Intended Audience Key: I=Individual, F=Family, P=Professional, E=Everybody
AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS 10:45-11:45 AM
1. OMIG Audits and Enforcement Trends-What Every Provider Needs to Know
William Busler, Of Counsel, Barclay Damon LLP, Margaret Surowka, Partner, Barclay Damon
LLP
This presentation will focus on what member agency executives, managers, administrators and clinicians need to know in the event they are the subject of an OMIG audit or other type of OMIG review. The presentation will also cover member agency obligations concerning self-
disclosure of Medicaid overpayments and requirements for Compliance plans. This
presentation will provide information on revised Audit Protocols for various program areas. In
January 2025, OMIG released a new Audit Protocol for Community Habilitation services which will impact many of the DDAWNY member agencies. In addition, according to OMIG, Self-Disclosure and Compliance Plan obligations will be emphasized by the agency in the calendar year 2025. The presentation will provide valuable information to member agencies on how to prepare for the above interactions with OMIG. There will be a Q&A from the audience.
(P)
Red Jacket Room
2. Let’s Connect!
Elena Van Voorhis, Care Coordinator Supervisor, Person Centered Services, Melissa Rokitka,
Care Coordinator, Person Centered Services, Paige Chernogorec, Care Coordinator, Person
Centered Services, Kathleen Sparacio, Care Coordinator Ambassador, Person Centered
Services, Kimberly Neyman, Care Coordinator Support Specialist, Person Centered Services.
This workshop is intended as a space to begin to envision how people with I/DD can create
opportunities to meet and form relationships. This will be a conversation, facilitated by Person
Centered Services, with the intent of creating a group driven by individuals. We are looking for input from individuals who want to strengthen their social connections in an environment that is comfortable and enjoyable! All you need to bring is an open mind and any ideas you might have to achieve this outcome.
(I,F)
Ball Room 1
3. Bridging the Gap: Linking “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (LTSAE) and the DEC Recommended Practices (RPs) for Families
Ann Kinney, Centralized Access Coordinator, Help Me Grow WNY/Parent Network of WNY,
Erin Reisdorf, Early Childhood Resource and Referral Specialist, Parent Network of WNY
We will look closely to tools and strategies, from the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” (LTSAE) program, as well as the Division of Early Childhood’s (DEC) (of the Council of Exceptional Children CEC) Recommended Practices (RP’s) that professionals can use with families to help them engage directly in the early identification and early intervention process.
(F,P)
Adams Room
4. Reflection vs Rumination: Using Mindfulness to Move our Mindset.
Liam Doherty, Manager of Learning and Development, Person Centered Services
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that can help us transform our ruminating thoughts to
reflective ones. Ruminating thoughts involve repetitive, negative thinking that increases stress and anxiety. Reflective thoughts are balanced and objective, promoting problem-solving and emotional regulation. Mindfulness encourages self-awareness and acceptance, allowing people to observe their thoughts without judgement. This shift in perspective enables us to focus on constructive and reflective thoughts.
(E)
Porter Room
5. Bridging Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities: Practical Strategies for Support.
Darla Carter, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Northern VA Support
Services/Sound Mind Health
This presentation explores the intersection of mental health and developmental disabilities,
offering practical de-escalation techniques and medication insights. Attendees will learn how to recognize emotional distress, adapt communication strategies, and support individuals
experiencing crises. The presentation will also cover common psychiatric medications, the side effects, and best practices for monitoring.
(E)
Hennepin Room
6. Making the Art of Advocacy Work for You: Becoming a Change Agent
BJ Stasio, Co-Creator, Art of Advocacy, Inc., Max Donatelli, Co-Creator, Art of Advocacy, Inc.
Art of Advocacy “It’s not a program, it’s a way of life.” Presenters will provide an overview of
the model; as well as, taking the more seasoned advocates to the next level by offering various strategies on how to become a credible advocate, including how to take the initiative, how to tell your story, how to stay on message, how to collaborate with others, how to build lasting relationships with elected officials, and how to tell you are really making a difference.
