See what’s in store for our 2023 Convention Breakouts! Descriptions of each session are available below. Plan your Convention experience by choosing the breakout sessions that meet your needs, or follow a breakout track to let us choose for you!
Breakout Session 1 – 11:05 AM to 11:50 AM
Supporting Spanish-Speaking Families
Be Empowered | Waterford A
Hispanic individuals are the second largest minority group in Maryland, representing nearly 600,000 people and more than 9% of the population. This session, find out how organizations that support people with IDD and their families are reaching this growing community to learn about their needs, hopes, and desires, and connecting them with needed services and supports.
Session Speakers:
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- Katherine Lopez, Bilingual Program Administrator, The Arc Prince George’s County
- Lisa Lorraine, Breaking Barriers Manager, Jubilee Association of Maryland
- Rosa Raez, Hispanic Outreach Coordinator and Support Coordinator, The Arc of Frederick County
Keys to a Fulfilling L.I.F.E. ™
Be Dynamic | Waterford B
Legislation, Independence, Family, and Education are instrumental for individuals with disabilities to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life. Learn how these four cornerstones intertwine and how to best advocate for each one in order to promote self-determination, equal opportunity, and personal empowerment for the disability community.
Session Speaker:
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- Russell Lehmann, Thought leader, Public Speaker, Poet, and Advocate
Exercising Choice and Control in Traditional Provider Supports
Be Innovative | Amphitheater
A misconception of provider organizations is that services and supports are “provider-driven.” In reality, The Arc has a long-standing operating philosophy and practice of self-direction: the understanding that people with IDD and their families are best supported when they have maximized opportunities to design and drive their services and supports, and exercise choice and control. Come hear how this is possible, and discover opportunities for you or your loved one to live a self-determined life within a traditional service provider model.
Session Speakers:
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- Shauna Mulcahy, Executive Director, The Arc of Frederick County
- Aaron Stephens, Special Projects Director, The Arc of Frederick County
Legislative Wrap Up
Be Enlightened | Merriweather
Join policy and advocacy experts in a panel discussion on the outcomes of the 2023 Maryland Legislative Session. Learn about the Maryland state budget for developmental disabilities services and education, and hear about the successes and disappointments of this past legislative session. There were a variety of fantastic bills passed in 2023 that have implications for people with IDD and their family members. This is your chance to dive into them, and make plans for the future of our advocacy!
Session Speakers:
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- Ande Kolp, Executive Director, The Arc Maryland
- Rachel London, Esq., Executive Director, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
- Cody Drinkwater, Policy Assistant, People On the Go of Maryland
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Randi Ames, Managing Attorney, Disability Rights Maryland
Breakout Session 2 – 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
Empowering Next-Gen Leaders with IDD for Self-Advocacy
Be Empowered | Waterford A
Self-advocate groups across the state lead the grassroots charge in local and statewide movements. How can organizations support and empower their work in partnership to maximize efforts? In this session, you will learn about the elements to form and sustain a successful self-advocacy group. Our toolkit includes tips for engaging people with IDD, and provides examples of meeting structures, schedules, and activities that are designed to connect, educate, encourage, and empower individuals with IDD to use their voices for systems change!
Session Speakers:
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- Megan Dewing, Support Coordinator, The Arc of Frederick County
- Kevin Cook, Empowering Partners Facilitator, The Arc of Frederick County
- Josh Delclos, Empowering Partners Facilitator, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
- Neill Christopher, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
- Erica Wheeler, Empowering Partners Facilitator, The Arc Carroll County
- Mariel Ramey, Compliance Specialist and Empowering Partners Chapter Liaison, The Arc Carroll County
“Lean In” and Lead with a Generative Lens
Be Dynamic | Waterford B
During this interactive, insightful session, Marc will share his perspectives on how individuals, teams, organizations, and whole communities benefit from leaning into and leading through a generative, appreciative, and strength-based lens.
