[nfbmi-talk] the recon fall 2013 conference agenda

[joe harcz Comcast]

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6 

11:30 A.M. Awards Lunch and Opening 

Keynote address

Exhibit Hall

1:45 – 3 P.M.

ADA Protects a Vulnerable Workforce 

Participants will learn that the EEOC has 

instituted a new Strategic Enforcement Plan 

which addresses vulnerable workers. 

Individuals with disabilities are often the 

target of lay off, denial of hire, denial of 

reasonable accommodations and other 

workplace benefits that the EEOC is 

targeting for closer scrutiny. Spyridon 

Mellow and Marcia Hyatt, U. S. Equal 

Employment Opportunity Commission 

MRA 

Community Collaboration for Healthcare 

Integration Collaboration is a key factor in 

the integration of behavioral and physical 

health care. Staff of Northern Lakes 

Community Mental Health Authority will 

describe the key elements in successful colocation of behavioral health and primary 

care. Karl Kovacs, Mary Hubbard, Ty 

Curtis, Krista Bedells, and Donna Rinker, 

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health 

Authority OCCMHA 

MRS moves forward with EEO MRS staff 

will discuss progress and plans for the 

Enhancing Employment Outcomes 

Initiative. Margie Hojara-Hadsell, Omar 

Deadwilder, Gene Bommarito, and Don 

Dees, Michigan Rehabilitation Services 

Goodwill WM 

Spark Plugs -Ignite Motivation in Youth 

The session will include: 1. Research on the 

adolescent brain and the importance of 

motivation and other relevant statistics 2. 

Practical Take away activities for 

professionals to implement in their own 

settings 3. Evidence and strength based 

strategies to motivate youth. Darrel Malloch, 

Peckham-Next Step Program and David 

Bates, Peckham-Crossroads Program 

Northern Transitions 

Be an Anxiety/Stress Buster Defining 

stress and anxiety. How we treat these two 

conditions. What are the physical and 

mental manifestations of each condition. 

Will the recommended treatment reduce the 

presenting symptoms. Are stress and anxiety 

just psychosomatic manifestations of poorly 

understood social situations? Treatment to 

improve social adjustment and good health. 

Roger Riley, Disability Resolution Services; 

Timothy Broe, PhD; Dr. Jeffery Vrielink 

JVS 

Vibrant Sustainability Vibrant 

Sustainability: Create a culture with your 

non-profit board that not only makes your 

organization stronger, but makes your board 

members excited to serve! Randy Slikkers, 

Non-profit Strategic Consulting MARO 

3:15 – 4:30 P.M. Centers for Independent Living: A Basic 

Overview Michigan's Network of Centers 

for Independent Living (a.k.a. Disability 

Network) serves as a great resource for 

people with disabilities, their support 

systems and professionals. Participants will 

learn about the independent living 

movement & philosophy, CIL core services 

and how we can partner with you in the 

community to be a resource. Sara Grivetti, 

Disability Network/Michigan MRA 

Michigan Auto No-Fault Legislation 

Update This presentation provides a 

detailed update on the proposed legislation 

to amend the Michigan Auto No-Fault law 

(HB No. 4612) introduced on 4.23.13. 

Information on accident, personal injury, 

and medical cost data associated with 

catastrophic injuries are presented. 

