Conference Schedule

Schedule

PENNSYLVANIA LIFESHARING CONFERENCE

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024 – NETWORKING:  For those arriving Sunday night, join us from 5 to 7 pm for some light refreshments and casual games.  Will be outside or inside depending on the weather.  Check the hotel signage for location when you arrive.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024 – BREAKFAST & MORNING PLENARY SESSION

7:30 AM

Hotel Lobby

Registration Open

8:30 AM

Courtyard

Hot Buffet Breakfast Available

9:30 AM 

Activity Room Open

9:30 AM Courtyard

Welcome Conference Committee

9:45 AM Courtyard

9:45 AM

Courtyard

Trauma and Healing in the Lives of People with Intellectual Disability

Dr. Harvey will be speaking on her new book.  This book and presentation is for a range of professionals who support people with intellectual disabilities who have had single or multiple traumatic experiences, including loss, rejection, abuse and endangerment.  She will provide insights on how people with ID may express trauma and strategies for use by the professionals who work with them. 

Karyn Harvey, Ph.D.

10:45 AM Courtyard

Break and Visit Exhibitors

                                          BREAKOUT SESSI

11:00 AM

Specialized Telehealth for I/DD Individuals

StationMD provides urgent telehealth services for I/DD individuals and is now an approved waiver service as of 3/2/24.  This session will introduce the service, explain who benefits from the services, how to sign up an individual for the service, and how to utilize the service once authorized by the AE.  The session will also cover the void StationMD fills for many individuals that previously could not access this service.

Drew Simonik, Member Relations Specialist of PA, StationMD
Maulik M. Trivedi, MD, FACEP, Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer StationMD

11:00 AM

Harvesting Relationships: Cultivating Healthy Sexuality within Lifesharing

This workshop will educate participants on healthy relationships within a lifesharing environment. This workshop will describe types of relationships and the challenges that may arise with sexual and non-sexual relationships in which a client may choose to engage. This workshop will utilize role-play, video resources, problem-solving techniques, and other interactive

Cashanda Eleby, Behavior & Sexuality Specialist, KenCrest

11:00 AM

Transitions are Tough!

Transitions are tough for everyone, but for an individual living with a disability changing from their family home to Lifesharing, it can be overwhelming.  This is also true for individuals moving from one Lifesharing residence to another or moving from a CLA to Lifesharing.  Understanding the wants, needs, vision and supports needed for a person to be successful can help create a successful living option for everyone.  Join us as we discuss creative ways to look at options that are long lasting, nurturing and beneficial to all.  Presented by an Advisor with personal Lifesharing experience, this workshop will be an interactive opportunity to understand the stressors related to transitions and develop usable, functional ideas for the Lifesharing experience.

Francine Hogan and Diana Morris Smaglik PA Family Network

11:00 AM

Activity Room Open

LUNCH

12:00 AM

Courtyard

Lunch and Visit with Exhibitors

Excellence in Lifesharing Awards

Becky Kreischer, Awards Program Chair

Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, PA DHS ODP

                                                       AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION 1

1:15 PM

Courtyard

ODP Updates

Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, PA DHS ODP                                        BREAKOUT SESSIONS

2:30 PM

Exploring the Relationship Between Behavior and Communication

In the simplest form, behavior is anything a person does, and communication is the exchange of information. Both behavior and communication serve a function or reason but may not always be clearly recognized or understood. As supporters, we are often tasked to address behaviors that may be seen as challenging or to interpret what someone is trying to communicate through their behavior. Despite our best efforts, we may misinterpret or misunderstand a person’s true intent, which can strain the relationship. By taking the time to explore the connection between behavior and communication, we can create better outcomes for everyone involved. This session will provide a framework that highlights the link between behavior and communication, so we can more effectively support individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, or other developmental challenges. With this understanding, we can help individuals gain new skills, increase independence, foster positive relationships, and pursue a fulfilling life.

Amy Alford, M.Ed., BCBA, Clinical Director, ODP, BSASP

2:30 PM

Lifesharing with Medically Complex Conditions Roundtable

Are you currently lifesharing with a child with medically complex conditions?  Are you a provider agency that is providing this support for children and families?  Do you think you might be interested in being a person who supports a medically fragile child or an agency that is authorized to provide this service?   This roundtable may be just what you’re looking for!  Come and share your successes, barriers, questions, concerns, and ideas with our facilitators who are currently working with children and families through a provider agency and two counties.  We want to know what’s working and what isn’t with the plan to share information gathered with ODP and the HCQUs who will be supporting families through Pediatric Complex Care Resource Centers.

Barbara Dyer, Director of Lifesharing, Citizen Care

Kathy Davis, Promising Practices Manager, Allegheny County DHS

Sheila Fullerton, ID/Autism Director, Washington County BHDS

2:30 PM

Advocacy in PA

This session is an opportunity to learn about the importance of advocacy, and how to effectively engage with your legislators. Sometimes advocacy can seem like a lost cause or to others may be intimidating to get started, this session will have some helpful tips in approaching your legislators and educating them on the issues facing the ID/A community and the system at large.  With Nick’s more than 12 years of experience in government relations and advocacy, this session will be informative and a great opportunity to ask questions about advocacy experiences and engaging in the process for those who provide and receive lifesharing supports.

Nick Kratz, Vice President of Government Relations, Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities

2:30 PM

Activity Room Open

3:30 PM Courtyard

Break and Visit Exhibitors

3:45 PM

Courtyard

Difficult Discussions, Empowered Decisions:  A Coaching Approach

By building effective communication skills and navigating difficult conversations with empathy, this training aims to help create supportive environments where individuals feel confident and empowered to express their goals and make choices that shape their lives.

