Click here for a full brochure for all sessions and speakers.

This two-day convention will inspire self-advocates and families to be empowered to Live a Full Life as well as inspire professionals to support individuals with disabilities to have the opportunity to Live a Full Life! There are twenty-four breakout sessions. There are three keynote speakers, two luncheon presentations, over thirty presenters and a Wednesday Evening Reception Presentation.

The following are the keynote presenters:

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

“Aligning What We Do with What We Know for Employment of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”

David Michael Mank, Ph.D.

We know that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are capable of working in integrated job settings if they are well matched to a job and have individualized supports. We know many people with disabilities in sheltered settings and day programs wish to work and believe they are capable of working. We know that the methodologies already exist (and continue to be improved) to develop jobs, match skills and settings, and provide individualized supports. We know that some agencies, some communities and some states are new exemplars in delivering wage and integration outcomes based on personal choices.

The purpose of this session is to discuss the needed alignment of policies, funding and practice with these and other facts already established about what is clearly possible, yet far from prevalent, in our society.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

“Business as Unusual: Building Five-Star Futures”

Mike Mayer

The future of services for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities is   changing in Illinois.  This includes new conversations about what “quality of life” means and who is responsible for helping to make “Five-Star Futures” possible. 

There are many factors involved in this process, not the least of which is the Governor’s Rebalancing Initiative. This initiative known as ACCT (Active Community Care Transition), assists people moving from state operated facilities to homes and settings they have chosen with their families and advocates.  This presentation will share some of the information about what has already occurred with the closure of Jacksonville Developmental Center and where we are in the ACCT process at the Murray Center, and how this all relates to the shift in services and supports for people with disabilities.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

“The Health Care Reform Agenda Combined with Fiscal Pressures:

What Does the Future Hold?”            

Nancy Thaler

The Affordable Health Care Act has been affirmed by the Supreme Court and by the re-election of the President. States continue to face revenue challenges and the national debt is a problem yet to be tackled fully. Reform has become the watchword:  health care reform, payment reform, long term care reform and reform to comply with the Olmstead decision. The combination of fiscal pressures and reform efforts create opportunities for systems that serve people with developmental disabilities,   particularly if reform efforts are thought through carefully.

Click here for a full brochure for all sessions and speakers.