2025
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Solutions Conference
OCT28&OCT29
PARty
Annual Report
aBOUT
Breakfast
Keynote Speaker
DSP Advocate of the Year
Tuesday Lunch
Contact par@par.net to sponsor!
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Thank you Sponsors!
Every year, the PAR Solutions Conference brings together providers of Intellectual Disability and Autism (ID/A) services from across the state and country. Those who attend our conference are decision makers for their organizations who are focused on solutions as they relate to ID/A and are interested in sharing their experiences and learning from others. This past year has brought up many more opportunities and more challenges. Between addressing the workforce crisis, developing innovative technology solutions, and focusing on improving the health and wellbeing of the individuals we support, coming together to discuss solutions is more important than ever.
We are offering the following Continuing Education (CE) credits free of charge to conference attendees. Some CEs may include a fee to be paid directly to the accreditation agency. We do not charge any additional fees. STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY PENDING APPROVAL HUMAN RESOURCES CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE (HRCI) SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (SHRM) PENDING APPROVAL STATE BOARD OF NURSING PENDING APPROVAL
Emerging DSP of the Year
DSP Length of Service Award
Wifi
DSP Family Relationship Award
Self Advocate Employee
Wednesday Refreshments
TUESDAY OCTOBER 28 IN PERSON + VIRTUAL Schedule at a glance
Registration & Breakfast Buffet @ 7:30-8:45 AM Welcome @ 8:45-9:00 aM Keynote Speaker @ 9:00-10:00 AM Break & Exhibit Hall @ 10:00-10:15 AM Concurrent Session - E @ 10:15-11:15 AM Break & Exhibit Hall @ 11:15 AM-11:30 AM Concurrent Session - F @ 11:30 AM-12:30 pM Lunch & Exhibit Hall @ 12:30-1:30 PM Concurrent Session - G @ 1:30-2:30 pM Break & Exhibit Hall @ 2:30-2:45 PM Concurrent Session - H @ 2:45-3:45 pM
Registration & Continental Breakfast @ 8:00-9:00 AM Welcome & Annual Report @ 9:00-10:15 aM ''We Are Worth It.'' Awards Ceremony @ 10:15-11:15 AM Break & Exhibit Hall @ 11:15-11:30 AM Concurrent Session - A @ 11:30 AM-12:30 pM Lunch & Exhibit Hall @ 12:30-1:15 pM Concurrent Session - B @ 1:15-2:15 pM Break & Exhibit Hall @ 2:15-2:30 PM Concurrent Session - C @ 2:30-3:30 pM Break & Exhibit Hall @ 3:30-3:45 PM Concurrent Session - D @ 3:45-4:45 pM PAR-ty @ 7:00-8:30 pM
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29 IN PERSON + VIRTUAL Schedule at a glance
Concurrent Session A October 28 11:30 aM - 12:30 PM
A-1 Performance-Ready Systems: Technology’s Role in PA’s Tiered I/DD Model > Danny Laneri, Vice President of Business Development, Giv In the face of Pennsylvania’s new Performance-Based Contracting and tiered reimbursement framework, providers must be agile, data-driven, and technology-ready. This session is designed to help provider agencies implement smarter workflows and digital tools to meet evolving expectations for service quality and outcomes. Participants will explore how integrated systems improve compliance tracking across essential tasks like clock-ins, incident reports, transportation records, and claims submissions. By leveraging technology, organizations can achieve higher accuracy, reduce administrative overhead, and position themselves for success under ODP’s performance metrics. Real-time progress monitoring will be highlighted as a critical tool for updating individual support plans and tracking meaningful outcomes. The session also includes practical exercises in evaluating current infrastructure to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. A-2 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Affiliations > Beth Caraccio, Vice President, IDD Organizational Development, Merakey > Richard Yanoski, Corporate Vice President Business Development, Merakey > Tine Hansen-Turton, President and CEO, Woods System of Care > Charles Sweeder, President and CEO, Keystone Human Services > Cindy Pasquinelli, MPA, CEO, Strawberry Fields Inc., an affiliate of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health > Richard Rinaldi, MBA, PMP, Senior Director of Administration, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Join a conversation with four organizations that are active in mergers, acquisitions and affiliations in the ID/A field. Hear their perspectives and those of other organizations with whom they have been involved with. Attendees will also learn about the frameworks they have deployed to leverage new corporate relationships. A-3 Updates on the ODP Housing Project > Lauren House, Director of the Bureau of Community Services, ODP > Sarah Griffin-Tracey, Human Services Program Executive 2, Bureau of Community Services, ODP The goal of the ODP Supportive Housing Pilot is to further the mission of Everyday Lives by developing an avenue that provides individuals with support to find and maintain homes and communities that are truly their own. In this session ODP staff will provide an overview of the pilot and share updates on its current progress. A-4 Building Trust > Kathy McHale, Senior Advisor, PAR Trust is a key differentiator for high performing teams, partnerships, and organizations. Building and sustaining trust makes everyday workflows more efficient, innovation and big initiatives possible, and difficult transitions easier. Trust at all levels with all stakeholders is required for effective communication and getting things done. The essential skills of assessing trust levels, building trust, and how to enact a trust reset will be discussed.
