Neurodiversity Rules! IAC 12th Annual Conference: Full Schedule

8:30am EDT

Breakfast and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 15, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

Welcome and Opening Presentation-A Conversation with Ari Wallach

Speakers

Ari Wallach

Founder and Executive Director, Longpath Labs

Ari Wallach is a futurist and social systems strategist. He is the founder and Executive Director of Longpath Labs, an initiative focused on bringing long-term thinking and coordinated behavior to the individual, organizational, and societal realms in order to ensure humanity flourishes... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

10:15am EDT

OPWDD Update with Commissioner Kerri Neifeld

Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:15am - 10:45am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

10:45am EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:45am - 11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

A New Tuition Methodology : Hope for the Future but Immediate Fiscal Challenges Remain - How should our schools prepare?

Moderated by Chris Treiber

Moderators

Christopher Treiber

Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, IAC

Christopher Treiber, MSW, has been the Associate Executive Director for Children’s Services for the InterAgency Council for Developmental Disability Agencies for the past 11 years. He provides high-level technical expertise on a program, fiscal management, and strategic planning... Read More →

Speakers

Scott Barkin

CEO, Block Institute

Christina Muccioli

Patrick Yu

Baker Tilly

Patrick is a market leader of the New York Metro area and partner in the healthcare/not-for-profit services practice group in the New York regional office of Baker Tilly. Patrick has more than 27 years of experience providing various audit, review, accounting, and consulting services... Read More →

Koren Chen

Director; Transaction Services, Forvis

Koren has approximately 15 years of public accounting experience providing a broad range of attestation and advisory services to nonprofit, healthcare, and human services organizations, with specific focus on agencies serving the disabled population, children in special education... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 706/708

11:00am EDT

It's the Start that Stops Most People

If you change the question, you will change the conversation. This interactive session will assist participants with starting crucial conversations in a way that ensure ongoing dialogue and understanding, even when opposing opinions are present.

Speakers

Dr. Alonzo Kelly

Strategic Leadership Partner & Executive Coach, Kelly Leadership Group

A dynamic Executive Coach, Professor, 3x Best Selling Author, and Radio Host, Dr. Alonzo Kelly has gained international and global attention as a premier consultant and strategist. Alonzo is recognized as one the nation’s leading experts on leadership development, strategic thinking... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

11:00am EDT

Retaining Your Best Employees: Legal Strategies with "Staying" Power

This seminar will discuss such strategies as recognizing and responding to requests for reasonable accommodations/leaves, recognizing and responding to allegations of discrimination/harassment/retaliation, and documenting steps to discipline/fire employees. We will also address case law involving when it's appropriate or permissible to separate an employee due to off-duty conduct, including "controversial" social media posts.

Speakers

Jennie Woltz Esq.

Founding Partner, Woltz & Folkinshteyn P.C.

Jennie Woltz has made smart, compassionate, employment and labor law solutions the focus of her legal career.Before co-founding WFPC, Jennie honed her legal expertise in private legal practice at some of New York’s most prestigious law firms. Jennie also worked in a dual legal and... Read More →

Benjamin Folkinshteyn

Founding Partner, Woltz & Folkinshteyn P.C.

Benjamin (Ben) Folkinshteyn has broad experience in domestic and international dispute resolution, including contract and tort matters, corporate governance litigation, as well as insurance litigation and arbitration. He regularly counsels clients on litigation avoidance strategies... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 655/653

12:00pm EDT

Lunch and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 15, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

12:45pm EDT

DEIAB Initiatives- A Legal Perspective with Woltz & Folkinshteyn P.C.

This seminar will discuss the "rules of the road" when it comes to DEIAB initiatives, including when well-intentioned initiatives "go too far." This seminar will be guided by legislative initiatives and guidance around diversity in NY, and the Supreme Court case involving Harvard's affirmative action program.

Speakers

Jennie Woltz Esq.

Founding Partner, Woltz & Folkinshteyn P.C.

Benjamin Folkinshteyn

Founding Partner, Woltz & Folkinshteyn P.C.

