ADVOCATE-INNOVATE-ELEVATE: IAC 13th Annual Conference: Full Schedule

8:30am EDT

Breakfast and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

Opening Keynote- HEAL*ARIOUS: Humor as a Superpower to Advocate, Innovate, and Elevate

Wednesday May 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

In a time when human services professionals are navigating overwhelming stress, burnout, and constant change, it’s never been more important to embrace tools that restore energy and elevate purpose. In this engaging and entertaining keynote, Robin Phoenix Johnson, a combat veteran, Certified Humor Professional, and stand-up comedian blends laughter with powerful insights to show how humor isn’t just a coping mechanism, but a transformative force for advocacy, innovation, and leadership. With real-world stories, research-backed strategies, and plenty of jokes, Robin will empower attendees to use humor as a superpower to combat negativity, spark creativity, and strengthen human connections. Prepare to laugh, learn, and leave recharged—ready to advocate boldly, innovate wisely, and elevate yourself and those around you.

Speakers

Robin Phoenix Johnson

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Robin “Phoenix” Johnson served over twenty years in the U.S. Army, with career highlights including five combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and commanding at both the company and battalion levels. After hanging up her boots, Robin picked... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
TBA

10:15am EDT

OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:15am - 10:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

Legacy: Succession Planning through a Generational Lens

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

This session will explore how organizations can effectively plan for leadership transitions by understanding and leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of different generational cohorts. Tonia will provide actionable strategies to create a legacy of leadership that ensures continuity, growth, and organizational resilience.
Session Objectives: • Understand the importance of generational diversity in succession planning. • Learn practical strategies to identify and develop future leaders from within diverse generational groups. • Explore how to create a legacy of leadership through intentional, strategic succession planning.

Speakers

Tonia Morris

Founder and CEO, Simply HR

Tonia Morris founded Simply HR Inc. with a vision to be the #1 resource for connecting Generations in the Workplace. As both an accomplished Generational Connector Speaker and a Culture Disruptor with 25 years combined experience in Government, Information Technology, Retail, Financial... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

11:00am EDT

SED Update with Suzanne Bolling and Nell Brady

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Speakers

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 →

Nell Brady

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

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 →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

11:00am EDT

Trauma Informed Leadership

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

Speakers

Dr. Karyn Harvey

Karyn Harvey has worked as a clinician in the field of intellectual disabilities for over 35 years. She has her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Maryland. She has written three books: Positive Identity Development, Trauma –Informed Behavioral Interventions... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

12:15pm EDT

Lunch and Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Check Back! Session TBD

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Data-Driven to thrive in Managed Care or Value-Based Reimbursement

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Fireside Chat with Commissioner Betty Rosa, Chris Suriano and Celane Myers-Ruff

Wednesday May 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Afternoon Snack sponsored by Vincent J DiCalagero CPAs LLC

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

Exhibitor Viewing

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Aging and I/DD: Navigating Challenges and Shaping Solutions for the Future

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Speakers

Anya K. Silver, MS, BCBA, LBA

Anya K. Silver has been working in the field of autism and applied behavior analysis for over 25 years. Anya received her Bachelors Degree in 1995 in Psychology from Queens College. She completed her Masters Degree in 1996 in Child Development at Tufts University. Anya worked in the... Read More →

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

Associate Executive Director of Education and Adult Services, Eden 2

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 →

Colleen Scott

Advocacy Specialist III, New York State Office for the Aging

Colleen Scott is employed as the Advocacy Specialist at the New York State Office for the Aging with a focus on ensuring equal access to traditionally underserved and marginalized populations. In this role, she is responsible for provision of technical assistance and monitoring... Read More →

Alexandra Webb, LCSW

Senior Vice President for Training and Initiatives, Service Program For Older People

Alexandra (Allie) Webb oversees training and education initiatives at SPOP. Allie is a graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work and has spent her career supporting adults with a lived experience of mental illness. She formerly served as SPOP’s SVP for Community Support... Read More →

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 →

Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Eden 2

Dr. Gerenser began working at Eden II in 1982 as a speech therapist. She received her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing at the Ohio State University and her Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science at the City University of New York Graduate Center.She is an adjunct Assistant Professor... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Ensuring Dignity in Special Education: A Human Rights Imperative

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

As advocates, understanding the evolution of special education is essential to protecting and expanding access for students with disabilities. This 75-minute session will explore the concept of dignity as a fundamental human right and examine its critical role in special education. Participants will review the history of disability rights and how advocacy has shaped access to services in New York State. With this knowledge, educators and advocates will be better equipped to navigate current policy shifts and ensure that students at risk of marginalization receive the education they deserve. This is not a doomsday presentation—it is an opportunity to be informed and inspired to uphold dignity in education for all.