Marc will share new models and alternative ways of approaching the challenges, problems, and issues facing us all and, he will share concrete examples of applying a Generative Lens to the work he is doing through the Center for Leadership Innovation. If you plan to attend, come ready to listen, share, and gain insight that you can apply immediately to yourself, your organization, and your community.
Session Speaker:
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- Marc Kolp, Director, UMBC Center for Leadership and Innovation
Inclusive Justice for People with IDD
Be Innovative | Amphitheater
The session overviews promising practices that create safeguards and build bridges of communication between the disability and criminal justice communities. It covers topics such as: understanding disability and criminal justice legal obligations toward the disability community; providing appropriate accommodations and supports; identifying and addressing ongoing needs in the community; effectively identifying and communicating with people with IDD; and knowing more about resources available to people with IDD in their communities.
Learn more about these promising practices and how to collaborate with local, state, and national criminal justice and disability organizations to pave the way for a more inclusive, safer, and fairer justice system that respects the rights of all involved.
Session Speaker:
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- Joshua B. Branch, Program Attorney and Manager of Disability Justice Initiatives at The Arc US
Planning for the Future
Be Enlightened | Merriweather
What will happen to me if I want to work but I also need to keep my benefits? What will happen to my loved one when I am no longer here? In this breakout session, find out about how you can secure your own financial future, and/or create a financial plan for a loved one to ensure they will be taken care of when you can no longer help them. Tools in this session include information on benefits, ABLE accounts, special needs trusts, and other future planning resources.
Session Speakers:
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- Kelly Nelson, Outreach and Communications Manager, Maryland ABLE
- Tia Marsili, Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia
- Reanna Weatherford, Assistant Director of Trusts, The Arc of Northern Virginia
Breakout Session 3 – 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Solving The DSP Workforce Crisis: The ‘State of The State’ and Ways In Which The Arc Is Meeting the Challenges Head On
Be Empowered | Waterford A
Hiring and recruiting a qualified workforce to support Marylanders with IDD is no small task. Non-profit service providers in Maryland and across the country have worked diligently to address this issue for decades, and yet, the gap is deepening. In this session, attendees will get a better understanding of the issues and learn about how some organizations have changed their strategies and practices to recruit and retain Direct Support Professionals. Come learn how chapters of The Arc are providing opportunities and paths for Careers and turning the corner on the workforce shortage.
Session Speakers:
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- Joanne Scott, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Director, Human Resources, The Arc Carroll County
- Michelle Wright, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region
Designing an Individualized Housing Plan for the Life You Want in the Community You Choose
Be Innovative | Amphitheater
The envisioned future: moving toward person-centered housing in communities people choose. How has housing developed over time for people with IDD? From large congregate settings to home ownership, the future is wide open for those interested in exploring what housing can look like. This session shares valuable information about Housing Support Services that are available under the DDA Waivers, HUD 811, and Weinberg, and how you can access resources and opportunities to obtain the housing people want.
Session Speakers:
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- Katie Collins-Ihrke, Executive Director, The Arc Howard County
- Diane Lewis, Senior Director of Community Programs, The Arc Washington County
- Casey Roberts, Sr., Director of Community Living, The Arc Southern Maryland
Employment: The Possibilities are Endless!
Be Enlightened | Merriweather
Finding a job is an exciting (ok, and sometimes “daunting”) process that most people experience in life. Luckily, for individuals with IDD, we are here, equipped to guide you along your career discovery, exploration, and landing your dream job!
In this breakout session, learn best practices from chapters of The Arc as they work with individuals to pair their skills, talents, and interests with jobs they enjoy and careers in which they can thrive! Learn how The Arc is taking job development and employment support to the next level in Maryland.
Session Speakers:
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Kimberly Scroggins, CESP, Director of Business Services, The Arc Baltimore
- Kasey Venn, Statewide Employment and Meaningful Day Services Coordinator, Maryland Department of Health, Developmental Disabilities Administration
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