Mark Durgin, Director, PA CARE Partnership at UPMC and President, Keystone Leadership Consulting

4:45 PM- 5:45 PM

Networking Reception Sponsored by Merakey

Visit Exhibitors

TUESDAY OCTOBER 29th, 2024

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 – MORNING PLENARY SESSION

7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Hotel Lobby

Registration Open

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Courtyard

Hot Buffet Breakfast Available

9:30 AM

Activity Room Open

9:30 AM

Courtyard Welcome

Conference Committee

9:45 AM Courtyard

Creating Healthy Boundaries to Improve Self-Care

An interactive presentation to explore ways to have supportive, healthy, and respectful relationships with self and others.  Boundaries help remove negative relationships that serve no positive purpose.  In addition, healthy boundaries create limitations to prevent a person from being taken advantage of or exploited.   Finally, we must draw boundaries within ourselves of excuses, low self-esteem, failure and fear.  This presentation will help you identify acceptable and unacceptable behaviors; understand how boundaries help improve self-awareness and self-care; discover ways to create healthy boundaries; implement strategies and technique to create healthy boundaries.

Jennifer Foxworthy, LMSW, MSM, DTM

Inspirationally Speaking

9:00 AM

Mental Health First Aid Class (pre-registration required) all day class

We think of First Aid as something administered to people in need of physical health intervention. What about people who need immediate assistance for their mental health? The Mental Health First Aid course teaches the skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to signs of behavioral health challenges or crises. Once a certified aider, you will be able to recognize behavioral health signs and administer aid until appropriate treatment and supports are received, or until the crisis is resolved

Shemiah Cooper and Tamara Brown

Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services

10:45 AM

BREAK

11:00 AM

Supporting Staff and Those with IDD Using Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

WRAP is an approach to daily living that supports a person in maintaining or rebuilding wellness through life’s challenges. WRAP is based on the concept that you are the expert on yourself, and only you can create a plan to address your challenges and goals.  WRAP is for ANYONE and EVERYONE.  This presentation will delve into what WRAP is and provide examples of how implementing the WRAP plan with individuals who are vocal and non-vocal can enhance overall wellness.  The session will provide tools and information to help you gain a better understanding of those you serve.

Step by Step Directors; Individuals in Service using WRAP and their support staff

11:00 AM

ODP: Staying Up-to-Date with Policy

We all do our best with staying up to date with the changes that are routinely made within our service system. Through this presentation, ODP will assist stakeholders in understanding new policies and procedures that impact the Lifesharing service.

Katie-Marie Wilson, ODP

11:00 AM

All About Jobs!

Join SAU1 Power Coaches and let's talk about jobs! Topics to be covered include an individual’s rights, planning to work, self employment, how to find a job, tips to get and keep a job, ODP funded services, work and
your benefits, and other supports.
Self-Advocates United as 1

11:00 AM

Mental Health First Aid Class, continued (pre-registration required) all day class

11:00 AM

Activity Room

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:  LUNCH, IDEA EXCHANGE AND VISIT EXHIBITORS

Courtyard (exhibitors depart at 1 pm)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 – AFTERNOON CONCURRENT BREAKOUTS

1:00 PM

Dual Diagnosis/Mental Health, Self-Advocates United as 1

Join SAU1 Power Coaches for this new training session on dual diagnosis/mental health. Topic to be covered include what dual diagnosis means, what a diagnosis is, myths – things believed but unproven, facts – things that are proven, behaviors, our changing world, what to do if
you aren’t feeling right, health professionals, your rights, and values for an everyday life.
Self-Advocates United as 1

1:00 PM

Empowering Independence: Leveraging Smart Technology for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

In this engaging and informative session, we will explore how cutting-edge smart technology can significantly enhance the independence and quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As advancements in technology continue to evolve, there are increasing opportunities to create inclusive environments that support autonomy and self-sufficiency. Participants will gain insights into the latest innovations in smart technology, including adaptive devices, smart home systems, and personalized digital assistants designed specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We will discuss practical applications, share funding options, and provide actionable strategies for integrating these technologies into daily routines and support plans.

Karen Latimer, ATP, ETIS, Director of Enabling Technologies, KenCrest

1:00 PM

Mental Health First Aid Class (pre-registration required) continued

1:00 PM

Building a Lifesharing Program for Medically Complex Children

In 2023, Citizen Care started building a lifesharing program to broaden our scope of services.  As part of that process, we decided to support children with complex medical needs.  This session will explore what steps we took to get our MCC program up and running.  We’ll discuss everything from provider qualification to successful admission to our program and everything in between!  Our hope is that by the end of our session we can help other providers feel confident that they too can successfully include this vital, life-changing services in their program offerings.

Barb Dyer, Director of Lifesharing Citizen Care
Jen Dayton, Executive Director of Citizen Care, and
Tracy Olivani, Service Systems Administrator Citizen Care

1:00 PM

Activity Room

2:00 PM

Break

2:15 PM

Dual Diagnosis/Mental Health, Self-Advocates United as 1 (continued)

2:15 PM

Mental Health First Aid Class (pre-registration required) continued

2:15 PM

Common Regulatory Violations in Lifesharing and Guidance for Compliance

This session will discuss the most frequently identified regulatory violations found during Chapter 6500 inspections.  Guidance about how to achieve and maintain compliance will be provided.  Attendees should be prepared to provide input on the findings, address why these violations may occur to help the Department provide appropriate guidance, and ask any questions about the inspection process. 

Ron Melusky, ODP

2:15 PM

Activity Room

3:15 PM

Regional Baskets Drawing and

SPECIAL PRIZE DRAWING!!  (must be present to win)

3:30 PM

Adjourn—Safe Travels Back Home!