Implications regarding the rehabilitative care 

of individuals is also discussed. Andrew 

Nay, PhD, Hostetler Fontaine and 

Associates; Kyle Yerkes, Michigan State 

University Student OCCMHA 

Veterans & Employment: A Call to Duty 

Topics include: Military Cultural 

Awareness, Veterans Transitional Issues, 

Business Case for Hiring Veterans, 

Challenges to Employers and Community 

Job Developers, Promising Practices & 

Resources for Assisting Veterans in the 

Community, and more. Michael Poyma, VA 

Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment 

Do-All 

Employment Success for the Former 

Offender This session will focus on how to 

assist former offenders to see employment 

from the employer’s perspective, and how 

Community Collaborations with employers 

taking place in Kent County, are playing a 

role in assisting with success for former 

offenders. Mary Benedict and Sonya 

Bielecki, Hope Network Goodwill WM 

Breaking Down Barriers to Employment 

A Transition Video Project Many times, 

the biggest barrier between a person with a 

disability and their desired employment, is 

an employer struggling to envision the 

individual as part of their team. Using video 

allows an employer to hear from the 

individual, as well as former employers 

and/or case workers and demonstrate the 

individual doing their desired tasks. Justin 

Caine, Good Fruit Video; Mari Rosario, 

Independent Consultant; Staci Anderson and 

Maria Peak, Ingham ISD Northern 

Transitions 

Mental Health & Emerging Populations 

in Higher Education We will address the 

unique needs of students in higher education 

with mental health conditions as well as 

emerging populations (Veteran, ASD, and 

Chronic Health): 

1. Develop an awareness of proactive 

strategies and resources 2. Promote holistic wellness in academic 

and student life 

Renee Craig, Shani Feyen, and John 

Pedraza, Michigan State University JVS Health Care Reform Issues Major changes 

in health care coverage affect employers, 

people with disabilities, and those on 

Medicaid. Explain health exchanges, 

Medicaid, and other insurance and health 

care reform issues. Mark Lezotte, Butzel 

Long MARO 

4:45 P.M.

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening & 

Presidents’ Reception

Featuring Michigan DJ Service

6:30 P.M.

Movie: Lives Worth Living

Exhibit Hall

5:15 – 6:15 P.M.

JPD Meeting, MRA Room

6:30 MSU Session, Do-All Room

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

7:00 – 8:30 P.M.

Leadership Academy Re:connect

Northwoods/Manitou

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 

Zumba 6:30 – 7:15 A.M.

Fitness Center

7:30 – 9:00 A.M. Breakfast – Exhibit Hall Beginning at 8:00 A.M. Transforming 

Approaches to Diversity & Employment 

Hear from corporate leaders on how they are 

transforming their approach to diversity to 

include people with disabilities. Participants 

will hear how they are implementing culture 

change, innovative hiring & recruiting 

practices and how you can be a part of the 

solution. Interactive breakout session with 

the speakers to follow. Rick Keyes, Meijer; 

Jill Day and Clif Charles, Gordon Food 

Service. Exhibit Hall 

9:15 – 10:30 A.M. VR Service Delivery: Four State VR 

Agency Results The results of four state VR 

agency case studies are presented that reflect 

effective VR service delivery practices 

enhancing employment outcomes. Common 

VR service delivery practices across the 

agencies are presented in terms of portability 

to other agencies, sustainability and impact. 

Roy Del Valle, DHS-Michigan 

Rehabilitation Services; Susan Sherman and 

Michael Leahy, Michigan State University 

MRA 

Transforming Approaches to Diversity & 

Employment Hear from corporate leaders 

on how they are transforming their approach 

to diversity to include people with 

disabilities. This interactive presentation 

will allow ample time to interact with the 

employer panel featured in the general 

session. Sara Grivetti, Disability 

Network/Michigan; Michael Poyma, 

Department of Veterans Affairs; Rick 

Keyes, Meijer; Jill Day and Clif Charles, 

Gordon Food Service OCCMHA 

Literacy Instruction and Transition to 

Adulthood for students with Autism 

Spectrum Disorder This presentation will 

cover findings from a study that examined 

how educators think about basic literacy 

skills by students with autism spectrum 

disorders (ASD) as they transition into 

adulthood. Presenters will inform on special 

education supports and transition services 

needed for employability and independence. 

Yeaton Clifton and D.A.G. Groomes, PhD, 

Oakland University Reading and Language 

Arts Do-All 

Strategic Use of Social Media in Job 

Development Describe key features of a 

social media job development strategy 

including goals, methods, and outcomes. 

Describe best practices in creating and 

maintaining a respectable professional 

brand. Practice key activities using social 

media including marketing strategies. 

