2017 Wisconsin Employment First Conference

Embracing Change: Together We Make It Happen

Only four more weeks to the conference, make sure to Register Now!

See full conference program with session descriptions and presenters:  2017 Employment First Conference Program

CEU’s and CRC’s will be available!

The Wisconsin Board for Developmental Disabilities, Wisconsin APSE and People First Host the Fourth Annual Employment First Conference on April 5^th at the Kalahari resort.

This year’s conference title is Embracing Change: Together We Make It Happen. The conference focuses on the changes happening at the state and federal level and how these changes will significantly increase integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Change provides both opportunities and challenges. This conference brings together individuals with disabilities, family members, state vocational rehabilitation counselors, employment providers, policy makers, and educators to learn and share creative ways to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities. 

The conference will provide many opportunities for learning, sharing resources, and developing connections. At each breakout session, there will be topics specifically geared towards individuals with disabilities, family members, employment service providers, long-term care providers, state vocational rehabilitation counselors, and educators.

Some of the many excellent speakers include:

• Keynote speaker, Patti Killingsworth will talk about talk about how Tennessee launched the “Employment and Community First CHOICES” managed long-term care program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  It is the first managed long-term care program in the country specifically designed to advance Employment First.
• Janet Estervig and a panel of key leadership from the Department of Health Services will talk about how the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Non-Residential Rule is moving forward. 
• Lisa Mills, National Consultant, will talk about the growth of Integrated employment and day Services options in Wisconsin, and present examples from providers doing innovative practices
• Sara Murhpy, Transcen Inc. National Consultant, will talk about encouraging Independence, facilitating natural Supports and ways to encourage self-confidence in community settings, the dignity of risk and how to build a network of support that goes well beyond program services.
• Linda Hedenblad, will do an informative, interactive and fun session that will explore the basic concepts of Motivational Interviewing and experience a taste of how it may be applied. 
• Michael Callahan, national consultant, will talk about the “Seven Phase Sequence” designed to engage natural supports from day one of the individual’s employment.
• EF Ambassadors, individuals with disabilities, will share their compelling stories and outreach efforts that are having a tremendous impact on local communities and statewide policies. 
• A panel of employers and the individuals with disabilities that they hired, will talk about how they worked together to make their business stronger and get the job done!

For individuals who are not able to pay the conference fee contact Ann Sievert at ann.sievert@wisconsin.gov or 608-267-9897 for a conference fee waiver code.

Hope to See You at the Conference!