Schedule
Sunday, October 4, 2026
1:00 – 4:00 pm: Preconference Sessions
A Deep Dive Into Effective Strategies for Stabilizing the Direct Support Workforce. This session will explore new strategies to strengthen the direct support workforce, including the revised NADSP Code of Ethics, SupportWise, an organizational culture assessment tool, and two certifications: DSP-TAP and E-Badge Academy. It will also discuss findings from ARPA-funded workforce investments in New York and Georgia. Presented by Carol Britton Laws (University of Georgia), Kris Foss (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), Julie Kramme (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), Sandy Pettingell (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), John Raffaele (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals), and Tony Thomas (retired CEO of Welcome House).
Algorithms Don't Create Culture, Humans Do: How to Promote Curiosity and Innovation across Your Organization and Teams. This Interactive session will explore how leaders can promote and support curiosity and critical thinking among their employees and find creative ways to improve their organization. Presented by Caitlin Bailey and Kristen Loomis, the co-directors of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities.
Enhancing Employment: Strategies, Supports, and Policies Across the Lifespan. This session will present information on research, policies, and best practices to help attendees consider their role in facilitating competitive integrated employment outcomes across the lifespan. Presented by Lindsay DuBois (Human Services Research Institute), Jean Winsor (University of Massachusetts), Karen Lee, Meg Grigal (University of Massachusetts Boston), and Nicole LeBlanc (Human Services Research Institute).
Monday, October 5, 2026
7:30 – 8:30 am: Continental breakfast
7:30 am – 6:00 pm: Exhibits open
8:30 – 10:00 am: Plenary Session Keynote Address
How States Can Go Boldly Into the Future, Given Where We Are with Medicaid. Presented by Kate McEvoy (National Association of Medicaid Directors).
10:00 – 10:30 am: Exclusive exhibit time/break
10:30 – 11:30 am: Breakout Sessions A
Reinventing Self-Direction: Following the Lead of Those with Lived Experience. Presented by Robert Zotynia (Values into Action), BJ Stasio (advocate), Marian Frattarola-Saulino (Values into Action), and Anita Cameron (We Were There Too). This presentation is part of the conference's Person-Centered Supports, Self-Determination, & Innovation strand.
From Research to Action: Clear Communication for Inclusion and Impact. Presented by Jerry Smith (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration) and Rebecca Monteleone (University of Toledo). This presentation is part of the conference's Storytelling, Leadership, & Collective Power strand.
Bigger is Not Always Better. Presented by Rachel Boynton (Athenama M&A) and Josh Boynton (Athenama M&A). This presentation is part of the conference's Quiet & Insidious Threats strand.
The Secret Sauce to Working with People with IDD to Leverage Data for Systems Change. Presented by Laura Smith Butler (University of Kentucky), Guy Caruso (Temple University), and Josh Sudarma (California Department of Developmental Disabilities). This presentation is part of the conference's Quality Improvement & Measuring Impact in Tough Times strand.
Supporting People with Significant Support Needs in the Community. Presented by Alison Barkoff (George Washington University), Carole Rosen (Human Services Research Institute), and Sarah Louer (Mountain Lake Services). This presentation is part of the conference's Community Solutions to Access & Support Issues strand.
Self-Advocates in Medicaid Policy. Presented by Max Barrow (Green Mountains Self-Advocates). This presentation is part of the conference's Medicaid Advocacy & Alternatives strand.
11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Lunch on your own/exhibit time
1:30 – 2:30 pm: Breakout Sessions B
Building a Grassroots Movement, Again: National Self-Direction Groups. Presented by Molly Morris (The Self-Direction Center), Jennifer Drganc (Harry Meyering Center), and Jamie C. Ray-Leonetti (Temple University). This presentation is part of the conference's Person-Centered Supports, Self-Determination, & Innovation strand.
Best Practices in Direct Support Workforce Initiatives: The 2026 Moving Mountains Award Panel. Panelists TBD. This panel is part of the conference's Sustaining & Strengthening the Direct Support Workforce strand.
Managed Care Contracting Models. Presented by Seth Kilber (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services) and Michele Hayden (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services). This presentation is part of the conference's Quiet & Insidious Threats strand.
Person-Centered Quality Measurement: What We've Learned and Where to Go From Here. Presented by Kaitlyn Stober (Brandeis University), Joe Caldwell (Brandeis University), Mary Kay Rizzolo (The Council on Quality and Leadership), Courtney Kelly Chapman (The Council on Quality and Leadership), Zandam Hussaini (Human Services Research Institute), and Henan Li (Human Services Research Institute). This presentation is part of the conference's Quality Improvement & Measuring Impact in Tough Times strand.
Youth Leading the Way: Rights and Choices in Community Living. Presented by Morgan Whitlatch (Center for Public Representation), Giancarlo Vicari (Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice), and Corissa Pittman (Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice). This presentation is part of the conference's Community Solutions to Access & Support Issues strand.
