Updated 4/21/08
Networks for Training and Development, Inc.
Presents
The Ninth Employment
Support Symposium
Leaping Into the Future
Conference Dates:
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - Pre-Conference and Provider Expo
Thursday, May 22, 2008 - DAY ONE
Friday, May 23, 2008 - DAY TWO
Location:
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 South Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA19106
Funding Provided By:
The Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health
and Mental Retardation Services
General Information. . . .
What is Networks? Our Mission
Networks for Training and Development, Inc. (Networks) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusive communities through quality training, technical assistance, and demonstration for individuals with disabilities, families, businesses, and neighborhoods. For 15 years, Networks has been designing and delivering relevant, practical, and innovative training, technical assistance, and service demonstration to help people with disabilities to have more fulfilling inclusive lives.
What is the Employment Support Symposium?
The Employment Support Symposium is a place for learning, exploring, networking, sharing, and celebrating the positive outcomes of Philadelphia’s Vision for Employment 2010. In the spirit of Leap Year, this year’s Symposium “Leaping Into the Future” highlights creativity and innovation as a way to increase employment outcomes for people with developmental disabilities. Join us as we share a variety of local, regional and national perspectives in employment support that will “leap us” into the future.
Who Should Attend?
Job coaches, employment specialists, people with developmental disabilities, family members, supports coordinators, and all those interested in supporting people with developmental disabilities in finding and maintaining paid employment.
Why Attend?
To gather information, learn about valuable resources, innovative practices, and technology available, network with others, and create meaningful visions for employment!
When?
May 21, 2008 - Pre-Conference Workshop and Provider Expo
May 22, 2008 - Day One
May 23, 2008 - Day Two
Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. - Sessions begin at 9:00 a.m.
General questions call Michelle Sparling at 610.935.6626
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Special Events. . . .
Pre-Conference Workshop:
May 21, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Beyond Traditional Job Development
Denise Bissonnette
Grand Ballroom C & D, 2nd floor
In this information-packed session, Denise will share creative tools and techniques that are tried and true in working with employers and job seekers with disabilities. Job Developers, Job Coaches, Employment Ambassadors, and all others interested in learning about tools and techniques necessary to be successful in finding jobs for people with disabilities are encouraged to attend.
Employment Provider Expo
May 21, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Riverview A/B/C, 3rd floor
New and recent high school graduates and others looking for employment services - Come to the Employment Provider Expo and meet with Philadelphia employment providers. Learn about employment support services, and choose from a variety of organizations that can assist you in gaining meaningful integrated employment.
Awards Luncheon
May 23, 2008, 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ballroom B/C/D, 2nd floor
Join us as we present awards in recognition of exemplary employers from the Philadelphia area who have made a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
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DAY ONE
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Registration: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
2nd Floor Grand Foyer
Opening Session9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Columbus Ballroom, 2nd Floor
Welcome and AcknowledgementsMichael McAllister, Ph.D.
Introductory Remarks
Kathy Sykes, Philadelphia Mental Retardation Services
Keynote: Leaping into the Future
David Mank, Ph.D., Indiana University & Cesilee Coulson, Executive Director, Washington Initiative for Supported Employment
Thursday Morning Breakout Sessions
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Igniting Organizational Creativity
Washington A, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Claire Conway, Ph.D., Cre8aha!
Are you part of a team or group with specific goals in mind and need some creative inspiration? Come learn to think “outside of the box” and apply creative problem solving with Claire Conway, co-Founder of Cre8aha!, a Philadelphia based organization that is noted for training business leaders in Creative Problem Solving, Whole Brain Technology and Creativity Team Techniques.
Discovering Abilities
Washington B, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Corey Smith, Via of the Lehigh Valley, Inc., Bethlehem, PA
This session will describe a “discovery process” for identifying individual skills, interests, abilities, and more.
Family Perspectives on the Employment Experience*
Riverview A, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Carole Frangicetto, Mary MacAvoy, Partnerships for Community Support; Patricia and Andrew Vizuete, Michael Callahan
This session focuses on family perspectives on employment and features a video of parents talking about the impact of working.
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DAY ONE
Thursday, May 22, 2008 (cont’d.)
Thursday Morning Breakout Session
Creative On-the-Job Supports
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Riverview C, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Jean Hofmann, Community Integrated Services and others TBA
On-the-job supports have a great impact on success and longevity on the job. This session will highlight a variety of unique supports that have enabled individuals with disabilities to work.