Provide tools that improve job development 

results. Anna Soderman and Amanda Abbott 

Knox, Peckham, Inc. Goodwill WM 

Project SEARCH: A Collaborative 

Approach Project SEARCH is a school to 

work transition program for students with 

intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Students are trained in real work settings 

while learning employability and 

independent life skills. Oakland County used 

a multi-agency approach to develop and 

implement the program, and is operating the 

program at three sites. Lydia Gray, JVS; 

Cathy Schmidt, Oakland Schools; Karen 

Blum, New Horizons; Sheila Gannon, Troy 

Schools; Sue Pelkey, Oakland County 

CMHA Northern Transitions 

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

The Relationship Between Ethics and the 

Law This presentation discusses the 

complex relationship that exists between 

counseling ethics and law. Also discussed blankare exceptions of the right of privileged 

communication and confidentiality with 

some clients in the public and private 

counseling setting. The session concludes 

with a 30 min. forum for attendee's to share 

their clinical experiences. Andrew Nay, 

PhD., Michigan State University JVS The Three A's of a Successful Agency A 

funder's evaluation depends on how well 

these 3 words apply to your agency: 

Accountability, Accessibility, Affordability. 

This session offers specific strategies for 

using metrics to help agencies operate more 

efficiently while improving their quality of 

care, sharing decades of experience as 

legislators and direct care providers. David 

Bucciferro, Foothold Technology MARO CANCELED10:45 – 12 P.M. Customized Outreach Hearing, sight, 

mobility, and cognitive impairments all 

increase the layers of safety risks for people 

with disabilities. By customizing safety 

messages, and raising the level of safety 

awareness for people with disabilities, we 

can eliminate many risks. 

Follow the template created by the Grand 

Traverse Metro Fire Department and their 

community partners to learn how to work 

with the emergency services agencies in 

your community to help keep everyone safe! 

Meredith Hawes, Grand Traverse Metro Fire 

Dept.; Leanne Baumeler, Northwestern 

Michigan College MRA 

Advocacy -MRA Public Policy The 

Michigan Rehabilitation Association Public 

Policy committee will demonstrate strategies 

to engage legislators and their staff in 

disability policy. Rehabilitation Counseling 

students will provide information on 

educational advocacy efforts on campus. 

Affairs Summit will be shared, and MRA 

Highlights of the national Governmental blankblankblankblankblankblankblankwill discuss position papers on auto no-fault 

and mental health parity. Stacey Locke, 

Peckham, Inc. -Michigan Rehabilitation 

Association; Molly Newman, Michigan 

State University; Omar Deadwilder and 

Kate Marsh, Michigan Rehabilitation 

Services OCCMHA Living with Autism Diagnosing and 

changes to the Autism diagnosis will be 

discussed, as well as common sensory and 

daily living issues. Paul is an individual 

who has been diagnosed with Asperger 

Syndrome/Autism, and he will discuss some 

of his personal views on living with the 

diagnosis. He will review some of the 

senses, as well as his vocational 

accomplishments. Jason Hamel and Rick 

Kornspan, The Guidance Center; Paul 

Armstrong Do-All 

Michigan's AmeriCorps: A Pathway to 

Employment AmeriCorps provides an 

opportunity for individuals with and without 

disabilities to impact their community in a 

significant way, and also can lead to 

meaningful employment. Join us for an 

engaging panel discussion about 

AmeriCorps and how it can be an important 

part of a long-range employment plan. 

Participants will also learn how 

organizations can utilize AmeriCorps 

programs to build capacity and expand their 

community presence. Megan Sargent, 

Michigan Community Service Commission; 

Sarah George, Peckham, Inc.; Tony 

Calcagno, Goodwill Industries of Greater 

Grand Rapids Goodwill WM 

Successful, Innovative, Collaborative 

Transition Strategies Some youth with 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) leave 

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

school without needed supports or transition 

plans. Learn about how 3 programs are 

assisting with meaningful transition plans 

and practical goals as youth with ASD age 

into adulthood. Attendees will learn 

constructive strategies on post-school 

outcomes of employment, post-secondary 

education & training, & lessons learned. 