Wednesday May 15, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

12:45pm EDT

Panel on Transitioning to Adult Services

Education Professionals play a crucial role in preparing students and their families in identifying and reaching their personal and professional goals once they leave the school setting. Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities have a variety of choices available to them once they leave school to assist them in achieving these goals.
This presentation will provide attendees with a better understanding of opportunities available to students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities post-graduation and how professionals can use the transition process to identify and creatively implement educational goals to serve as a catalyst for students in achieving their vocational, higher educational and personal goals and objectives.

Speakers

Steve Towler

AHRC NYC

Steve is currently the Senior Vice President for Employment and Day Services at AHRC NYC Chapter (NYSARC, Inc.). He has over 35 years of experience developing Employment and Training Programs for people with disabilities and at-risk youth. He currently has a Master’s Degree... Read More →

Michele Shapiro

Michele Shapiro is a Director at AHRC NYC in their Employment and Business Services Unit. She has over 35 years of experience in the field of vocational services for individuals with developmental disabilities. She assists in developing new and creative initiatives to help individuals... Read More →

Alex Elegudin

Project Director - Postsecondary Readiness Project, Advocates for Children

Alex Elegudin is an accomplished accessibility professional and advocate with over a decade of experience in the disability community. After a life-changing spinal cord injury in 2003 he became a quadriplegic. Yet he persevered, graduated from Hofstra University Law School, and became... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 706/708

12:45pm EDT

WEATHER EFFECTS ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES-A CAUTION

Have you noticed the weather has been crazy recently? One day it’s 20 degrees and the next it’s in the mid-50s. Did this summer feel hotter? It was the warmest on record for NYC. Do you remember flooding like we’ve seen recently in NYC before?

Significant weather events have an incredible impact on people with disabilities. People with disabilities are 4x more likely to die or be injured in climate emergencies.

This session will highlight why it is important to be aware of how we are supporting people with disabilities in the community. As programs become less center-based and more independent, we need to ensure that safety measures are in place, many of which will be different from what we are currently doing. Face it, we don’t just run group homes anymore! And, in making these changes, we have to look at our structure and infrastructure differently.

Speakers

Margaret J. Gould

The Visions Center for Creative Management

Margaret J. (Peg) Gould is President/CEO of The VISIONS Center for Creative Management, a national consulting firm specializing in effective management and quality supports. Ms. Gould directs the Training Collaborative for Innovative Leadership, a project of multiple community providers... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 655/653

1:45pm EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 15, 2024 1:45pm - 2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Supporting Workplace Well-being: A W.I.D.E. Path to Fuel Flourishing

On the heels of a global pandemic, economic downturn and ongoing social justice issues, workplace stress is at an all-time high. More holistic, human-centered and intersectional approaches are required to equip organizational leaders in the fields of intellectual and developmental disabilities to create environments where everyone can thrive. To shift from crisis mode to catalyst, organizational leaders must develop skills to advance workforce well-being and build a culture of wellness.

Applying a W.I.D.E. lens that advances wellness, inclusion, diversity and equity is mission critical to cultivate both individual and organizational flourishing.

Following this session, participants will be able to: ● Apply a holistic framework to Wellness and DEI to prioritize growth opportunities that advance workforce well-being ● Define the Nine Essentials of Total Health to understand the intersections between well-being and workforce development ● Explore industry trends and case studies highlighting promising practices in creating a culture of wellness to empower leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities ● Identify your personal risk factors for burnout and develop strategies to mitigate workplace stress

Speakers

Anniedi Essien

Chief Swagger Officer, Idem Spark LLC

Anniedi Essien is a health disruptor, keynote speaker and growth strategist. As CEO of Idem Spark, Anniedi leverages over twenty years of health industry experience, workforce well-being expertise and a people-ﬁrst mindset to consult top business leaders on business strategies to... Read More →

Christina Farinacci-Roberts

Founder and CEO, Head Heart Hands Consulting

Christina Farinacci-Roberts is a former NYCDOE high school principal turned founder and CEO of Head Heart Hands Consulting, an award winning education & equity consultancy. She works with thought leaders and pioneering organizations to strengthen strategy, catalyze culture and optimize... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

3:15pm EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 15, 2024 3:15pm - 3:30pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

Ethical Use of AI in Service Provision

This presentation offers an introduction into the world of AI, outlining both the advantages and the potential risks associated with its adoption in service delivery. We will explore the crucial factors that agencies should consider when implementing AI, highlighting the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. Attendees will learn about the power of AI to customize and improve care, while also being made aware of the importance of preventing biases and preserving the quality of services for individuals with disabilities.