Thursday Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Washington Initiative for Supported Employment
1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Washington A, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Cesilee Coulson, Executive Director of Washington Initiative for Support Employment
This session will describe the State of Washington’s policy on supported employment, and efforts to promote employment outcomes.
Building on Personal Assets for Employment Success
1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Washington B, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Corey Smith, Via of the LehighValley, Bethlehem, PA
How can people with disabilities be an asset to an employer? Offer a resource the employer doesn’t possess. Learn how resource ownership can open the doors to a win-win relationship.
The Future of Customized Employment
1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Riverview A, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Michael Callahan, Marc Gold & Associates
Where is customized employment headed? How do we continue to think creatively and outside the box amidst systems change? This session will focus on what we can do to make a difference.
NOTE: As part of the Philadelphia Vision for Employment 2010 Initiative, Mini-Grants were awarded to four organizations. Their presentations are noted with an * in the program.
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Thursday Afternoon Breakout Sessions (cont’d.)
StoryRoom
1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Riverview B, 3rd Floor
Come and hear a variety of success stories about employment from those who have been working! Share your own story of employment success and inspire others.
Exploring Assistive Technology
1:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Riverview B, 3rd Floor
Are you interested in workplace accomodations for yourself or someone that you support? Try out a range of “high-tech” and “low-tech” devices that may be helpful in the workplace. Individual consultation to explore these devices will be available. Representatives from a variety of local agencies will be on-hand to help you determine what type of Assistive Technology might be helpful to you or those you support!
Successful Supports for a Meaningful Career
1:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Riverview C, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Margaret Berger, Municipal Court, and Christina Dillon, PATH, Inc.
Come hear from a city employee who through a combination of self-advocacy and employment supports has successfully maintained ongoing employment and furthered her career.
Exploring Neighborhood Resources
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., Washington A, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Len Kravitz, Philadelphia Mental Retardation Services; Pat Wray, Special People in Northeast; Susan Schonfeld, Community Integrated Services
Learn how to explore neighborhoods and find unique opportunities through the use of a neighborhood inventory process.
Building Employer Relationships*
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., Washington B, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Representatives from Community Integrated Services TBA
Hear how longstanding relationships, networking, and sharing opportunities with a touch of online technology are being utilized to increase employment opportunities.
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Thursday Afternoon Breakout Sessions (cont’d.)
Assistive Technology + Natural Supports = Independence
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., Riverview C, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Joe Murphy, Networks for Training and Development, Inc. & James Gemmell, Flyer’s Skate Zone, Northeast Philadelphia
Learn how the use of assistive technology and supportive coworkers have lead to independence and success on the job.
Special Events. . . .
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Cocktail Reception: Co-hosted by PA APSE
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Washington Foyer, 3rd Floor
Come in, network, and meet others in the field. Hear and see the work of recent graduates of the Employment Mentors Course. Work to be presented includes job development, a resource guide for employment, and training materials for employment supporters.
Light food and cash bar available.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Moving Employment Forward
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Riverview A, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Vision for Employment 2010 Steering Committee
This session is designed specifically for directors of employment programs in Philadelphia. This special session will explore current system outcomes and look for collaborative strategies for increasing the number of people working in community integrated employment.
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DAY TWO
Friday, May 23, 2008
Registration: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
2nd Floor Grand Foyer
Moving Employment Forward
9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Riverview A, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Vision for Employment 2010 Steering Committee
See Special Events on page 7 for description.
Braided Funding
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Riverview B, 3rd Floor
Presenter: Corey Smith, VIA of LehighValley, Bethlehem, PA
The use of multiple funding sources to achieve work success in customized employment will be shared in this session.
Employer-Award Winner Presentations
Session One 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m., Riverview C, 3rd Floor
Session Two 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Riverview C, 3rd Floor
Presenters TBA
Come hear how two exemplary Philadelphia employers support people with disabilities in jobs. These companies will be honored at this year’s Employer Awards Luncheon.
Perspectives on Building Partnerships for Transition*
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., Riverview B, 3rd Floor
Presenters: Joel Goldberg, Executive Director; Adrienne Hill, Program Director - Quality Progressions; and CATCH, Inc. TBA
Hear about two approaches to highlighting the importance of employment for transition age students.
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Awards Luncheon
May 23, 2008, 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Ballroom B/C/D, 2nd Floor
Join us as we recognize employers who have done an outstanding job creating exceptional work environments for people with developmental disabilities in the Philadelphia area. Last year, 13 companies were recognized for their exceptional workplace support.