(E)
DeVeaux Room
7. Adaptive Care Planning: Improving Healthcare Delivery for People with Developmental Disabilities
Dr. Desi R. Carozza, MD FAAHPM HEC-C, Medical Director for Geriatrics and Bioethics,
Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Alex Kemp, MS, Disability Advocate and Sibling of Individual with DD, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science at the University at Buffalo.
We are developing an Adaptive Care Pathway with developmental disabilities at Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center. Adaptive Care Plans serve as an “IEP” for healthcare, taking into consideration the unique support needs of each patient. Our goal is to improve the quality of healthcare individuals with developmental disabilities receive and reduce inequities in the provision of care. We hope session participants will share their stories and insight into how we can improve our process to best serve this population, as we hope to make this a replicable model that has application across settings and institutions.
(E)
Governor’s Room
8. START and Humanism
Dr. Rose Hazlitt, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director of START/CSIDD, Chelsea
Borowski, Program Director of START/CSIDD
START/CSIDD is a systemic program supporting people with Developmental Disabilities
experiencing a behavior health crisis. This presentation will discuss the systemic approach
START/CSIDD uses to stabilize people and help them experience wellness through humanistic and positive approaches.
(F,P)
Whitney Room
9. An Alternative to Guardianship: A Discussion on Supported Decision-Making
Craig Mennig, Member Relations Manager/Supported Decision-Making Facilitator, Person
Centered Services
An overview of Supported Decision Making that will include a brief background, an explanation as an alternative to guardianship, the three-phase SDMNY model, the Supported Decision Making agreement, what SDM is and isn’t, misconceptions, and an opportunity for Q & A.
(E)
Tubman Room
10. Addressing Sexual Education for People with Disabilities
Desiree Walkowski, License Master Social Worker, People-Inc.
Why Sexual Education should be addressed. What if we don’t address Sexual Education? Are there dangers in not addressing this topic? Understanding Consent, basics to navigate bodily autonomy. What to look for in a curriculum for teaching Sexual Education and where to start. How much support and education are required by NY State schools?
(E)
Olmsted Room
11. Making Sense of Sensory-A Practical Guide for Families and Caregivers
Ashley Arnone, Occupational Therapist, The Children’s League
A brief overview of sensory processing and the sensory systems followed by practical strategies for families and caregivers to identify sensory-based strengths and challenges. Strategies will have a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
(F)
Telsa Room
12. TIES (Together Including Every Student)
Jennifer Rautenstrauch, TIES WNY Program Manager, Starbridge, Karen Polizzi, TIES
Coordinator for Springville, Griffith Institute
Together Including Every Student (TIES), a program of Starbridge, promotes the participation of students and young adults who have developmental disabilities in inclusive, organized,
extracurricular and community activities, with the natural support of trained peer volunteers.
TIES has been implemented in several school districts in the WNY region. The presentation will include: the value and benefits of inclusive experiences for people with and without disabilities, perspectives from parents, participants, peer volunteers and school administrators.
(F)
Schoellkoph Room
PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS 2:00-3:00 PM
13. OPWDD Strategy Session: Updates and Future Planning
Willow Baer, Acting Commissioner of OPWDD, Jessica Pidgeon, Ph.D., Director of Strategic
Planning and Engagement of OPWDD
In this workshop you’ll hear key updates on OPWDD’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan progress, share your thoughts on how far we’ve come, and help shape where we need to go as part of a discussion on the future vision of OPWDD services and supports.
(E)
Ballroom 2
14. The Intersection of Intellectual/Developmental Disability and Domestic Violence
Stephanie Saunders, Director of Domestic Violence Programs, Community Services for Every1, Maggie Benjamin, Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator, Community Services for Every1
People with disabilities are at 4-10 times higher risk for being victimized than those without a
disability. The objective(s) for this presentation include: For the audience to be able to 1.
Identify additional risks for victimization 2. Barriers to seeking help 3. The signs and ways in
which someone with a disability may be experiencing abuse 4. How to help.