Registration & Continental Breakfast @ 8:00-9:00 AM
about
''We Are Worth It.'' Awards Ceremony @ 10:15-11:15 AM Join us as we celebrate the 2025 "We Are Worth It." Award winners! The awards ceremony recognizes outstanding employees of providers, self-advocates, and community businesses who employ individuals with disabilities. We will be honoring an individual or business in the following categories: Self Advocate Employee of the Year Community Employer of the Year Frontline Manager of the Year Behavior Support Professional of the Year Job Coach of the Year Emerging Direct Support Professional of the Year Direct Support Professional Length of Service Award Direct Support Professional Advocate of the Year Direct Support Professional Family Relationship Award
TUESDAY OCTOBER 28 IN PERSON + VIRTUAL Schedule
Welcome & Annual Report @ 9:00-10:15 aM Join the PAR ID/A Foundation's President and CEO, Mark Davis, as we kick off the conference. The Annual Report will feature key updates from PAR from the past year and the election of the Board of Directors. Attendees will also hear from Committee Chairs as they provide updates on past and future committee work.
Concurrent Session C October 28 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Providing training to DSPs is routine for most provider organizations. However, committing to a strategic investment in the professional development of DSPs is not as common. Professional development goes above and beyond the typical regulatory training requirements and is not fulfilled simply by offering DSP credentialing opportunities. During this session, you will learn about a Professional Development Program created by Penn-Mar Human Services that has proven results in retention, leadership development, and promotion. In addition to learning about the curriculum and benefits of the program, you will hear directly from four DSPs whose careers at Penn-Mar have advanced thanks in part to participating in this program. In this session, discover how a Professional Development Program can play a pivotal role in succession planning, DSP engagement, and relationship management with all stakeholders.
C-1 Critical Foundations: EHR Strategy & Reporting Transform Lives, Not Just Records > Tina Kirkpatrick and Theresa Yera, Senior Directors of EHR Strategy and Customer Success, The EHR Edge In today's environment, the difference between surviving and thriving will come down to how effectively an organization leverages its EHR data. While many agencies view their EHR as simply a documentation tool, forward thinking leaders recognize it as their organization's most powerful strategic asset. Join other human services pioneers who are looking to transform their EHR strategy and reporting from compliance burdens into their competitive edge. Leave with actionable frameworks that have helped other organizations achieve data-driven decision-making capabilities that improve operations and overall service effectiveness. This session is a must-attend for C-suite and director-level executives, and we encourage leaders across functional areas to sign up. The session isn’t simply another technology discussion – it’s about fundamentally transforming how your agency delivers its mission and securing your future. C-2 Improving Lives and Ensuring Sustainability Through Transformative Service Models > Mark Davis, President and CEO > Ilana Gruber, Policy and Research Analyst } PAR > Greg Wellems, Vice President of Operations, Keystone Human Services The PAR Transformative Service Models (TSM) Committee continues its work on value-based system design and transformative service models. The goal of TSMs are to shift the ID/A system’s focus from units of service to outcomes, make better use of our limited resources, improve the lives of people with ID/A, and simplify the service system. Participants will learn about the basis for this work and the status of the committee’s efforts. C-3 Licensing Updates from ODP > Alisa Hendrickson, Human Services Program Representative, Bureau of Community Services, ODP > Brandi Respress, Human Services Program Representative, Bureau of Community Services, ODP In this session, staff from ODP will give updates on licensing issues such as regulatory compliance guides, revisions, and compliance issues, and will then discuss common licensing problems and solutions. C-4 Organizational Transformation through a Formal Professional Development Program for Direct Support Professionals > Jen Skelly, Director of Talent Development > BillieJo Brown, Residential Supervisor > Whitney Levy, Senior DSP > Alexa Wheeler, Day Program Manager > Jacey James, Residential Supervisor } Penn-Mar Human Services
MONDAY NOVEMBER 13 IN PERSON + VIRTUAL
