Session Descriptions & Speaker BiosSession Title: So You Want to be a Technology Provider – Do You Know Why? Session Description: Each state environment is different which directly influences a providers’ motivation to adopt technologies for the purpose of supporting people with disabilities. However, most face similar challenges and struggle with answering the same types of questions. For this reason, it only makes sense for states and providers to look to their counterparts who have been successful in the implementation of technology for guidance and support. In this session, Harold will share Tennesee’s journey in becoming a “Technology Now” state. He’ll address the challenges faced by the state and by providers (including federal class action lawsuits, an aversion to risk, the workforce crisis, and the creation of a managed care waiver just to name a few). Harold will also discuss the rationale for adopting enabling technologies along with national trends and funding considerations. And finally, he’ll share best practices intended to reduce the learning curve for providers and states who are venturing into this exciting space. Speaker Bio: Over the course of 35 years, Harold Sloves has held leadership roles in a range of human services industries including intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and adolescent treatment services in the private and public sectors. He has launched community-based services for persons with intellectual disabilities in New Jersey, Delaware and most recently in Tennessee where he grew a company to support 500 people with 1,000 employees over a 10 year period. Today he is charged with leading Tennessee’s Enabling Technology Movement and supporting projects. His newly created position in Tennessee’s Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) was originally focused on assisting provider agencies with fiscal strategies and program engineering concepts to meet the demands of a challenging service delivery environment. This initial work inspired Tennessee’s pursuit of becoming a Technology Now State. Prior to coming to Tennessee, Harold had a longstanding consulting practice that included LTSS managed care readiness; multiple market research analyses; and diversification and market entry strategies for behavioral health and intellectual disabilities services. Tennessee has recently taken a leading role in fostering a national Technology Movement through the creation of a 10-member Consortium of Technology States. Session Title: Putting the AT in RecreATion Session Description: We all need the time and opportunity to do the things we enjoy. But for many of the people we support, it’s not as simple as taking a day off or putting an entry on a calendar. Just doing the things people enjoy presents unique challenges associated with mobility limitations, cognitive processing difficulties, and financial constraints. In this session we will demonstrate a number of products that are designed to help people actively engage in recreational activities. Prepare to see how virtual reality, bone conduction, and adaptations for music and controllers can open up a world of possibilities for the people you support.
Richard Harrington has worked with people with disabilities for approximately 20 years. He joined Trinity Services in 2016 to develop and lead their assistive technology initiative. Prior to coming to Illinois, he served as a leader and mentor to young adults who were volunteers at a summer camp for people with disabilities. In addition, he was employed by a community support provider for 14 years, fulfilling a number of roles from direct support to case management to assistive technology. In his AT position, he was responsible for researching, developing and implementing a wide variety of assistive technologies. Richard is a self-proclaimed “gadget guy,” who has a passion for helping people be as independent as possible. His open-minded approach and extensive knowledge of assistive technology make him a highly sought after resource for the people served, families and staff members. Richard is an experienced speaker at regional and national conferences.
We are often reminded to enjoy the simple things in life. However, our idea of “simple things” is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest or walking through the Sahara for many of the people we support. In this session you will learn how technologies can be used to enable people to experience independence in areas that many of us take for granted. For example, you’ll see how a robotic arm can allow people to eat without assistance, inexpensive apps can be used to open up lines of communication, and electronic prompts can help establish a structured routine.
Carly Steele has held leadership positions at Trinity Services since 2015. In her current role as a Residential Associate Director she is responsible for recruiting and developing the staff members under her supervision and ensuring that program activities meet regulatory and quality assurance standards. Carly is also an integral member of the TEC (Technology Enhancing Capabilities) Team. As a team member she serves as a champion of enabling technologies for the people she supports. Her experience in supporting people with disabilities helps her understand the challenges associated with implementing technology. She then actively seeks practical solutions to those challenges, eliminating barriers and creating opportunities for those she serves.
As disability providers and caregivers we tend to focus a lot of attention on the safety and security of the people we support. After all, it’s a critical component of what we do. And because it is so important, we’ve decided to dedicate an entire session to exploring products designed to help the people we support stay safe. You’ll see some of the best products on the market that help caregivers address concerns associated with wandering, bathing, cooking, medication management, and much more.
Connie Melvin joined Trinity Services in 2016 to develop their assistive technology program as well as to direct and promote the future growth of NAQ. Prior to coming to Illinois, she developed an assistive technology program from the ground up for a large community-based provider. She also spearheaded the initiative for assistive technology adoption in another state, which resulted in a number of successful pilot programs as well as the implementation of highly regarded best practices. In addition, Connie has designed and hosted several regional conferences dedicated to providing current assistive technology information and training to disability professionals.
In addition to her work in the area of assistive technology, Connie has served a case manager, staff trainer, and supervisor of residential services. A graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, Connie has an MA in Counseling Psychology & Education. A highly sought speaker and consultant, Connie focuses on helping people with disabilities live their dreams.
Session Title: Build & Inspire Think you need to spend a fortune on enabling technologies? Think again. Often times you can create your own solutions for a fraction of the cost of commercially available products. So roll up your sleeves, put on your creative thinking caps, and prepare yourself to be inspired! In this hands-on session, you will be learning to how to make a number of your own enabling technologies using materials commonly found in your home or in your local hardware store. All supplies will be provided and you are encouraged to take the products you build back to your homes/workplaces to benefit the people you support.
Speaker Bios: Connie Melvin joined Trinity Services in 2016 to develop their assistive technology program as well as to direct and promote the future growth of NAQ. Prior to coming to Illinois, she developed an assistive technology program from the ground up for a large community-based provider. She also spearheaded the initiative for assistive technology adoption in another state, which resulted in a number of successful pilot programs as well as the implementation of highly regarded best practices. In addition, Connie has designed and hosted several regional conferences dedicated to providing current assistive technology information and training to disability professionals. In addition to her work in the area of assistive technology, Connie has served a case manager, staff trainer, and supervisor of residential services. A graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, Connie has an MA in Counseling Psychology & Education. A highly sought speaker and consultant, Connie focuses on helping people with disabilities live their dreams. Richard Harrington has worked with people with disabilities for approximately 20 years. He joined Trinity Services in 2016 to develop and lead their assistive technology initiative. Prior to coming to Illinois, he served as a leader and mentor to young adults who were volunteers at a summer camp for people with disabilities. In addition, he was employed by a community support provider for 14 years, fulfilling a number of roles from direct support to case management to assistive technology. In his AT position, he was responsible for researching, developing and implementing a wide variety of assistive technologies. Richard is a self-proclaimed “gadget guy,” who has a passion for helping people be as independent as possible. His open-minded approach and extensive knowledge of assistive technology make him a highly sought after resource for the people served, families and staff members. Richard is an experienced speaker at regional and national conferences. |
