It was another great conference again this year! The two sessions I attended were great--very informative! I was either working the exhibit table or presenting the rest of the time. I think a lot of people would agree that the best part was being able to connect with others. Networking was amazing! Huge shout out to everyone who put it together. Very well done.
I'm looking forward to seeing what others have to say!
It was my first time attending Disability Advocacy Day. It was great connecting with so many people. Unfortunately, my two legislators weren't there that day, so we met with staffers. The topics i talked to them about were caregiving, transportation, voting, and ABLE accounts. I shared my personal experience with each of the topics and told them what would greatly help. I already emailed one of the staffers and I plan to follow up with the other one soon.
I'm excited to hear about what others experienced!
I again was very impressed with this year's conference. I was able to attend in-person and it was great seeing so many friends. I enjoyed all of it. I actually wasn't able to attend any sessions because of my obligations, but I'm looking forward to watching a few of the sessions online once they are on the Self-Determination Conference website. I think many of us who presented wished some of the sessions weren't at the same time, but at least we will be able to watch them online.
My favorite part of this year's conference was watching my good friend receive a Diehard Award. I've known this person for many years, and it was super neat to see him be recognized. Congrats to all of the Diehard Award winners!
Overall, it was a blast! Major kudos to the planning committee! I'm looking forward to hearing what others thought.
Again, I totally agree with what you're saying! This is so much more than wages. The entire system needs to be revamped. I've tried a couple of agencies and have had horrible experiences. Major safety concerns with the workers. And, if I would find a decent agency, the workers probably wouldn't be able to physically give me meds--we've run into that. So frustrating! Self-directing literally is my only option right now!
I'll be honest with you, I've been very hesitant about using a Support Broker because there are no guarantees. It's the same with paying for advertisements. Sites such as care.com have no guarantee either. Since there are no guarantees, it doesn't make sense to hire a Support Broker. I'd have to cut workers shc pay and my transportation miles. It just doesn't make sense in my situation.
TOTALLY agree with everything you said, Lisa!! Especially the scheduling issue! I used to have four short shifts every day. Scheduling was impossible, so about two years ago, we rearranged it so now there are two shifts. One short two hour shift in the morning and a seven hour shift at night. Scheduling had been a little easier this way for awhile, but now I can't find anyone to even interview.
CNA oversight is another crucial one. Many of my workers are CNAs students pursuing nursing and they end up leaving me because they need to keep their credentials and working for me isn't considered certified.
I wonder if we began forming a group around advocating for these issues? What do others think?
I'm personally at a loss of ideas. I can't even find anyone to interview anymore. I'm curious to hear if others think it's the wages/benefits alone? I definitely think think things would improve if the wages / benefits would improve, but I don't know if that's all of it. From what I'm hearing, people don't want to work, period. And, combine that with the fact that they can't get adequate pay as a caregiver, what do we expect? I just don't know. I wish I had the magic answer! Do others have some ideas?
I thought it was a very well put together conference again this year! I can't imagine what it took to plan something like that. Major kudos to anyone who was involved. I thought both keynotes were very well put together. They had a great diverse group of speakers. I've heard it many times, but Cindy's story always makes my heart fill with joy--it's remarkable! I attended some good sessions as well. I especially liked the Employer Authority 101. I didn't necessarily learn too much new, but it was nice to hear others are doing the same thing I am and they have the same challenges. It was fun chatting with others about that.
I always love the Diehard Awards. This year, I knew 6-7 of the winners. Congratulations to all!
i love how after a great conference like this, I come away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated--to continue to advocate!!! I'm interested to hear if others feel the same way.
I thought the conference was absolutely amazing!!! I think everyone would have liked it to be in-person, but, given the circumstances, the virtual format worked incredibly well! Major props to everyone behind the scenes who put it together. What an amazing job!!!
I loved Wednesday's keynote! I think everyone needed that positivity from advocates. I especially liked a couple of the breakout sessions. Follow Your Passion: An Advocacy Journey, Creating a Plan for a Self-Directed Life: Seeing Through the Fog with IRIS, and Pathways to Leading a Self-Determined Life were really good. I also loved meeting people in the YouTube Channel Hangouts. I can't forget to mention the virtual dance party either! It was awesome to see so many people having fun! Congrats, People First!!
The conference was no doubt different this year, but it was awesome. I came away feeling refreshed and ready to advocate some more. What did others think?
Catherine,
Thank you for your kind words regarding my article. Really appreciate it.
Personally speaking, I totally agree with your comments about the conference. I've been to three or four and have thought that every time. However, I understand that the conference is for people with all abilities, so there has to be a wide range of activities. I'd imagine it's a difficult thing to plan.
That's an interesting take on it. Personally, i wasn't too keen on the theme; I always consider attending conferences as professional opportunities (meaning dress, act, etc... professional) , but that's just me. I realize there's a wide range of people who have different abilities attending the conference, so there has to be things for everybody.
As I said, I thought the sessions on ABLE accounts was pretty good. There were no handouts, though. It would have been nice to have something listing the resources that the presenter recommended. Most people were taking notes though.
What do others think?
