An Employment Conference

You Don't Want to Miss!

"Employment First:

From Vision to Reality"

Limited seating. Registration opens today!

November 1, 2013

Employment First: From Vision to Reality will provide you an opportunity to learn:

Current national policy changes and directions and expectations in the employment landscape for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)

DDS Employment Workgroup's plan to reform day and employment support programs. Opportunity for questions. (Group is comprised of representatives of ADDP, The Arc of Massachusetts, and DDS.)

Vision of the Patrick Administration and perspective of DDS for promoting integrated employment for persons with disabilities

Provider and business strategies and approaches to developing and sustaining integrated employment

Integrated employment experiences and opportunities from the perspectives of providers, businesses, self-advocates, and families

You will also have time to network with others with similar interests.

Help be part of redesigning employment!

If you are a provider or supporter of employment services, you should consider attending the conference.

Attendance will be limited - REGISTER TODAY!

Conference Highlights

Keynote Speaker

Nancy Thaler

Executive Director

The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services

Nancy Thaler has more than 40 years experience working in developmental disabilities. Prior to joining NASDDDS, Ms. Thaler worked for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and was responsible for the development of the HCBS 1915(c) waiver application and federal agency's quality improvement strategy for the Medicaid home and community based waiver services program. Ms. Thaler served as Pennsylvania's Deputy Secretary for Mental Retardation from 1993 to 2003, administering a service system that included both institutions and community services. Ms. Thaler has assisted states in strategic planning, system transformation, program design, and facilitating stakeholder work groups. Ms. Thaler has a Bachelor of Arts from Misericordia College and a Master of Human Organization Science/Public Administration from Villanova University.

Lunch Guest Speaker

John W. Polanowicz

Secretary

Massachusetts Office of Health and Human Services

Secretary John Polanowicz oversees 17 state agencies, including the state's Medicaid program, child welfare, public health, disabilities, veterans' affairs and elder affairs.

Guest Speaker

Elin Howe

Commissioner

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

Commissioner Howe has over 35 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities, including almost four years as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and six years as Commissioner of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.

Guest Speaker
John Butterworth,

Director of Employment Systems Change and Evaluation Senior Research

Institute

for Community Inclusion

John has over 30 years of experience as a manager of community-based day and employment services, trainer, consultant, and researcher.

Conference Facilitator

Jean McGuire

Clinical Professor

Northeastern University, College of Health Sciences

McGuire has a 35-year history in building, managing, analyzing, and advocating for health and human services for people with disabilities and other low-income individuals.

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