Marcia Ransom, Work Skills Corporation; 

Terri Smith, Kandu Incorporated; 

representative from Goodwill Industries of 

Greater Grand Rapids Northern 

Transitions 

Working While Receiving Benefits Panel 

discussion featuring representatives from the 

Social Security Administration, a WIPA 

Project Manager, and a Certified Work 

Incentives Coordinator sharing their 

expertise and perspectives on navigating the 

benefits / employment journey. Bob 

Simpson, Social Security Administration; 

Paul Landry, UCP of Metropolitan Detroit; 

Laura Hall, ADAPT Michigan JVS 

The Great Value of Generational 

Differences For the first time ever, there are 

four generations of people in the workplace. 

We will look at how the four generations are 

defined and therefore different as well as 

how they can value that diversity for greater 

success. We will also look at what each 

generation wants from a work environment 

and discuss retention strategies for each 

generation. Scott Derthick and Justin 

Walworth, Peckham Inc. MARO 

12:00 – 1:00 P.M. FREE LUNCH 

With the Exhibitors 

And the Exhibitor One Minute of Fame 

1:15 – 2:30 P.M. 

BSBP Update Director Rodgers will 

provide an overview of programs and services delivered through the Bureau of 

Services for Blind Persons. Edward Rodgers 

II and Mike Pemble, Bureau of Services for 

Blind Persons MRA 

Neurodiversity: Autism as a Natural 

Variant on Human Cognitive Functioning 

Neurodiversity refutes the medical model 

emphasis on treatment and cure, and instead 

values individual strengths and acceptance. 

This presentation introduces neurodiversity 

and provides examples of its application to 

education, employment, and community 

inclusion. Michelle McKnight and Trenton 

Landon, Michigan State University 

OCCMHA 

ADAPT: The Movement Behind the 

Power of Community ADAPT has a long 

history in the Disability Rights Movement 

and as a movement itself. This session will 

explore the work of ADAPT on community 

living, direct action as a tool for advocacy, 

the importance of disability history, culture 

and pride in the lives of people with 

disabilities, and how service providers and 

others can help foster this. Laura Hall, Leigh 

Campbell-Earl, Clark Goodrich, and 

William Earl, ADAPT Michigan Do-All 

Self-Employment as a Vocational 

Rehabilitation Goal This presentation is an 

overview of self-employment for individuals 

with a disability and what it takes to 

successfully start a business. The goal is to 

provide rehabilitation counselors and other 

employment service providers with a basic 

understanding of how to start a small 

business. Warren Galloway, Warren 

Galloway & Associates LLC Goodwill 

WM 

The Delta Project College Prep Program 

Saginaw ISD has collaborated with Bay and 

Midland counties on a Regional version of 

the Delta Project: Regional College 

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

Connection. Foundation funding has also 

been instrumental in the continuing growth 

of our program. Four cohorts of students 

have completed the Project, are now 

attending Delta College -and all are doing 

very well. Come hear transition success 

stories & positive Delta Project outcomes 

through collaboration with community 

partners. Denny Wickham and Janet Timbs, 

Saginaw Intermediate School District 

Northern Transitions 

Special Minimum Wage Considerations 

Under FLSA Brief overview of Special 

Minimum Wage (SMW) under Fair Labor 

Standards Act (FLSA) using select slides 

Explain the investigative process -reasons 

for investigations, highlight typical 

violations and provide attendees with tips to 

remain in compliance now and into future. 

Goals: to inform and educate on key 

elements of achieving/sustaining SMW 

compliance under FLSA. Randy Whitmire 

and Amanda Enrico, US Department of 

Labor -Wage & Hour Division JVS 

Growing Leaders -The Impact of 

Mentoring A facilitated panel discussion by 

Leadership Academy mentors and mentees. 

The panel will focus on the value and impact 

of mentoring on the professional 

development of the future leaders in our 

field. The session opens with an overview 

of the key elements within a solid mentoring 

program and then will lead a discussion with 

the panel. Joe Evans and Jason Hamel, The 

Guidance Center; Sue Pelkey, Oakland 

County CMHA; Tony Calcagno, Goodwill 

Industries of Greater Grand Rapids MARO 

2:30 – 3:00 P.M.