Speakers

Kristi Boyd

Senior Trustworthy AI Specialist, SAS

Kristi Boyd is the Senior Trustworthy AI Specialist at SAS and an AI Ethicist. With degrees in International Business and Technology Ethics degrees, CIPT certification, and experience in QA & Product Management, she speaks regularly on AI Ethics and Governance and has contributed... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

4:30pm EDT

Cocktail Hour Sponsored by Vincent J. Dicalogero, CPAs LLC and BDO

Wednesday May 15, 2024 4:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

8:30am EDT

Breakfast and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 16, 2024 8:30am - 9:00am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

9:00am EDT

Awards Ceremony

Thursday May 16, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

9:30am EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 16, 2024 9:30am - 9:45am EDT

9:45am EDT

Aging and Autism: Understanding and Planning for the Needs of Older Adults with ASD

The longevity of the ID/DD population has created many challenges for the service network and families who care for this population. This workshop will elucidate many of these challenges and highlight some promising program designs and opportunities to better meet the unique needs of older adults with ID/DD. The workshop will describe the need for strategic partnerships with the general and robust Aging Service network in NYC and plans for creating an inclusive and age friendly New York, where all can achieve their best quality of life as they age.

Speakers

Donna Corrado PhD, LCSW

Donna Corrado, PhD, LCSW, has dedicated her career to expanding and improving social services for NYC’s most vulnerable residents, displaying deep compassion and creativity in responding to human needs, particularly as a champion for the disabled and older adults. She previously... Read More →

Dr. Robin Fenley

Dr. Robin Fenley has over three decades of experience in the field of aging services, encompassing community, long term care, and government sectors, with an expertise in caregiving. Retiring from the NYC Dept for the Aging (now Aging NYC) as Assistant Commissioner, Robin currently... Read More →

Randy Horowitz M.S.Ed., S.A.S.

Associate Executive Director of Education and Adult Services, Eden II Programs

Randy has a Master of Science in Education from Queens College and a Certificate of School Administration and Supervision from the College of New Rochelle. Randy is currently a doctoral candidate in the educational leadership program at Concordia University. Randy started her career... Read More →

Thursday May 16, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 706/708

9:45am EDT

Breakout Session with Suzanne Bolling and Nell Brady-SED

Speakers

Nell Brady

Director of the Rate Setting, Contract Administration, and STAC/Medicaid Units, New York State Education Department

Nell Brady is the director of the Rate Setting, Contract Administration, and STAC/Medicaid Units at the New York State Education Department. She oversees the Department’s contracting and procurement work, as well as the tuition rate-setting and claiming processes for approved special... Read More →

Suzanne Bolling

New York State 619 Coordinator and Assistant Counsel, New York State Education Department Office of Special Education

Suzanne is the New York State 619 Coordinator and Assistant Counsel with the New York State Education Department Office of Special Education. She currently oversees the Preschool Policy, Nondistrict, and Incident Management Units in their work to issue guide, provide technical assistance... Read More →

Thursday May 16, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 655/653

9:45am EDT

Neurodiversity: The Opportunity to Lead

The word itself is so young and the science on which its based is still emergent, but one thing feels clear: ‘neurodiversity’ has the rare resonance of a word that suggests new worlds of possibilities. It betokens a paradigm shift, a new perspective that changes the way we order reality.
We know better than most that devaluing people with different brains is not only cruel but impractical. We have the right to applaud any shift toward acceptance and inclusion. What we don’t have is time: before we celebrate, we need to focus on the opportunity and obligation this represents to us, the organizations best positioned to realize the promise of this powerful idea. This wonderfully simple, revolutionary word undermines dichotomies like normal/disabled and advanced/delayed by re-framing varied intelligences as natural.
We have the passion and hard-won expertise to shape a different future: the possibilities for new relevance, new partnerships, new funding, and new approaches await.