2:30 – 3:00 pm: Exclusive exhibit time/break
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Breakout Sessions C
Crisis or Opportunity: Innovating in HCBS via Self-Managing Teams. Presented by Julie Corredato (Values into Action), Kristian Smith-Diaz (Values into Action), and Rachel Milano-Davis (Values into Action). This presentation is part of the conference's Person-Centered Supports, Self-Determination, & Innovation strand.
Self-Direction: YOU are the Employer. Presented by Marian Frattarola-Saulino (Values into Action). This presentation is part of the conference's Sustaining & Strengthening the Direct Support Workforce strand.
Utilizing Smart Technology to Promote Quality Services and Supports. Presented by Jesse Brian McMorris (advocate), Kristen Salkas (Envision Unlimited), and Tina Marie Lowry (Envision Unlimited). This presentation is part of the conference's Digital Access & Technology Supports strand.
Examining the Impact of Statewide Policies on Statewide DSP Workforce Outcomes. Presented by Diogo Fortes (Johns Hopkins University), Julie Bershadsky (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), Sarah Angell (PHI National), and Adrienne Mazeau (New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities). This presentation is part of the conference's Quality Improvement & Measuring Impact in Tough Times strand.
Rethinking Community-Based Program Models and Advocating for Change: Extending What We Know to Advocate for Change. Presented by Sally English (Adlib Center for Independent Living), Kate Brady (Human Services Research Institute), and Rachel Milano-Davis (Values into Action). This presentation is part of the conference's Community Solutions to Access & Support Issues strand.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
7:30 – 8:30 am: Continental breakfast in the Maryland Foyer
7:30 am – 12:00 pm: Exhibits open
8:30 – 10:00 am: Plenary Session Keynote Address
Promoting Access with Assistive Technology and Knowledge Translation. Presented by Jordyn Zimmerman (educator and advocate), Sherri Larson (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), and Jean Winsor (University of Massachusetts).
10:00 – 10:30 am: Exclusive exhibit time/break
10:30 – 11:30 am: Breakout Sessions D
Resilient Leadership: Leading Organizations Where People Want to Work. Presented by Caitlin Bailey (The National Leadership Consortium) and Kristen Loomis (The National Leadership Consortium). This presentation is part of the conference's Preparedness & Resilience strand.
Voices that Endure: Stories of Resistance and Renewal in Disability Services. Presented by BJ Stasio (advocate) and Hari Kannan (advocate). This presentation is part of the conference's Storytelling, Leadership, & Collective Power strand.
Enabling Technology Engagement Network: Systems Focus on Technology. Presented by Donald Clark (Office of Policy, Planning & Innovation, Washington, D.C. Department on Disability Services). This presentation is part of the conference's Digital Access & Technology Supports strand.
Medicaid Policy Updates and Issues. Presented by Kim Musheno (The Arc of the United States) and Lydia Dawson (American Network of Community Options and Resources). This presentation is part of the conference's Medicaid Advocacy & Alternatives strand.
Aiming (and Missing) for Stability in an Ever-Changing Market. Presented by Drew Smith (Alvarez & Marsal), Val Bradley (Human Services Research Institute), and Dorothy Hiersteiner (Human Services Research Institute). This presentation is part of the conference's Quiet & Insidious Threats strand.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch on your own
1:00 – 2:00 pm: Breakout Sessions E
Creating a Legacy of Resilience, Increasing Internal and External Resources in the Culture of Agriculture. Presented by Chad Reznicek (Colorado AgrAbility Project). This presentation is part of the conference's Preparedness & Resilience strand.
Narrative as a Tool for Change. Presented by Greta Cunningham (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration). This presentation is part of the conference's Storytelling, Leadership, & Collective Power strand.
AI: Changing the Field for Better or Worse? Presented by Andrea Palmer (Awake Labs) and Colin Killick (Autistic Self Advocacy Network). This presentation is part of the conference's Digital Access & Technology Supports strand.
Alternatives to Medicaid LTSS: Competitive Employment and Inclusive Postsecondary Education. Presented by Meg Grigal (University of Massachusetts Boston) and Clare Papay (University of Massachusetts Boston). This presentation is part of the conference's Medicaid Advocacy & Alternatives strand.
New & Newsworthy: Strategies for Stabilizing the Direct Support Workforce. Presented by Carol Britton Laws (University of Georgia), Julie Kramme (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), Sandy Pettingell (University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration), John Raffaele (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals), and Tony Thomas (retired CEO of Welcome House). This presentation is part of the conference's Sustaining & Strengthening the Direct Support Workforce strand.
2:00 – 2:15 pm: Break
2:15 – 3:00 pm: Plenary Session Keynote Address
Where Do We Go From Here? Presented by Barbara Merrill (American Network of Community Options and Resources) and Joe Macbeth (National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals).