Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change.
Monday 4/22
8am SPADD Board of Directors Meeting
Canterbury
SPADD Board convenes.
8:30am Registration Opens
Conferee Desk
Guests check-in and receive bags and name badges.
Exhibitors open in McIntosh Ballroom
10am General Membership Meeting
Peachtree Ballroom
Conference welcome by SPADD President Ryan Whitmire including a viewing of SPADD’s 20th Anniversary video retrospective. Overview of SPADD’s event and general SPADD membership business.
10:15am [Opening Plenary] Living a Life Without Limits: Changing Systems to Change Lives
Peachtree Ballroom
Dr. Jean Accius presents a session that will inspire the audience to commit to re-imagining what the United States would look like – could look like – if we didn’t think of ourselves or the communities we serve as having to achieve something by breaking through barriers or overcoming hurdles. What if we went beyond “re-imagining” and actually began the work to build new systems, structures, programs, and processes where there were no barriers or hurdles to begin with? If we did that, just think about the possibilities … the opportunities … the equality … the healing … the power … and the prosperity that would fuel our economic, educational, physical, and emotional engines.
11:45am Lunch Break
McIntosh Foyer (Boxed Lunches will be served.)
Lunch & Learn A in Brooks: Gold sponsor Jazz Pharmaceuticals presents a Lunch & Learn session.
Lunch & Learn B in Caledonian: Gold sponsor The BI Collaborative present a Lunch & Learn session
1pm Breakout Session 1A
Managed Care 101: Managed Care Made Easy, An Introduction to Managed Care and Engagement Strategies
Caledonian
This session, presented by Founder and CEO of Consulting for Human Services (CFHS), Stacy DiStefano, will provide an overview of Medicaid managed care informed by the CFHS team with expertise working within managed care organizations, leading state agencies, and provider organizations. The audience will learn about key federal requirements and industry trends impacting managed care, as well as outline opportunities and strategies to engage with state leaders and managed care organizations.
1pm Breakout Session 1B
The Wellness Wheel: Creating healthy rhythms for self-care
Brooks
In the demanding field of caregiving, preventing burnout is crucial for maintaining a high standard of care. Dr. Nicole Thaxton from Atlanta Wellness Collective presents an insightful session designed to equip workers in the IDD field with practical strategies for prioritizing their well-being. Drawing from her expertise in mental health and wellness, Dr. Thaxton will delve into the concept of the Wellness Wheel, exploring how to cultivate balance and resilience. Through interactive discussions, attendees learn to identify key areas of self-care, establish healthy routines, and navigate stressors effectively. This session empowers participants to foster a culture of wellness within their organizations, ensuring sustained quality care while safeguarding their own mental and emotional health.
2:30pm Afternoon Break
McIntosh Ballroom (Snacks will be served.)
2:45pm Team Forum with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Leadership
Peachtree Ballroom
State of the State updates from DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Director of Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Ron Wakefield, and Division staff. An Interactive Q&A session with Director Wakefield and the Division team follows.
5:30pm Networking Cocktail Reception with DJ Alan featuring Karaoke & Dancing
Campbell, Campbell Foyer, and Campbell Courtyard
Sponsored by PrimeForce
8pm Day 1 Concludes / Dinner On Your Own
Tuesday 4/23
7:30am - 9am Breakfast
Peachtree Foyer (Breakfast Buffet will be served.)
8:30am Breakout Session 1A:
Employment Law Updates
Caledonian
Employment law expert Jonathan Martin returns with his popular annual update on legal trends impacting the I/DD workforce.
8:30am Breakout Session 1B:
DSP Advocacy Council Forum
Brooks
Deborah Conway with the newly formed Georgia DSP Advocacy Council leads this informative session. The mission of the Council is to collaborate with supporters and allies to influence social and policy change that enhances the DSP profession across Georgia.
This session will provide an overview of the work of the DSP Advocacy Council since its inception last fall. DSP Advocacy Council members will share about their work, advocacy, new learning and experience with DSPs attending the conference. DSPs attending the session will have an opportunity to participate in an activity called a “World Café”. The Word Café will be used to facilitate a conversation to learn more about what is important to DSPs and identify priorities from the perspective of the broader GA DSPs workforce.
10am Breakout Session 2A:
Empowering Through Supported Decision Making: Entrepreneurship in the IDD Community
Caledonian
Join Aarti, Amit, and Angad Sahgal in an inspiring session on "Empowering Through Supported Decision Making: Entrepreneurship in the IDD Community." In this dynamic presentation, the Sahgals will share their insights and experiences on how supported decision making can unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship within the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community. Drawing from their expertise as advocates and entrepreneurs, they will explore the principles of supported decision making and its transformative impact on individuals with IDD.
10am Breakout Session 2B:
A Technology First Journey from the Pre-COVID Era to Today
Brooks
With decades of experience at the intersection of technology and disability services, Harold Sloves offers a unique perspective on leveraging technology as a catalyst for innovation and person-centered care in the IDD field. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the core principles of Technology First and its role in promoting independence, community inclusion, and empowerment.
11:20am Keynote:
The Improvaneer Method
Caledonian
Join author, comedian, and Creator of The Improvaneers, Rob Snow, for this energetic and fun-filled presentation. Improvisation teaches so many valuable skills, like problem-solving, quick-thinking, teamwork, listening, as well as building self-confidence and communication skills like voice projection and eye contact. If these skills can be taught to those with developmental disabilities, their work, social, and lifetime opportunities could expand greatly and with that, perceptions can begin to change, too. Look for YouTube sensation Nick Doyle to join Rob onstage!
12:30pm Conference Closing: Luncheon and Annual Awards Ceremony
Peachtree Ballroom
Sponsored by Qlarant and Carelon
We close our time together by celebrating SPADD Members and association partners who have done pivotal, influential work over the past year.
National speaker and YouTube star Nick Doyle closes the conference with his show Unleashing the Big Dog - My Roller Coaster Journey to Success. In this heartfelt performance, Nick shares his powerful personal story and talks about his life with Down syndrome and his handling of fame from Youtube and TV appearances.