Speakers

Danny Abelson

Owner, The Abelson Company

The Abelson Company is a communication firm based in NYC and London with a diverse clientele. We have always focussed on non-profits--from The Metropolitan Museum and the New York Philharmonic to Women for Women International and The Oxford Health Alliance, and in recent decades... Read More →

Thursday May 16, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

11:00am EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 16, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am EDT

11:15am EDT

Finding a Functional Pathway to Move to the Vision of CMS’s HCBS Final Settings Rule

Most everyone agrees with the vision of CMS’s final settings rule, but what’s the best way to get there from where we are now? This presentation will outline the functions of group care that keep us stuck, explore the significance of cultivating next-generation care models, and provide a practical and affordable how-to guide for advancing current services towards the final rule. GoodLife and its University of Kansas partners have extensive experience in developing and delivering technology-leveraged services models (since 1999). We will share valuable insights into the effectiveness and necessity of integrating remote and in-home support technologies into HUMAN service models. We will also discuss why traditional service approaches can’t deliver what our customers want and need to live a good life. We will address the challenge of balancing rights and requirements with support emphasizing choice, self-direction, dignity, safety, inclusion, privacy, and independence in the least intrusive care setting. Attendees will better understand how organically combining remote and in-home support can advance these expectations for semi-independent and vulnerable populations. Finally, we will discuss how we can improve the stability and capacity of our direct support workforce to more effectively deliver this vision in increasingly smaller settings. Through case studies and evidence-based strategies, the presentation will also give you a peek into our award-winning, next-generation community service models that make a meaningful difference in the quality of life of those who need support to live with greater independence and also support the DSPs that make this mission possible

Speakers

Dr. Mike Strouse

President/CEO, GoodLife Innovations, iLink Technologies, The Strouse Group Inc.

Dr. Michael Strouse is the President/CEO of GoodLife Innovations, iLink Technologies, and The StrouseGroup, Inc. He holds a courtesy faculty appointment with the Dept. of Applied Behavioral Sciences atthe University of Kansas. Dr. Strouse has worked for over three decades on the development... Read More →

Thursday May 16, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

12:30pm EDT

Lunch and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 16, 2024 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712

1:15pm EDT

The Times They Are A'Changing Part 2: Time for Providers to Lead the Way

As the field of developmental disability services has evolved, we are at a critical point. Grassroots discussions have begun across the state to remodel the provision of services, funding and the regulatory base of the field.
The panel will discuss the future of the revision of services and a more individualized flexible model of support.

Speakers

Mike Alvaro

President and CEO, CP of NYS

Mike Alvaro is the President and CEO of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State (CP State). Mr. Alvaro joined the Agency in October 2003 and has overseen the Associations’ regulatory and policy issue advocacy and education at the State level. CP State was founded over... Read More →

Stephen Freeman

President/CEO, STEPHEN FREEMAN GROUP

Stephen is the President & CEO of the Stephen Freeman Group, LLC and the Strategic Consultant for IAC. He has worked in the field of not-for-profit social service and health care organizations for over 40 years and was the CEO of one of the largest not-for-profit organizations in... Read More →

Nicholas A. Cappoletti

CEO, ACA NY/LIFEPlan CCO

Nick Cappoletti is the CEO of ACA NY and LIFEPlan CCO (Care Coordination Organizations). Two of seven Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) created in 2018 by New York State to provide comprehensive care management to people with I/DD (intellectual and/or developmental disabilities... Read More →

Brett Friedman

Partner, Ropes & Gray

Brett Friedman is a health care attorney and partner in the New York City office of Ropes & Gray, where he advises clients at the forefront of the health care industry in areas such as government insurance programs, digital health, accountable care and value-based payments, and regulatory compliance. Brett provides valuable insight and solutions to health care companies and investors navigating complex transactional, regulatory, enforceme... Read More →

Courtney Burke

Principal, Sachs Policy Group

Courtney E. Burke is a Principal at Sachs Policy Group and a Senior Fellow in Health Policy at the Rockefeller Institute of Government. She has held several high-ranking positions in state government, healthcare organizations, and boards. Her positions have included chief operating... Read More →

Thursday May 16, 2024 1:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
UJA-Federation The Conference Center Room 710/712