EXHIBITOR FINALE – EXHIBIT 

HALL

Prize Drawing

3:15 – 4:30 P.M. The Future of a Rehabilitation 

Counselor: Education and Practice This 

Presentation will be comprised of 

Rehabilitation Counselor Educators from 

Western Michigan University, Wayne State 

University, and Michigan State University's 

Rehabilitation Counseling programs. The 

five panel members will respond to 

questions concerning the current and future 

educational needs of a Rehabilitation 

Counselor. Karsten Bekemeier, Michigan 

Rehabilitation Association; Jennipher 

Wiebold, Western Michigan University; 

George Parris and Paige Dunlap, Wayne 

State University; Michael Leahy and Connie 

Sung, Michigan State University MRA 

Multicultural VR Counseling 

Competency Training Racial minorities, 

especially African Americans have 

significantly lower outcomes in seeking and 

receiving VR services. This presentation 

will include hands-on training in developing 

multicultural competencies for the provision 

of culturally relevant VR services to racial 

minorities. Rommel Johnson and Fanny 

Johnson, Eurisko Vocational Services LLC; 

Skenah Tennison and Jessie Tennison, 

Michigan Rehabilitation Services 

OCCMHA 

Disability Policy Update from DC VIA 

SKYPE: One of the nation's leading 

disability policy experts, Bobby Silverstein, 

Principal at Powers Pyles Sutter and 

Verville and ACCSES Legislative 

Consultant, will provide commentary on the 

progression of disability rights since the 

ADA, and an overview of the current state 

of policy and politics in Washington, DC. 

Robert "Bobby" Silverstein, Powers Pyles 

Sutter & Verville PC 

ACCSES Legislative Consultant Do-All 

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

The Job Coach and Employees with 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Current 

statistics show that adult service agencies 

will be experiencing a substantial increase in 

referrals for individuals with autism. In the 

employment process the job coach plays a 

vital role in insuring success for workers 

with ASD. Hear more about how trained job 

coaches make the difference. Bob 

Steinkamp, ASPPIRE,Inc. Goodwill WM 

A Spectrum of Services for Transitioning 

Youth As youth with disabilities transition 

from education, a coordinated continuum of 

services is essential. Best practices for 

transitioning youth should include 

collaboration with family and service 

providers, employability skills training, 

advocacy, and the development of business 

relationships. Goodwill presents services for 

all youth including ASD. Cyndi Langlois, 

Anthony Centille, and Scott Snowling, 

Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand 

Rapids Northern Transitions 

What's New With CARF Accreditation A 

brief overview of CARF accreditation and 

an update on changes to CARF standards 

and programs of service. Pete Hathaway, 

CARF International JVS 

Non-Profit Advocacy It is critical for your 

agency to have an effective public advocacy 

strategy. Learn the difference between 

"lobbying and advocating" with state 

leadership, and how to build your advocacy 

program. Go over actual real-life advocacy 

successes and map out your own using a 

real-life scenario. Randall Slikkers, Nonprofit Strategic Consulting; Sara Grivetti, 

Disability Network/Michigan MARO 

4:45 P.M.

MRA ANNUAL MEETING

MRA Room

5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Run Walk Roll with 

your Fellow Attendees

5:30 – 7:00 P.M.

Re:vive and Re:lax

HANGING OUT AT RE:CON

Join your fellow attendees for a Light 

Supper and discounted beer/wine

Northwoods/Manitou

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 

YOGA 6:30 – 7:15 A.M. – Do-All Room 

7:30 A.M. 

Breakfast in the Tower Pre-function Area Beginning at 8:00 A.M. Ignite Session

MRA/OCCMHA Rooms

9:15 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. Strategy in Turbulent Times Objective 1. 

Provide theory for developing strategy in 

times of rapid and turbulent change. 