Speakers

Gina Feliciano, PhD, BCBA-D, SAS, NYSLBA

Dr. Feliciano is an accomplished education and behavioral consultant with extensive expertise in program management, applied behavior analysis, and special education. She isthe founder of Delta Knowledge LLC, an educational and behavioral consulting business dedicated to fostering... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

HIPAA: What to Worry About and What to Watch

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

This session will explore the evolving landscape of HIPAA compliance, shedding light on the most pressing risks for covered entities and the regulatory shifts expected in the coming months.
In the “What to Worry About” section, we’ll provide details on the Office for Civil Rights (OCR)’s new enforcement initiative focusing on security risk analyses and the on-going enforcement initiative on responding to patient record requests. We’ll also cover recent trends in HIPAA breaches – from ensuring cybersecurity insurance coverage to responding to breaches by business associates. The presentation will include practical advice on how to protect your agency, mitigate risks and strengthen compliance.

In the “What to Watch” section, we’ll review the proposed changes to the HIPAA Security Rule and the broader regulatory direction other changes expected in the new Trump Administration.

Speakers

Dianne Pledgie

Partner and Compliance Counsel, Feldesman Leifer LLP

Dianne Pledgie, an attorney and former compliance officer, advises non-profit health care organizations on developing and implementing their compliance programs and responding to top compliance risk areas. She regularly advises clients on compliance with the HIPAA Rules, 42 CFR Part... Read More →

Wednesday May 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

Wrap up and Raffle

Wednesday May 28, 2025 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

8:30am EDT

Breakfast and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

Legislative Awards

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

TBA

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
TBA

9:30am EDT

Break and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:30am - 9:45am EDT

9:45am EDT

Advocacy Meets Innovation: Merging Self-Advocacy and AI to Transform Human Services

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), person-centered supports, and lived experience in this collaborative session led by experts Doug Golub and Matt Hofele. Attendees will discover how AI tools can improve outcomes in human services by analyzing data to identify trends around seizures and other life events, enhance communication, and improve outcomes. Drawing from real-world case studies, first-hand experiences from a recognized state-wide self-advocate, and emerging AI practices, the session will also address advocacy and the role of technology in promoting self-direction and equitable service delivery. Participants will learn strategies to overcome challenges such as bias, data privacy, and maintaining human oversight. Whether you are a self-advocate, provider, clinician, or administrator, this session offers practical insights into the future of AI in human services.
Session Objectives:
1. Demonstrate how AI can analyze data to identify trends related to seizures and other life events, leading to improved person-centered supports in human services.
2. Explore the role of lived experience in shaping AI applications, with a focus on promoting self-direction and equitable service delivery.
3. Highlight real-world case studies and first-hand advocacy experiences to showcase AI's potential for enhancing communication and outcomes in human services.
4. Provide strategies for overcoming challenges such as data bias, privacy concerns, and the need for ongoing human oversight in AI-driven decision-making.

Speakers

Doug Golub

Principal Consultant, Data Potato LLC

Doug is the Principal Consultant at Data Potato LLC, co-founder of MediSked, with over 20 years of experience in AI, data-driven solutions, HCBS policy, and person-centered supports. Doug is a recognized thought leader and speaker, with a focus on ethical AI integration in human... Read More →

Matt Hofele

Advocate and board member of a state-wide advocacy group (2018-2021, running again in 2024), with a commitment to promoting accessibility, rights, and inclusion. Matt brings lived experience as a self-advocate and has worked extensively to improve systems for individuals with I/DD... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

9:45am EDT

Navigating Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty: Guidance for Providers

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

The shift in federal administration priorities has created significant legal and regulatory uncertainty for providers. This presentation will address the most recent legal and regulatory changes and offer providers guidance to better understand the current landscape.

Speakers

Kaydeen M. Maitland

Associate, BSK

Kaydeen focuses her practice on healthcare and corporate law specializing in transactional and regulatory matters. Kaydeen assists clients in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of local, state and federal laws, particularly within the healthcare sector. With robust experience... Read More →

Roger Beardon

Senior Counsel Government and Regulatory Affairs | Health, BSK

Roger is a governmental and regulatory affairs and health and human services with over two decades of experience in the public and private sector. Prior to joining Bond, Roger served in multiple senior leadership positions in New York State government, including as special counsel... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

9:45am EDT

Personalized Learning Strategies for Employment First

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

Exploring the evidence and philosophy, then creating personalized learning (or professional development) plans as a means to identify strengths and passions, essential skill sets, and goals for learning or productivity. Walk away with a plan that includes personal passions, strengths, essential skills of a role or aim, strategic visions, executive function skills, technology, and critical thinking for what’s next, as well as the means to advocate for ourselves and what is needed to grow personally and collectively.

Speakers

Susannah Johnson, M.Ed.