B-1 Embracing Technology First in Performance-Based Contracting > Scott Bachick, CEO, The Bi Collaborative > Nathan Gerhard, Associate Executive Director, Keystone Human Services > Heather Lewis, Coordinator of Technology Services, Mainstay Life Services Discover how two Pennsylvania provider agencies are redefining success through a holistic Technology First approach during Performance-Based Contracting. This session highlights real-world journeys, lessons learned, and transformative outcomes achieved by integrating enabling and remote support technologies, electronic records/systems, and business intelligence. This session will highlight practical strategies that not only elevate organizational efficiency but also enhance the lives of those served. B-2 Seven Breakthrough Strategies to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Training Buck > Sara Sherman, Provider Power Moves Feel like you spend a ton on training and aren’t seeing much change in service delivery, job performance, or regulatory compliance? There is too much at stake these days to train and just hope for meaningful impact. Training is the fruit of service delivery success. Solid strategies are needed to maximize precious training minutes…and dollars. Get all the juice you can from every training session by learning: Time-saving tricks to end the constant training/retraining hamster wheel Expert training evaluation methods that support targeted adjustments and lasting, measurable results Tactical moves to ensure participation in innovative, outside-agency training to enhance agency operations and organizational objectives The one powerful practice that ensures standards do not slip over time. B-3 Employment Services Update from ODP > Nolan Schaaf, Human Services Analyst, Bureau of Policy and Quality Management, ODP > Jamie Bonser, Human Services Analyst Supervisor, Bureau of Policy and Quality Management, ODP A goal of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is to provide as many opportunities as possible for people with intellectual disabilities or autism to gain competitive, integrated employment. In this session, speakers from ODP will give policy and project updates on employment services in Pennsylvania. B-4 Let's Talk About YOU! > Stacey Nybeck, Chief Operating Officer, Serve, Inc. "The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people." Diversity is about more than the law and HR, or race and ethnicity. It also includes culture, religion, age, gender, orientation, and abilities. Diversity and inclusion is ultimately a personal conviction. Knowing the natural role you play in EVERY environment is essential to bringing about lasting change in our workplaces and our world. As leaders, we must cast the vision for our organization and our future. We can't have a "wait and see" approach or watch from the sidelines. This training will help you self-identify the role you play and help you understand how each person as an individual is an integral part in this bigger picture process.
Concurrent Session b October 28 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
Concurrent Session D October 28 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Join us as we PARty the evening away after day one of the conference! The PARty will have great music, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and games.
Exhibit Hall Hilton 2nd Floor
D-1 Building a Healthier Workforce: How One Non-Profit Saved $21M in Healthcare Spend While Expanding Benefits & Workforce Development Programs > Andy McMillan, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Homestead Smart Health Plans > Tine Hansen-Turton, President and CEO, Woods System of Care > Tom Grant, Executive VP, System Chief Financial Officer, & Chief Information Officer, Woods System of Care > Kristina Zotz, Senior Client Manager, Homestead Smart Health Plans Woods System of Care, a population health management organization serving 40,000 people with intellectual disability, autism, and complex conditions through a robust network of affiliates, faced a challenge familiar to many providers: how to improve employee health and retention without breaking their budget. This session shares the real-world case study of how Woods partnered with Homestead Smart Health Plans to design a customized, reference-based pricing health plan—enriching benefits, reducing payroll deductions, and reducing out-of-pocket costs for employees—while also saving $21M in healthcare spend over seven years. Attendees will learn how those savings funded new investments in employee wellness, professional development and education, and equity initiatives, as well as the impact of those investments. This solutions-focused session offers a replicable road map for leaders under pressure to protect their mission, support their workforce, and stay financially resilient amid rising healthcare costs and an increasingly uncertain funding landscape. D-2 Using Predictive Data to Manage Risk and Create Positive Outcomes > Ryan Lemmon, Director of Quality & Performance Improvement, Mainstay Life Service This presentation