Workshop Descriptions

Description: This workshop will build on Bobby Silverstein’s keynote presentation to describe the underlying goals of disability policy and specific strategies that can be used to effect community-based system change. How can the new disability policy framework, including core principles of independent living, be used in systems change initiatives to achieve concrete results in the lives of people with disabilities?

Description: The purpose of this session is to evaluate and challenge the current state of Independent Living and develop a vision and model for making centers high impact, powerful, and results oriented.

Description: The best in transition services workshop offers an overview of three models funded by the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities using Individuals with Disabilities Education Act discretionary resources aimed at enhancing transition outcomes for youth with disabilities across New York State.

Description: This workshop will discuss how independent living centers and other disability organizations can ensure they are meeting the needs of people from a variety of backgrounds and are fully welcoming to all.  How can centers fully engage people from a variety of cultural and ethnic groups in center activities and improve their capacity to offer services that are consistent with and supportive of all cultures?

Description: This session will discuss the results of coordinated nursing facility diversion projects around the state.  We will concentrate on the consistently identified barriers to community living and successful methods staff and consumers used to overcome the barriers.

Description: Nonprofits are increasingly scrutinized by auditors as well as our constituencies regarding financial management and any appearance of wrongdoing. In this session, participants will learn some practical tips and tools for implementing financial risk management strategies to mitigate fraud risk and strengthen internal controls.

Description: This panel will focus on the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council cooperative initiative with VESID and Independent Living Centers to demonstrate methods of providing peer based assistance in preparing for, identifying, obtaining and maintaining employment.

Description: Participants will learn how to access an online site to record voting discrimination complaints for Election Day 2006. This process will be crucial given that NYS will not fully comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2006.

Description: Organizations representing people with disabilities often find individuals can only be assisted by changing the systems that impact their lives. This is a case study of how a community-based agency can accomplish systems change outcomes by collaborating with legal professionals.

Description: This session provides a basic overview of ways to empower young people with disabilities to take the lead in their life and become active participants in the design and implementation of services.

Description: This workshop examines the ins and outs of Medicaid Managed Care and resources for navigating the plans. Segments include: choosing a plan, monitoring benefits and care, and the appeals process.

Description: The New York State Independent Living Council will facilitate public input on the formulation of the Statewide Plan for Independent Living for 2008-2010.

Description: Advocates have long focused on ending forced psychiatric treatment and supporting the right to choose services in the mental health system.  The long term care system presents similar challenges to an individual’s right to choose services and supports, and to receive them in the community, not institutions.  This workshop will address the shared dilemmas and strategies available to advocates and individuals struggling to get the services they need and want, rather than those the mental health and long term care systems think they should have.