(E)
Red Jacket
15. SANYS U-Self Advocacy University: A Learning Journey
Michael Rogers, Regional Organizer, Self Advocacy Association of NYS, Sophia Roberts,
Regional Coordinator, Self Advocacy Association of NYS, Hannah Brecher, SANYS U Graduate, Jonathan Fratantonio, SANYS U Graduate
A fresh and focused look at what it means to be an effective self-advocate, by people with
disabilities, for people with disabilities. Come get a taste of this dynamic, free course that can
be brought to your group, agency or classroom. SANYS U is a 6-12 session course that includes a student leadership project and graduation ceremony, brought to you by self-advocacy leaders from the Self Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS), one of the largest self-advocacy organizations in the U.S.
(I,F)
Schoellkoph Room
16. Supporting Individuals with Multiple Diagnoses: How Tri-D Bridges the Systems Silos
Elizabeth Caton-Burm, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Program Manager, Catholic
Charities Family and Community Services
Navigating our complex healthcare and social services systems is complicated enough when you have one diagnosis. When several are layered, things become exponentially more difficult. Tri-D is an innovative new program specifically targeting individuals in the nexus of complexity where mental health issues. Intellectual or developmental disability, and substance use problems converge. This presentation will provide an overview of Tri-D and its unique approach to complex service provision.
(F,P)
Olmsted Room
17. How to Make the Most out of Care Coordination Services
Katelyn Luke-Moore, Provider Relations Manager-East, Person Centered Services. Maria
Kirkpatrick, Provider Relations Manager-West, Person Centered Services
An overview of Care Coordination Services to include: Life Plan Literacy, what a Care
Coordinator can do for you, how to best work with your care coordinator, Person Centered
Services Portal (brief overview) for members and providers, working with health care providers.
(E)
Whitney Room
18. Building for a Lifetime: Enhancing Residential Supports for People with IDD
Mark Zawacki, Executive Director, Heritage Christian Services Foundation, Marisa Geitner,
President and CEO, Heritage Christian Services, Chuck Collard, VP Western New York
Operations, Heritage Christian Services
Ensuring people with IDD can age in place with dignity takes commitment and creativity.
Through The Homes with Heart Campaign, we are replacing 13 aging two-story homes with fully accessible residences, using private resources to create sustainable, person-centered housing.
Navigating uncertainty, we adapted to evolving care needs and found solutions beyond
government funding, ensuring people have the choice to remain at home through end of life.
(E)
DeVeaux Room
19. Empowering Abilities: Unlocking Wellness for Adults with Disabilities
Rebecca Champlin, Wellness Coordinator, Beyond Support Network, Vito Gigante, Associate
Director of Clinical Services, Beyond Support Network
This presentation explores how wellness is implemented for adults with disabilities, focusing on physical, mental, and social well-being. We’ll highlight how tailored programs empower
individuals to engage in activities that promote independence, health, and professional growth.
Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of supporting staff wellness, ensuring that those who care for and support individuals with disabilities are also equipped with the tools to thrive
through a holistic approach.
(E)
Govenor’s Room
20. The Power of Vulnerability: Sharing, Sustaining, and Connecting
Carlie Arnone, Senior Manager, Inclusion and Belonging, Person Centered Services, Erin
McGee, Director, Learning and Development, Person Centered Services
In this session, we’ll discuss ways to encourage openness and vulnerability in story telling,
provide strategies for staying engaged when sharing personal stories repeatedly, and discuss
ways that we foster deeper connections amongst all of us as humans.
(E)
Hennepin Room
21. Healthy You Experience: Kenpo Eagles Adaptive Karate
Nick and Toni Chimento, lead teachers, trainers ; Adaptive Yogo Amanda Squires, Yoga Six
Instructor, 500 Hour E-RYT
Continuing with our Heathy You Experience, we bring you an afternoon of physical and mental wellbeing. During this session you will be introduced to Adaptive Martial Arts and Fitness, focusing on strengthening muscles, improving range of motion, balance and most importantly, confidence. You will then be taken on a journey of self-awareness and rejuvenation all well reaping the benefits of Chair Yoga. From the physical benefits of enhancing strength and decreasing joint pain, to the mental and emotional benefits of stress reduction, improved mind set, increased self-awareness and everything in between. Come join the fun and be the best Healthy You, U can be.
(E)
Porter Room