outlines the process for using data to forecast risk. Most organizations have constraints for time and resources, so the ability to use data to identify areas where risk is highest and focus efforts there can be extremely beneficial. Additionally, this process allows providers to engage with risk proactively as opposed to reactively, giving them more control and preventing undesirable outcomes as opposed to responding to them when they occur. D-3 ID/A System Research from the Center for Disability Information > Mark Davis, President & CEO > Scott Spreat, EdD., Research Director > Ilana Gruber, Research Analyst } CDI Join the Center for Disability Information, an independent research organization focused on using research to improve the lives of people with ID/A, for a discussion on recent research reports. Attendees will then get a sneak peek at the upcoming CDI research agenda. D-4 Collaboration with Residential Services to Achieve Employment First for All > Andrea Consigny, Division Director > Jennifer Williams, Division Director > Michele Gay, Lead Assisting Director } SPIN, Inc. This session will explore strategies to support individuals with intellectual disability, autism, and mental health needs in securing and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between employment service providers and residential services, we will discuss best practices for working with people who have complex support needs (dual diagnoses or more significant disabilities). We will also highlight the role of Direct Support Professionals and how to create buy-in from residential service providers to fully embrace the Employment First philosophy. Real-life success stories will illustrate how the right trauma-informed recovery-oriented care and support lead to meaningful and sustainable employment outcomes. We will engage attendees through interactive discussions where they can share strategies for integrating employment and residential services in their own communities. These activities will allow participants to reflect on their current practices and gain actionable insights they can implement in their organizations.
PARty 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
E-1 Navigating Today's Healthcare Environment: How to Control Pharmacy Spend > Donald Balla, Senior Vice President, Partner, Alera Group Healthcare is now one of the largest and least transparent line items on your balance sheet. With pharmacy costs driving a significant portion of spend—and often buried in bundled contracts—forward-thinking employers are turning to targeted solutions that provide control, clarity, and savings. This session explores how CFOs and HR leaders can collaborate to unbundle their health plan, with a focus on pharmacy carve-outs and clinical point solutions that increase visibility, improve outcomes, and deliver measurable ROI. Gain the tools to make smarter investments in your people and your plan. E-2 Legislative Panel with PAR > Nick Kratz, VP of Government Relations, PAR Join Nick Kratz and a legislative panel to discuss current political updates, legislative updates on important topics like the market index legislation, and hear tips on how to communicate and advocate to your local legislators. This session will be an opportunity to ask questions of panelists and hear from legislators directly. E-3 Performance-Based Contracting for Providers and SCOs > Kristin Ahrens, Deputy Secretary, ODP > Jeremy Yale, Director, Bureau of Policy and Quality Management, ODP In this session, ODP leadership will give updates on Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) for residential providers and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) and will discuss outcomes, achievements, lessons learned, and what's next for PBC in PA. E-4 Leveraging Your EHR Beyond Your Typical Electronic Health Record Platform > Lesley Corey, EdD, Chief Operating Officer, Step by Step, Inc. > Jason Willetts, President, Willetts Technology Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are traditionally seen as tools for managing an individual’s health information. But what happens when an organization thinks beyond the chart? This session explores how one innovative organization leverages its EHR to go far beyond traditional use—utilizing it to track behavioral health services, manage referrals, coordinate maintenance needs, facilitate home inspections, and more. Participants will see firsthand how the EHR can serve as a comprehensive data management hub, enabling organizations to: Streamline interdisciplinary service delivery Support Performance-Based Contracting Improve accountability and reporting Integrate behavioral, social, and physical health data Enhance coordination across departments and external partners Whether you’re a program manager, clinician, or IT professional, this session will offer practical insights into maximizing your EHR’s full potential.