Opening Remarks
Michael McAllister, Ph.D., Executive Director,
Networks for Training and Development, Inc.
Presentation of Employer Awards
Kerri-Lee Halkett, Fox 29 News Anchor
Kathy Sykes, Director, Philadelphia Mental Retardation Services
Presentation of the Octavia Green Dream Job Award
Shauna Roman, Networks for Training and Development, Inc.
Octavia Green, who passed away two years ago, embodied a life of choices during her 20+ years of service in the advocacy community. Octavia joined the Networks team in November 2005 and often said, “I finally have my dream job!”. Given in honor of Octavia, this award will honor a self-advocate who has taken an active role in the pursuit and achievement of his or her dream job.
Closing Remarks
Kathy Sykes, Director, Philadelphia Mental Retardation Services
The cost to attend the luncheon is $40.00
Limited Scholarships are available.
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Directions. . . .
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA19106
215-928-1234
By Car:
Directions to the Hotel from PhiladelphiaInternationalAirport, Baltimore, Washington, and Points South:
Take I-95 North to Exit 20 (Washington Ave./Columbus Blvd.). Turn left onto S. Columbus Blvd. The hotel is located 3/4 mile north on the right.
From New York, New Jersey and points Northeast (via NJ Turnpike):
Take NJ Turnpike South to exit 4 (Philadelphia/Camden Exit). Merge onto 73 North. Merge onto 38 West. Merge onto BenFranklinBridge. Merge onto I-95 South. Take Exit 20 (Washington Ave./Columbus Blvd). Follow directions above from Exit 20.
Harrisburg, Hershey and points West:
Take Pennsylvania Turnpike East to exit 326 (Valley Forge). Merge onto 76 E following signs to Central Philadelphia. Take I-676 East (Vine St.) to 95 South. Merge onto 95 South. Take exit 20 (Washington Ave./Columbus Blvd). Follow directions above from Exit 20.
Parking
Self parking $10.00; valet parking $17.00 at the Hyatt Regency. To self park, make a right at the next traffic light north of the hotel (Walnut Street). Take an immediate right into their parking garage. Once you park, take the elevator to Level B, then follow the walkway to the hotel lobby elevator located by the AVIS* rental car desk. Take the elevator up one level to the hotel lobby. For Valet Parking, pull into the front drive of the hotel and the doorman will assist you.
Public Transportation
From 30th and Market Streets: Walk to Chestnut Street and take the 21 bus to Chestnut Street and Front Street. Walk eastbound to Columbus Blvd, cross Columbus Blvd., turn right, and walk two blocks to Hyatt Regency.
From the Frankford Terminal (Frankford and Bridge Streets), take the 25 bus to Columbus Blvd. and Walnut Street. Cross Columbus Blvd. The Hyatt Regency will be to your right.
From the Market Frankford Line: Take the Market Frankford line to 2nd Street. Walk eastbound to Columbus Blvd., cross Columbus Blvd., turn right, and continue to Walnut Street. Approximately a 10 minute walk.
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Registration Form- Ninth Employment Support SymposiumLeaping Into the Future -
Please complete one registration form per person.
Registration forms may be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to the address below.
Name: ______
Last First
Job Title/Role______
Organization (if applicable) ______
Address: ______
City: ______State: ______Zip Code: ______
Day Phone Number (_____)______Fax:(_____)______
Email: ______
Please complete the following for each person attending the conference:
Before After
4/25/2008 4/25/2008
Pre-Conference Workshop Only
(Wednesday, May 21, 2008) $50.00 $60.00
Full Conference w/ Pre-Conference
(w/luncheon) $180.00$200.00
Full Conference w/ Pre-Conference
(no luncheon) $140.00$160.00
Full Conference (w/ luncheon) $130.00$140.00
Full Conference (no luncheon)$90.00$100.00
Day One (Thursday, May 22, 2008) $50.00 $60.00
Day Two (Friday, May 23, 2008)$50.00 $60.00
Luncheon only $40.00 $40.00
Expo only (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)No charge
Please choose one for luncheon:___ Chicken ___ Grilled Veggie in pastry
People with developmental disabilities may attend the conference free of charge, excluding the luncheon. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the cost of the luncheon.
Questions about registration, scholarships, and payment should be sent to:
Networks for Training and Development, Inc.
123 S. Broad Street, 23rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA19109-1029
attention:Shauna Roman
Phone: 215.546.4112 Fax: 215.731.0965
Networks for Training and Development, Inc.
123 S.Broad Street, 23rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA19109-1029