability Inclusion
Jana Burke
Finding qualified workers and devoted customers can be a challenge for today’s modern business. Learn about the financial benefits of proactively recruiting and hiring qualified candidates with disabilities and learn about the market benefits of targeting customers with disabilities. Leave with a practical game plan for building a sustainable employer and customer pipeline.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Technology & Artificial Intelligence
Ashlea Lantz & Tricia Jones-Parkin
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we live and work—including how services are delivered in rehabilitation, workforce development, and beyond. In this session, we will explore emerging technologies, practical applications of AI, and ethical considerations for professionals. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and future potential of AI in their practice and daily lives.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Homelessness & Addiction (Repeat Session)
Dr. Gregory Lester
Two of the most severe current societal problems are homelessness and additions. The two problems are intimately connected, as addictions are at the root of many, if not most, cases of chronic homelessness. There are many myths about both conditions that can render working with them ineffective. This session will present the current findings on the relationship between the conditions, and the methods for dealing with them that have been found to be effective. This understanding is crucial for anyone working with this population or who are at risk of being in this population.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Motivational Interviewing: Guiding Change with Compassion
Dr. Trevor Manthey
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered communication style that strengthens an individual’s own motivation and commitment to change. In this session, participants will learn the core spirit and techniques of MI, including how to navigate ambivalence and support autonomy, all while building trust and engagement.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the four core processes of Motivational Interviewing (Engage, Focus, Evoke, Plan)
Practice key MI strategies, including open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries (OARS)
Identify and respond to change talk and sustain talk effectively
Explore the spirit of MI: partnership, acceptance, compassion, and evocation
Apply MI tools to support behavioral change in real-world settings
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Valued Voices: Experiences of Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace
Employment Disability Resources
Hear the personal stories of employees with disabilities. Learn about their path to employment, the support they received, and the success they have achieved. They will be joined by others who have provided support in their employment journey.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Beyond Compliance: Navigating CRC Ethics in a Changing World
Ashlea Lantz
Ethics is more than just a requirement—it’s the foundation of effective, person-centered practice. In this interactive session, Ashlea Lantz will guide participants through the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Code of Ethics, using real-world scenarios, case examples, and discussion of today’s most pressing ethical challenges. Attendees will strengthen their decision-making skills and gain tools to navigate complex situations with confidence, integrity, and professionalism.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Self-Advocacy @ Work
Jana Burke
Success in the workplace often involves an understanding of and strategy for self-advocacy, particularly if you have a disability. Join a discussion of evidence-based strategies for self-advocacy in the workplace with a particular focus on disability disclosure and requesting reasonable accommodation.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Luncheon Keynote
Parker Hanson
In his presentation, Parker will share about his journey to professional baseball despite being born without his left hand and the many obstacles he faced to get there. Although the odds were stacked against him, he refused to listen to those who didn't believe in him, becoming the 2nd ever professional baseball player who was born without a hand. Parker will share how he persevered with actionable items everyone can use to help overcome their own individual obstacles.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Bridging the Gap: Advocating and Advancing Disability Employment in the Modern Technology Age
Joel Sylvester
Technology is changing how people apply, interview, and get hired—and job seekers with disabilities often face the biggest hurdles. This session explores how advocates can help candidates succeed in a digital-first job market.
Joel Sylvester of Five Star Call Centers shares real-world stories and strategies for navigating AI-driven hiring, building confidence, and preparing candidates for today’s workplace. Walk away with practical tips and renewed motivation to support inclusive employment.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Stronger Together: Team Building for Resilience
Dr. Trevor Manthey
In this interactive session, participants will engage in team-building practices rooted in communication science, positive psychology, and experiential learning. Through hands-on activities and group reflection, attendees will explore how to build trust, foster collaboration, and create psychological safety within their teams.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the characteristics of high-performing, resilient teams
Understand the role of psychological safety in team dynamics
Practice effective communication strategies that foster trust and inclusion
Participate in and explore fun activities that boost morale, connection, and shared purpose
Learn how to adapt team-building tools to both in-person and virtual environments
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Identifying and Working with Victims of Human Trafficking
Call to Freedom - Steve Sternhagen
Everyone has a role to play in combating Human Trafficking. Knowing the signs to look for and the right responses to provide are key in helping to identify victims.
This session will help educators, counselors and social workers recognize potential human trafficking situations and learn how to provide information incorporating a trauma informed approach, victim-centered approach.