Join us for updates on the priorities of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). Kristin Ahrens served as the Director of the Bureau of Policy and Quality Management for ODP prior to serving as the Deputy Secretary. Before joining ODP, she served as the Policy Director for the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. Kristin's 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities spans from advocacy and community education to providing supported living, family support and self-directed services and includes the development and management of several self-directed models. Prior to moving to Pennsylvania, Ms. Ahrens was the Director of Self-Determination Resources, Inc. (SDRI), a regional brokerage serving adults with I/DD, in Oregon. Deputy Secretary Ahrens has a Masters in Education and Disability Studies Certificate from Temple University. Break & Exhibit Hall @ 10:00-10:15 AM
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 29 IN PERSON + VIRTUAL schedule
Registration & Breakfast Buffet @ 7:30-8:45 AM Welcome @ 8:45-9:00 AM Join us as we kick off day two of the conference! Keynote Speaker - Kristin Ahrens @ 9:00-10:00 AM Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Human Services
Concurrent Session E October 29 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Concurrent Session G October 29 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Concurrent Session F October 29 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
F-1 Making Technology Work for You: Tools, Tips, and Mindset Shifts > Ryan Williams, Innovation Lead, Shared Support, Inc. In this engaging session, we’ll explore how technology can become a practical, problem-solving partner in the day-to-day work of disability service providers. From communication tools to creative workarounds for documentation, we’ll look at real-world examples of how a shift in mindset—paired with the right tools—can help organizations work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just tech-curious, this session will offer accessible strategies for integrating digital solutions that fit your team’s unique needs. Designed for leaders, supervisors, and support staff alike, this session will inspire new ways to approach challenges with curiosity, creativity, and confidence in making technology work for you—not the other way around. F-2 Leveraging Relationships for Success in Human Services > Stacy DiStefano, CEO, Consulting for Human Services > Marge Conner-Levin, Principal Consultant, Consulting for Human Services Facing a time of great change in funding amounts, mechanisms, technology, and the profile of the workforce, IDA providers must meet this time equipped with knowledge about options. Change can mean opportunity. but without tools and a roadmap. it can also be a threat. Consulting For Human Services is a leading national provider of management and business consultancy services specifically geared to the IDA provider. This session will focus on how organizations achieve wins by leveraging relationships for both advocacy and success. F-3 Different, Not Less - Supporting Individuals with Autism and Neurodiversity in the Community, the Courtroom and the Workforce > Kate Hooven, MS, Justice System Project Coordinator, ASERT > Ryan Hooven, BA, Autistic Self-Advocate Neurodiversity, including autism and other neurological differences, is being diagnosed in increasing numbers. As children with neurodiversities age into adulthood, more than half remain unemployed and some end up involved in the legal system. In this session, we will explore understanding and accommodating autism and other neurodiversities in the community, in the courtroom, and in the workforce by gaining a better understanding of individuals with neurodiversity as well as exploring the importance of agency training, accommodations in court settings, and opportunities for employment. F-4 Supporting Individuals with Complex Medical Needs > Dr. Gregory Cherpes, Medical Director, ODP > Rhonda Gengler, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, ODP > Heidi Arva, Clinical Consultant, ODP Join ODP’s medical team for a session covering important ODP health updates, data on complex needs, health and wellness trends, practical tips, and provider resources such as Pediatric Complex Care Resource Centers and quarterly forums
Concurrent Session B 1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
G-1 Overview of The Property and Casualty Insurance Market for IDD Providers > Kevin Dougher, Executive Vice President, Commercial Insurance, Johnson Kendall Johnson > Daniel Sullivan, Vice President, Commercial Insurance, Johnson Kendall Johnson The commercial insurance landscape for Health and Human Services (HHS) organizations is undergoing rapid change. Rising premiums, reduced carrier appetite, and increased underwriting scrutiny are placing pressure on nonprofits and for-profit providers alike. This session will provide you with an overview of the HHS insurance marketplace, risk management strategies, and coverage trends so you can gain better control of your commercial insurance program. G-2 Building Organizational Health: Leading with Trust, Values, and Culture > Maxine Williams, MSW, LSW, Human Resources Director, Shared Support Inc. > Verné Dixon, MSODL, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Shared Support Inc. In this interactive one-hour session, we’ll share our experiences working within a dynamic, values-driven organization—and invite you to reflect on your own. Together, we’ll explore how organizational health is shaped by trust, alignment, and intentional culture-building. Through real-world examples and engaging discussion, we’ll highlight practical ways leaders at all levels can strengthen performance, deepen employee connection, and bring organizational values to life. Designed for HR professionals, quality leaders, executives, and supervisors, this session offers a space to exchange ideas, reflect on challenges, and walk away with fresh strategies to support a thriving, people-centered workplace. G-3 ID/A and Autism Waiver Updates > Julie Mochon, Human Services Program Executive 1, Bureau of Policy and Quality Management, ODP > Jeremy Yale, Director, Bureau of Policy and Quality Management, ODP Join ODP staff for an overview of recent changes to the ID/A Waivers and the Adult Autism Waiver. G-4 Integrated Trauma Informed Care: A Wrap-Around Model Within the Residential Setting to Increase Community Living Success > Jessica Lax, PsyD, Division Director, Behavioral Health & Autism Services, SPIN, Inc. > Jen Williams, NCC-LPC, Division Director, Residential Services, SPIN, Inc. According to the NIH, people with developmental disabilities experience trauma at rates significantly higher than the general population, with studies indicating rates 2.5 to 10 times higher. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, mental health concerns are at an all-time high, with the WHO estimating a 25% increase in mood and anxiety-based disorders. Most individuals presenting to residential programs are now dually diagnosed with a developmental disability AND a serious mental health concern. The current model is struggling to support this level of acuity and intensity, leading to increased crisis-level behaviors and inpatient hospitalization stays. A wrap-around, short-term model providing more intensive, push-in support within residential programs provides the support needed to increase community living success. Based on the principles of attachment and trauma informed care, the Integrated Clinical Services Team, consisting of a behavior specialist, mobile therapist, rehabilitation specialist, and psychologist, builds a predictable and nurturing environment that helps individuals learn how to regulate, perceive, and react to the world in a healthy way and form meaningful healthy relationships within their community.
Concurrent Session H October 29 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
H-1 Remote Supports: Budget-Conscious Independence Supporting People with Disabilities > Kyle Corbin, Senior Director of State Program Development, SafeinHome > Don Shirley, President, SafeinHome > Ed Makowski, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Night Owl Support Systems Discover how remote supports are transforming strategies to support people with disabilities by balancing independence, safety, flexibility and reliability. This session highlights how technology, paired with person-centered approaches, empowers individuals with disabilities to live more autonomously while addressing workforce shortages and tight budgets. Through compelling stories and data from Pennsylvania and beyond, learn how remote supports foster connection, self-determination, and emotional well-being. Learn practical strategies to implement this model, ensuring support is respectful, scalable, and aligned with individuals' strengths and goals while also promoting key social determinants of health. H-2 Learning from Disabled Communities: Models of Disability, Language, and Practical Application > Angela Adler, PhD, Executive Director of Day Supports, Shadowfax "Nothing about us without us!" is a rallying cry of disabled communities. Disabled communities have created knowledge that provides the foundations for the work we do. Understanding this knowledge thoroughly is essential as we offer and improve supports and advocate for equity. This session covers the different ways we can think about and define disability – called “models” of disability; how identity-first and person-first language connect to the models of disability; why it's essential to say "disability," and the harm of using euphemisms; and a Q&A session about how this information applies to your work. H-3 Communication Changes Everything > Benjamin Crimm, Self-Advocate and Coordinator > Brian Foti, Self-Advocate > Gregory Tino, Self-Advocate > Matthew Cramer, Self-Advocate } SEEN Advocacy Group For most of the last 75 years, other people (caregivers, family members, professionals, researchers) have been the source of wisdom/expertise about nonspeaking individuals, especially autistics. BUT NO LONGER! It’s a common misconception that people who cannot speak cannot learn or think for themselves. However, nonspeaking does not mean nonthinking! This session, led by a Philadelphia-area advocacy group comprised of nonspeaking individuals, highlights how communication access can reveal both the intelligence, and empower the agency, of people who were previously underestimated. Learn how they – and others like them – are capable of complex ideas and deep emotions. SEEN—Spellers Empowering Education for Nonspeakers - is a group of nonspeaking individuals with autism and down syndrome who have learned to communicate via typing, spelling, and using various apps on their iPads. Most learned to communicate after aging out of school and were never given an appropriate academic education. SEEN was formed in 2020 to increase public awareness about nonspeakers’ abilities and needs, to empower other nonspeakers, and to advocate for change. The presentation includes several short videos produced by the group, a spoken PowerPoint presentation, and a Q&A panel with the presenters. This session is guaranteed to change attitudes and assumptions about nonspeaking individuals!
The PAR Solutions Conference is open to EVERYONE! Pricing is as follows:
REGISTRATION
There is a modest $25 fee for virtual attendees, which helps support event costs. BOOK YOUR ROOM @ HILTON HARRISBURG: Click here to book your room! One N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 If you have any questions about registration, please contact the PAR office at (717) 236-2374 or email par@par.net.
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PAR Member
Price
Both Days
$359*
Single Day
$239*
Non-Member
$499*
$379*
Family Member/Self-Advocate/Family Subscriber
$159*
$109*