Objective 2. Describe turbulence in public 

VR in Michigan (specifically MRS) 

Objective 3:Provide information of MRS's 

strategic plan for FY14 and beyond to 

demonstrate the theory in Obj. 1 in use. 

Objective 4: Answer questions of audience 

members. Lou Adams, Michigan 

Rehabilitation Services MRA/OCCMHA 

20 Years of Claims for Leave as a 

Reasonable Accommodation under the 

ADA Leave is an important accommodation 

for employees with disabilities. This 

presentation will outline the reasons that 

leave has been found to be reasonable or 

unreasonable, including employer leave 

policies and the medical support for the 

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

request. Stacy Hickox, Michigan State 

University Do-All 

Transitioning To Success I will share my 

journey on how I turned tragedy into a 

successful business story. I will walk you 

through my successes and failures. We will 

talk about who supported me and how you 

can support people who want to become 

entrepreneurs. Eric Thomas, EZ Awareness 

By Design Goodwill WM 

Promising employment-focused transition 

practices Presenters and audience will 

review and discuss the results of a case 

study designed to investigate promising and 

emerging practices leading to successful 

employment outcomes of transition youth 

customers, specifically those practices 

implemented by the best performing 

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) 

districts. Sukyeong Pi, Marwa Alsman, and 

Trent Landon Michigan State University; 

Cynthia Wright, Michigan Rehabilitation 

Services Northern Transitions 

Advancements in Vocational Evaluations 

for TBI Describe various methods for 

administering clinical vocational assessment 

protocols for purposes of determining clients 

functioning. This will include addressing 

specific neurocognitive and 

neurobehavioral, psycho-educational, and 

vocational rehabilitation assessments. 

Joseph Richert and Rene Dell, Special Tree 

Rehabilitation System JVS 

Psychological First Aid: Critical Incident 

Stress This presentation will identify critical 

incidents and discuss approaches used to 

effectively treat traumatic stress when it 

occurs in the workplace. Key components of 

an effective organization response to a 

critical incident will be discussed. Dr. James 

Gall, TBI Solutions MARO 

10:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Michigan Department of Community 

Health Update Policy updates from the 

director of the Bureau of Community Based 

Services within DCH's Behavioral Health 

Administration. Liz Knisely, State of 

Michigan-Bureau of Community Based 

Services MRA/OCCMHA 

Ethics at the Speed of Technology 

Advancements in technology, especially 

social media, means facing progressively 

sophisticated legal, ethical, and professional 

challenges. Implications of these 

advancements will be placed in context with 

current CRCC and ACA Codes of Ethics. 

Confidentiality, informed consent and 

professional ethical responsibilities will be 

discussed. Todd Lewicki, Erica 

Wondolowski, and Trenton Landon, 

Michigan State University Do-All 

Personality Disorders; Issues in Case 

Management Already given at many MRS 

sites in Michigan, workshop addresses 

personality disorders that interfere with case 

management, decisions about vocational 

training and job readiness. Topics cover (a) 

DSM-V classifications of Personality 

Disorders, (b) do's and don'ts in "personality 

management", and (c) predictors of 

vocational outcomes. Douglas Ruben PhD, 

Best Impressions International Inc 

Northern Transitions 

Successful outcomes for customers with 

Addiction Approximately 22.1% of VR 

applicants have an active substance use 

disorder. This presentation will discuss 

practical tools in the provision of services to 

this population that will achieve positive 

rehabilitation outcomes. Rommel Johnson 

and Fanny Johnson, Eurisko Vocational 

Services LLC JVS 

Economic Development Overview This 

is an overview of 

Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc. 

economic development in Michigan, with 

initiatives in business attraction, retention, 

and entrepreneurship. Clarinda will discuss the 

concept of Talent System Organization - 

combining MEDC Talent Enhancement, 

Workforce Development, and Local Partners 

-resulting in a thriving economy, and 

connecting companies with demand-driven 

talent. Clarinda Harrison, MEDC MARO Session room is indicated in Bold: MRA, MARO, JVS, Do-All etc.