Understanding the impact of complex trauma on those affected is an important first step in becoming a compassionate and supportive resource to victims of human trafficking.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
The Value Proposition of VR
Ashlea Lantz
Vocational Rehabilitation provides critical services that change lives, but how do we communicate its true value in a way that connects with the private sector? In this session, we will examine the impact of VR from multiple perspectives—including economic, social, and business outcomes. Participants will learn how to articulate VR’s value proposition to policymakers, employers, and stakeholders, and explore strategies to demonstrate the return on investment in VR services for individuals, communities, and the broader workforce.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Social Security Disability: Myths, Modernization, and Effective Advocacy
Disability Determination Services
This session will provide an overview of the Social Security Disability claims process including common misconceptions of disability claims, different ways Social Security has improved efficiency of the adjudication process and processing time, as well as best practices that someone can do to assist a claimant applying for disability and how to help them through the process. Discussion will include new strategies, communication tools, and technological improvements that have been implemented within SSA and the DDS. Participants will be provided an opportunity to ask questions regarding the disability process.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Jana Burke
Neurodiversity is the range of common differences in thinking and behavior which we now understand to be normal variations in humans. This includes conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and others. Understand how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers neurodiverse workers, identify practical strategies for accommodating neurodiversity, and gain foundational awareness to appreciate and include neurodiversity within your organization.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Home Again
Sara Spisak
Home Again SD (fka Money Follows the Person or MFP) helps people living in nursing homes, hospitals, or intermediate care facilities successfully return to their own homes and communities. Home Again helps people find a place to live that meets their needs and wants and helps them find the services they need to keep living there.
Home Again is a federally funded program available to long term care residents who can return to the community with services and supports. It provides options for older adults and/or people with disabilities identify barriers to living on their own. Home Again provides one-time or short-term transition supports to residents with securing a place to live, setting up a new residence, as well as access to on-going services and supports not otherwise covered by Medicaid.
The presentation will cover essential elements of the State’s program including eligibility, grant benchmarks, service options, and stages in transition across various areas of our state. There have been recent revisions to the services that will open the doors to helping even more transitioning back home.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Services and Resources Within the Publicly Funded Behavioral Health System
Andrea Heronimus
This breakout session will describe the wide array of services and resources available through the publicly funded behavioral health system. These range from treatment for mental health and substance use disorder, recovery support, as well as prevention and the short-term crisis centers. How to access services and resources will also be explained.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Community of Practice: Exploring the Opportunities and Responsibilities of AI in Employment Services
Tricia Jones-Parkin
Join this interactive World Café-style discussion to explore how AI can support employment services. We'll share ideas, raise questions, and examine both opportunities and responsibilities, focusing on how AI can aid employment specialists and job seekers without replacing human judgment, dignity, or connection. By the end of this session, participants will:
Identify practical ways artificial intelligence (AI) can support employment specialists in areas such as documentation, brainstorming, and customized job development preparation.
Explore how AI may be used as a coaching or planning tool for jobseekers with disabilities, while supporting dignity, independence, and equity.
Discuss ethical considerations, including privacy, informed use, bias, and the boundaries of AI in human services.
Engage in peer learning through a World Café–style format, exchanging strategies, concerns, and creative ideas across provider roles and settings.
Reflect on their own practice and how AI tools might be integrated responsibly to enhance—not replace—critical thinking and person-centered support.
Art Therapy
Ashley Zimmer-Larsen
Connection is a cornerstone of healing and wellness. People can find their way to connection through a variety of modalities, including the arts. Integrative approaches to mental health and health care can expand access to healing by providing individualized opportunities for investment. The arts can give people novel ways to be vulnerable, connect, and support one another.
This session explores the range of opportunities for individuals to engage with the arts through art therapy, arts in health, and more. Ashley will provide education regarding the importance of somatic approaches in therapy. She will present the nuances of the profession, and speak to the breadth of creative arts therapies and arts in health across the state.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Additional Support for Patients and Clients
Ben May
This presentation will provide information on the Community Health Workers (CHW) role, available programs, and any potential intersections with disability services.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Little Moments
Amberley Snyder
Life’s little moments can become the biggest parts of our journey. Amberley shares a motivational message of how the little moments in her life have shaped her into a successful speaker and rodeo competitor. She incorporates her story of a life changing accident that took her path in an unexpected direction. Her speech will take you through the emotional journey of triumph over tragedy.
NO HANDOUTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME