2023 Summit Presentations
August 29 - 31, 2023
Click below to skip to:
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Tues August 29
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Weds August 30
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Thurs August 31
Bios and/or contact information for each presenter is linked by clicking their names.
If presentation slides are not available below, feel free to reach out to the presenter directly via their contact info linked to their names.
Tuesday, August 29th General Sessions
Welcome, State of the Association: 50 Years of Community Living, and Government Relations Updates
Time: 12:30 - 1:00pm
Type: General Session
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Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at Developmental Pathways and Alliance BOD Member
In this humorous presentation, speaker and future author Matt VanAuken will share with Alliance Members some of the most common "lies" leaders tell themselves and their teams because it's what they were told. Matt will bring a fresh approach to the best ways to build trust and engagement on your teams with funny anecdotes and real-life examples. A good laugh, and a good lesson, to be had by all!
Tuesday, August 29th Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Curriculum Developer & Trainer at Colorado Office of Employment First
Program Assistant at Colorado Office of Employment First
A Universal Cross-Team Approach: How to enhance inclusion and quality of life through the implementation of foundational strategies for all people with disabilities
Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
Type: Breakout Session
Presenters will discuss and make connections between foundational strategies and practices for supporting individuals toward access and inclusion within their communities. Presenters will discuss how the individual and support team members such as case managers, counselors, family, and others can implement strategies and concepts that are prevalent in best practices, evidenced-based and evidenced-informed practices, and quality of life indicators for across roles and care coordination. This session will consist of real-life examples and case scenarios related to the strategies and concepts discussed toward empowering and enabling attendees to implement these strategies within their daily work outside of this session.
Rachel Burns, PharmD: Pharmacist at ClearSpring Pharmacy
Nontraditional Approaches in Managing Your Health
SLIDE DECK > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name
under their photo.
Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
Type: Breakout Session​
This session will begin with a brief introduction and overview of ClearSpring Pharmacy. Next, Rachel will educate attendees on four different nontraditional approaches to help people manage their health.
The four sections include:
1. Hormone Replacement Therapy as people age
2. How to combat medication shortages with compounding
3. Naltrexone to reduce pain & inflammation
4. Alternative treatments for managing mental health
Rachel will also be available to answer pharmacy and medication related questions after the presentation.
Director of Employee Benefit Solutions at Flood and Peterson
Managing Your Healthcare Costs to Create Long-Term Stability
SLIDE DECK > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name
under thier photo.
Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
Type: Breakout Session
Learn how to better understand the Employee Benefits market and create a strategic plan around a long-term Employee Benefits strategy while controlling costs.
Flood and Peterson can assist you, as an employer, to create a clinically integrated, turn-key, Employee Benefits program. This program provides market-leading pricing and protection by utilizing risk pooling and cost-containment strategies through best-in-class vendors. Pooled loss insurance protects against catastrophic claims and enables attractive rates & stable renewals by spreading risk among participants. This
proprietary approach outperforms the fully insured/level-funded market year over year while eliminating cash flow concerns and the administrative burden typically associated with small-mid market employers. This program design is ideal for groups between 25 to 1000 enrolled employees. Numerous options and alternatives will also be discussed.
CEO at Frisco
Better Care with Better Data
SLIDE DECK > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name
under their photo.
Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
Type: Breakout Session
"Better Care With Better Data" is a concise one-hour presentation focused on leveraging data to improve healthcare outcomes, with a special emphasis on support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Explore data collection methods, address observational bias, and optimize data utilization within organizations to enhance care for this population. Discover insights, streamline workflows, and drive evidence-based practices through data-driven approaches. Join us for this enlightening discussion on leveraging data for better care, particularly for persons with IDD.
Manager of Sales and Operations at Carpenter Associates
Change! The only constant and tips for navigation.
Time: 2:15 - 3:15pm
Type: Breakout Session
Gain traction on a shifting road! Learn tips and tricks for managing change in the marketplace, using tools from Lean Sigma to put you back behind the wheel. We'll discuss and discover basic techniques to navigate the shifting foundations of changing markets.
Wednesday, August 30th General Session Presenters
Chief Executive Officer at ANCOR
Federal Policy Developments: It's All About Access
Time: 9:30 - 10:15am
Type: General Session
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The DSP workforce crisis, along with a severe threat to quality community services, is now dramatically impacting access to services. Pivoting from the disappointing failure of Congress to invest billions of new federal dollars into HCBS services, the Biden Administration's proposed Access Rule seeks to address the workforce crisis through regulation. Join ANCOR's CEO for a look the latest workforce statistics, an overview of how other groups are responding to the rule, the politics at play, and how community providers can, and are, engaging.
From Visioning to Implementing: Building the Foundation for Transformation
Time: 10:30 - 11:45am
Type: General Session
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OCL Leadership will provide the latest updates on the many Department-led projects that will impact people with IDD and the service system in the coming years. Highlights will include American Rescue Plan projects, Case Management Redesign, the Care and Case Management System Launch, Direct Support Workforce challenges, and much more.
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Bonnie Silva: Director (virtual)
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Colin Laughlin: Deputy Office Director (virtual)
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Amanda Lofgren: Case Management & Quality Performance Division Director
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Candace Bailey: HCBS Division Director, Workforce
Wednesday, August 30th Breakout Sessions
IDD Health Equity Training and Results
SLIDE DECK > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name
under their photo.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm ONLY
Type: Breakout Session
Kandice Kramer, MNM:
Fund Development & Communications Director at Envision
Envision received a grant through Northeast Health Partners (their local RAE). They worked with a Master's Student completing her Capstone to create a training and present it to current Medical Medicaid Providers and Students at Colleges/Universities going into the Health Care Field. They presented on history, disparities, and unconscious bias on health care for people with IDD. They offered skills, tips, and tools on how to better communicate and interact with people with IDD during health care visits to improve the outcomes for people with IDD. This will be a revised/summary of the training, and the pre/post surveys of the students and providers who participated.
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Learn more BEFORE the conference here >
Division of Regional Centers - Who Are We?
Time: 3:00 - 4:00pm ONLY
Type: Breakout Session
Jodi Merrill-Brandt:
Community Services Director at Division of Regional Centers, CDHS
This session will focus on the Colorado Dept of Human Services' Division of Regional Centers. The presentation will highlight the role of the Regional Centers in the provider continuum, the purpose the Regional Centers serve in support of Individuals with IDD, and how the Regional Centers are evolving to be innovative and forward thinking in supporting individuals and staff that provide support to residents during their stay at the Regional Centers.
Kodjo Akakpo:
Division Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at
Fighting Our Own Battles: Using Behavioral Skills Training to
Combat Performance Obstacles
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm AND 3:00 - 4:00pm
Type: Breakout Session
Assistant Director of Client Services at Imagine!
Brodie Schulze M.A., BCBA:
Assistant Director of Client
Services at Imagine!
Every supervisor or manager will find themselves in a situation where they must address the performance concerns of an employee. It is often assumed that lack of or improper training is the cause. Brodie Schulze M.A., BCBA and Kristin Halvorson M.A., BCBA will show professionals how supervisors and managers can assess employee performance using research approved diagnostic tools to determine if training is the issue and how they can effectively train their workforce using Behavioral Skills Training. The audience will be provided with tools they can use to measure their employees’ performance and they will learn the benefits of Behavioral Skills Training, how to use Behavioral Skills Training, and how Imagine! has integrated these tactics into their workforce with DSPs.
Beyond Integration & Choice: Living the Life We Want
SLIDE DECK > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name
under their photo.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm AND 3:00 - 4:00pm
Type: Breakout Session
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Person-centered plans and focus on community integration has been an essential step toward recognizing developmental disabilities as a part of the spectrum of human experience.
Because we are human, we all deserve to live a life according to what matters to us. In this session, we will review ways promoting psychological flexibility and moving toward what is important in life. We will discuss research-based practices that can help anyone: people in services, DSPs, case managers, and organizational leaders identify internal and external barriers to value-directed actions. During this exploration, we will
address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and living with chronic conditions. We will end the session by working in small groups to practice the techniques discussed.
Residential Program Manager at Ariel Clinical Services
BCBA Program Manager at Ariel Clinical Services
Trauma-Informed Care: An organizational approach to move from buzzwords to cultural-change
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm AND 3:00 - 4:00pm
Type: Breakout Session
In 2021, Ariel Clinical Services joined a pilot initiative alongside other providers around the country to create a truly trauma-informed culture and organization. Every person within our organization, including the CEO, Managers, DSP’s, Administrative assistants and Custodians were provided with 16 hours of coursework that encourages strong relationship building with people from an evidence-based, trauma-informed approach. Our organization has achieved measurable outcomes that identify a real impact on the people we serve. We want to share this approach with others and help our field continue to have a therapeutic impact on the people we serve.
Regional Program Manager at Ariel Clinical Services
Noel Hengelbrok M.Sc.: Founder at Collaborative Safety LLC
PART ONE: Moving Away from Blame: A Safety Science-Based Approach for
Human Services Agencies
Slide Deck > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name under their photo.
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm ONLY
Type: Breakout Session
When something goes wrong in a Human Services agency, the traditional response is to blame employees, make new policies, or give more training. But this approach doesn't make systems safer. In this session, we will explore a different approach that involves employees in safety efforts and looks at all the factors that contribute to problems.
Based on the research and practice of safety science, this approach has been successful in industries like aviation and healthcare. Human Services Agencies across the country have now adopted this approach and have seen positive results in areas like system improvement, worker satisfaction, and retention.
This session will cover the underlying science and key segments of this approach, including redesigning incident reviews to be less focused on worker failure and more focused on systemic issues that impact outcomes. We will also discuss strategies and supports for supervisors, upper management, and central leadership to promote improved performance and compliance with staff by having open conversations and
identifying needs and supports. Lastly, we will examine how central leadership can change how the organization responds publicly when high-profile events occur, shifting language of individual failure to highlighting the complexity of Human Services.
By attending this session, you will gain insights on how Human Services Agencies can create a culture of trust and transparency in their organization, where staff feel comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas for improvement. You will also learn how agencies can promote a systemic approach to safety that can lead to positive outcomes for their agencies and the individuals they serve.
Lindsay Menough, MA: President at Overture
PART TWO: Using Collaborative Safety Science to Drive Better
Outcomes in Safety and Culture
Time: 3:00 - 4:00pm ONLY
Type: Breakout Session
Overture is currently contracted with Collaborative Safety Science to create better outcomes for the people we serve by taking a deep dive into how we look at, and respond to critical incidents and how we create a culture of safety by ensuring anyone at any time can come to leadership with concerns that may threaten the safety of people served. Overture learned about this organization at the Montana State Association meeting in October 2022 when they presented to the membership on their work. The State of Montana has fully invested in this program for all provider organizations in the state and Overture leadership wants to share information on the program, why we chose to use it, how we engage with them and what our hope is for future outcomes within our organization.
Collaborative Safety Science is rooted in the idea that current methods for reviewing and responding to serious incidents do not do enough to focus on root causes or systemic failures within an organization. Collaborative Safety Science's philosophy is that PASAs have to shift from a place of blame to accountability, that they have to get away from quick fixes and focus on underlying systemic issues, and that we have to cease seeing our employees as a problem and rather part of the solution.
We believe that Collaborative Safety Science is going to transform our organization, but we also believe that our entire system could benefit from the tenants of this training.
Thursday, August 31st Breakout Session Presenters
Affirming Care: Supporting LGBTQ Individuals
Time: 8:00 - 9:00am AND 9:15 - 10:15am
Type: Breakout Session
Gwen Bonilla, LSW, MFTC: Clinic & Internship Director at Denver Family Institute
Individuals with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBTQ face unique challenges that can make it difficult to access the support they need. It is essential for the agencies and staff who support these individuals to understand the intersectionality of their identities and to develop strategies and best practices that are inclusive and effective. In this presentation, we will explore the intersectionality of intellectual disabilities and LGBTQ identities, discuss strategies for supporting individuals with these identities, and provide best practices to ensure the best possible support to this population.
Topics covered by this presentation will include:
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Why LGBTQ affirming care is vital, and the possible consequences of not addressing this need
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How to support providers, caregivers, family members and others in understanding these clients' needs (and rights)
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Understanding LGBTQ culture
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Resources for healthcare, social support, friendship, education, dating and more!
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Issues of consent
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Helpful examples for agencies to create policies, practices and affirming organizational statements
Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBTQ requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach that recognizes the unique challenges faced by this population. This presentation will provide language, tools, and templates to help I/DD professionals be more responsive to the needs of their LGBTQ participants.
​Chief Officer of Business Development & Organizational Culture
Megan Herrera:
Residential Program Director
Tiffany Montaño, LCSW:
Director of Behavioral Health
Dave Riccio​:
​Vocational Program Director
Building a Stable Workforce Through Leadership Development
Presented by the ​Parker Personal Care Homes Leadership Development Group
Time: 8:00 - 9:00am AND 9:15 - 10:15am
Type: Breakout Session
PPCH’s inaugural leadership development program members will present our experience addressing the staffing emergency. To combat the employment crisis, PPCH has responded with a comprehensive plan, which led to instituting a leadership development program. This program is designed to build genuine connections, diversify experience, and establish knowledgeable and compassionate leaders, dedicated to
expanding their careers in the field of I/DD. By cultivating opportunity, opening a line of communication, and investing in human capital, this program will establish innovators for a prosperous future.
Director of People Operations at Support, Inc.
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Time: 8:00 - 9:00am AND 9:15 - 10:15am
Type: Breakout Session
This presentation provides insight into the importance of giving and accepting feedback regardless of your position or title. Serving adults with disabilities creates an environment in which feedback is delivered from every angle and we can benefit from being more comfortable in delivering it, and absorbing it, when brought to us.
In an environment where feedback comes at you in 360 degrees, this conversation highlights the importance of making feedback a part of your individual and professional makeup. We will discuss the impact a culture with safe feedback has on all stakeholders and tips and suggestions on how to improve your individual skill set.
Board Member at Inclusive Housing Coalition
Executive Director at Broomfield Housing Alliance
Building Neuro-Inclusive Communities in Colorado
Slide Decks:
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Time: 8:00 - 9:00am AND 9:15 - 10:15am
Type: Breakout Session
The session will feature two organizations currently developing neuro-inclusive projects. Broomfield Housing Alliance, with Caddis Collaborative, will describe a residential development with a strong focus on providing homes and community for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in that city. Horizons Specialized Services will describe neuro-inclusive housing plans within the expansive Brown Ranch development project in Steamboat Springs. Presenters will describe the evolution of each project and the participatory design process to ensure the creation of an intentional community to meet the diverse needs of a neuro-inclusive population. Joining the developers will be the Inclusive Housing Coalition to provide updates on the organization’s strategies to advance neuro-inclusive housing in the state and updates about ongoing efforts by other organizations.
Executive Director at Horizons Specialized Services
Patricia Oliver, Ed.D., BCBA-D:
Founder and Executive Director at Oliver Behavioral Consultants
Breaking down the barriers to accessing mental health treatment for persons with IDD and/or ASD
Time: 8:00 - 9:00am AND 9:15 - 10:15am
Type: Breakout Session
Equity, inclusion, and access...these are not words to describe our current situation when our consumers seek mental health services in Colorado. Very few mental health providers feel comfortable or competent to provide these services. No official training programs or requirements exist to promote understanding and competency among our providers. Primary care providers, family members, support persons, and consumers face the undeniable truth - despite higher rates of mental health challenges among the citizenry with IDD and/or ASD, they often have no one to turn to. And even when they can identify a provider competent in this area, funding restrictions and a fractured service delivery system limit the accessibility and utility of those services. We will go over these and other barriers, then share options and models for eliminating them.
President at MediSked
Care Integration Specialist at The Resource Exchange
Intake Coordinator at The Resource Exchange
How Natural Language Processing Can Be Applied for Data
Analysis to Advocate for the People and Services We
Support
Slide Deck > not provided - please contact the speaker directly by clicking their name
under their photo.
Time: 8:00 - 9:00am AND 9:15 - 10:15am
Type: Breakout Session
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a plot device in the movies – but actually has potential for the work we do. Natural language processing (NLP) is the use of software to process, analyze, and understand written data – much like the plans and notes we collect on the people we support. This form of AI is the future of what can be harnessed in home and community-based services to extract and quantify written words and study subjective information. The Resource Exchange is leading the way to empower people, strengthen families, and build inclusive communities. This study uses machine learning to analyze Case Management in Colorado to prepare for systems change. MediSked and The Resource Exchange (TRE) have been engaged in significant work and studies using data tools and machine learning to analyze patterns in service note documentation, such as changes in health, housing, employment, circles of support, and other data from providers, including TRE. This will be the trend of the future, but by the end of our session today, attendees can expect to:
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Understand the basics of sentiment analysis and natural language processing and how it can be applied to advocacy in the human services field
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Explore real use cases from real (de-identified) individuals and real provider agencies
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Understand how to improve lives and outcomes through futuristic technologies
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Learn about opportunities to use NLP to address health equity measures
Thursday, August 31st General Session Presenters
President/CEO and leadership training fanatic at Community Connections, Inc. and Alliance Board Secretary
“There is nothing permanent except change.” - Heraclitus. The statement is as true today as it was in 500 B.C.E. And yet most of us are not trained expert change managers when we step into leadership. Join accidental change manager Tara Kiene, President/CEO at Community Connections, for some lessons learned (many the hard way!) about leading any group through change. The good news is that these lessons are just as applicable in your personal life as in your professional life. This session will be interactive with some opportunities to practice applying tips to your own change situations.
Annual Luncheon with Award Presentations, featuring Connor Long: Introduction of the 2023 Alliance DSP of the Year
Time: 12:00 - 1:30pm​
Global Advocate, Athlete, Actor & Speaker
Due to limited space and high demand, this is an Alliance Member event or by invite only.
Click HERE to read Alliance's Invitation Policy and to request an invitation to attend.