Owner - Education Consultant, Thinker, Speaker, Activator, Individualized Realized

Grounded in the idea that we are in the business of human development, Susannah’s philosophy of education is: We are all capable of powerful thinking, and it is our human imperative to use learning as means to continually think. Connected, collaborative, and creative avocations... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

11:30am EDT

The DSP Sustainability Project: From Research to Reality

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm EDT

Speakers

Jajaida Gonzalez

Services for the Underserved

Dr. Jennifer Cohen

Jennifer Cohen is an economist in the Program for Disability Research at Rutgers University. She conducts quantitative and qualitative labor force research, most recently with Direct Support Professionals. Her research focuses on women and work, health, stress, household networks... Read More →

Winifred Schiff

CEO, IAC

Marco Damiani

Chief Executive Officer, AHRC New York City

Marco Damiani has served as the Chief Executive Officer of AHRC New York City since 2017, working with its 4,000 mission-driven staff members to build upon the extraordinary almost 75-year legacy of AHRC NYC’s commitment to social justice for children and adults with disabilities... Read More →

Robert S. Budd, MPS

Senior Chief Executive Officer/President, FREE

Robert S. Budd, a mission-driven, results oriented, dedicated leader, is the Sr. Chief Executive Officer/President of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), a not-for-profit agency that supports individuals of all abilities with community living opportunities, employment... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm EDT

12:45pm EDT

Lunch and Exhibitor Viewing

Thursday May 29, 2025 12:45pm - 1:30pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

Being Comfortable with Uncomfortable: Adaptability and Harmony for a Humane World

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Leaning into adaptability for an ever changing, dynamic world as we consider who we are individually in the context of global citizenry with the tools of technology and critical thinking leading to the skillsets and mindsets of global competencies and solutions. How might we aim for harmony: harmony within ourselves, harmony with each other, and harmony with the planet with a sense of humanity and purpose? How can we celebrate ourselves and each other with an ever iterating mindset that actively and effectively pursues solutions?

Speakers

Susannah Johnson, M.Ed.

Owner - Education Consultant, Thinker, Speaker, Activator, Individualized Realized

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

about Susannah is a pioneer in personalized learning and a leading expert in bringing student-centered pedagogy to life. Using her proven process, she has coached and guided schools to develop and implement 100% individualized instruction worldwide while supporting change at the classroom, institutional, and legislative levels. Susannah has the unique ability to command and engage a room of a thousand educators while also connecting and empowering individuals, meeting them where they are for nearly 20 years in dozens of countries.

1:30pm EDT

From Passion to Policy: Get Involved in National Advocacy

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

With Medicaid facing serious threats, now is the time to act. For people with disabilities, Medicaid is a lifeline—providing essential healthcare, home and community-based services, education support, and more. Federal Medicaid cuts could lead to devastating cost shifts to states. Harmful policies like work requirements, per capita caps, and block grants can be enacted. Join this session to dive into Medicaid’s complexities and discover how to turn your passion into powerful federal advocacy!

Speakers

Brittany Owens

Senior Associate for Policy and Advocacy, The ARC of the United States

Brittany Owens is the Senior Associate for Policy and Advocacy at The Arc of the United States. Brittany’s federal policy portfolio includes maternal health, health equity, and voting rights. As a sibling, Brittany is passionate about disability rights and uplifting people... Read More →

Kim Musheno

Senior Director of Medicaid Policy, The ARC of the United States

Kim Musheno is the senior Director of Medicaid policy at The Arc of the United States. She has a 30 year history in intellectual and developmental disability policy advocacy.

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

1:30pm EDT

Women Advocates Played a Critical Role in Creating the System: Now Women Advocates Need to Help Save It

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

We are at a critical juncture. Services and funding are at risk. Women played a primary role in advocating for the creation of our community-based system. With the proposed cuts to Medicaid and special education, women need to step up to save the very system the previous generation advocated to create.

It was women, mostly mothers, who advocated for education, options, and opportunities for their children. They shared their personal stories and struggles with legislators. They marched and demonstrated to make their point. They advocated, did bake sales, and spoke up. The result was a movement to create community-based opportunities and educational opportunities. They worked hard with no guarantees. Thankfully, their efforts had results. The community system we have today is the direct result of their efforts. But their efforts are now at risk.

This presentation will highlight women leaders in the past who advocated and made a difference. We will discuss their legacy, and the risk now with the proposed cuts to Medicaid, special education, and services to people with disabilities.

We will discuss the importance for women to step up again and advocate to save our current system. Women have always played a key role in the effort to ensure services and support were available. They need to once again take the lead! This session is a call to action. Any movement stands on the shoulders of those who came before.

Speakers

Katherine Gould

The Visions Center for Creative Management

Margaret J Gould

The Visions Center for Creative Management

Thursday May 29, 2025 1:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

2:45pm EDT

Afternoon Snack sponsored by Vincent J DiCalagero CPAs LLC

Thursday May 29, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

Closing Keynote-"Uncharitable" Author Dan Pallotta

Thursday May 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

A powerful conversation about escaping the nonprofit prison and pursuing your most daring and audacious dreams for impact.
Dan's TED Talk on the topic: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?language=en

Speakers

Dan Pallotta

Dan Pallotta is a pioneer in the global effort to transform the way our culture evaluates the character and impact of nonprofit organizations. His iconic TED Talk on philanthropy has been viewed more than 5.7 million times. The TED community voted it the most persuasive TED talk of... Read More →

Thursday May 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

Wrap up and Raffle

Thursday May 29, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm EDT

ADVOCATE-INNOVATE-ELEVATE: IAC 13th Annual Conference

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