2015 FALL CONFERENCE October 13-15
Best Western Ramkota Hotel Sioux Falls, SD
#WHATSTRENDINGWITHEMPLOYMENT
2
T R I M
3
Conference Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
T C
Agenda at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
Conference Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 7
Door Prize Information .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Session Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Presenter Biographies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-26
4
A G
10.1 Inch Google Android Tablet 32gb A31s Quad Core 1.2ghz Android 4.4 Kitkat / 1gb Ddr3 Ram / Dual Camera /
HDMI Wifi Bluetooth
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015
Time Activity
9:00am Amphitheater I
CESP™ Examination
10:00am Lobby
Fall Conference Registration Opens
1:00-1:30pm Washington
Welcome and Opening Comments
1:30-3:00pm Washington
Vision-Mindset-Grit Scott Burrows
3:00-3:30pm Lobby
Break
3:30-5:00pm
Rooms
Breakout Sessions
Roosevelt Jefferson Amphitheater I Amphitheater II
In Our Own Voice NAMI
Tips and Sugges-tions for Employ-ment Specialists and Job Seekers Employer Panel
Beyond the Boomer
Aging in Place Leacey Brown
Think Outside the Moment
Scott Burrows
5:00-6:30pm Amphitheater II
RehabACTion Meeting
6:30-8:30pm Washington
Social & Entertainment David Malmberg, Ventriloquist
REHABACTION MEMBERSHIP
PURCHASE OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW TO WIN THE GOOGLE ANDROID TABLET
Must be a RehabACTion member
Do not need to be present to win
5
A G
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015
Time Activity
7:30–8:30am Lobby
Refreshments
7:30–8:00am Lobby
Booth Setup
8:30-10:00am
Rooms
Breakout Sessions
Roosevelt Jefferson Amphitheater I Amphitheater II
Living the Dream What it Takes to
Get a Home Vona Johnson
Augie Access Dr. Matt Johnson Dr. Karen Mahan
Jessica Lamb
Recognizing Personality Disorders
Dr. Greg Lester
Developing Business Strategies
Rob Hoffman
10:00-10:30am Lobby
Break
10:30-Noon
Rooms
Breakout Sessions
Roosevelt Jefferson Amphitheater I Amphitheater II
Low Vision Exams and Reports - It’s
Not Greek Dawn Backer &
Dr. Paul Greenfield
Marketing Your Services & Program
Epicosity
How to Effectively Work with
Individuals who have a Personality
Disorder Dr. Greg Lester
Implementing a Business Solutions Approach to Em-
ployment Services Rob Hoffman
Noon Washington
Luncheon DHS Secretary Gloria Pearson
Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether Music by Vicki Kerkvliet
1:30-3:00pm
Rooms
Breakout Sessions
Roosevelt Jefferson Amphitheater I Amphitheater II
Accessible Wellness
Kevin Horner &
Lisa Klein
DLR Programs and Services for Job
Seekers DLR Staff
Identifying Hidden Addictions and
How to Work with these Individuals Dr. Greg Lester
Trending in Successful Transition Outcomes
Rob Hoffman
3:00-3:30pm Break
Visit the vendor booths to see if you are a door prize winner!!!
6
A G
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 (Continued)
Time Activity
3:30-5:00pm
Rooms
Breakout Sessions
Roosevelt Jefferson Amphitheater I Amphitheater II
Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace:
Tips for Job Seekers and Employment Professionals
Colleen Moran
Self-Employment “Creating a New
Venture” Dr. Larry Swain
Understanding and Working with
Teenagers with the “Teen Brain”
Dr. Greg Lester
Compassion Fatigue Dr. J.C.
Chambers
5:00pm Booths Tear Down
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2015
Time Activity
7:00-8:00am Lobby
Refreshments
8:00-9:30am
Rooms
Breakout Sessions
Roosevelt Jefferson Amphitheater I Amphitheater II
Ethical Issues VR Professionals
Encounter Dr. J.C.
Chambers
The Disability Determination
Process DHS Disability Determination
Services
What WIOA Means for Service Providers
DRS/SBVI State Office Staff
Employment for Individuals with
Diverse Backgrounds
Christy Nicolaisen
9:30-9:45am Lobby
Break
9:45-11:00am Washington
Simple Truths in the Workplace and in Life Gary Berg
11:00-11:15am Washington
Closing
11:15-Noon Washington
DRS/SBVI Staff meeting
7
Annual RehabACTion Meeting at 5:00pm Tuesday, October 13th Election of Officers
Certification Awards
RehabACTion Social - Tuesday, October 13th, 6:30-8:30pm Entertainment by David Malmberg, Ventriloquist
Booths / Vendors - Wednesday, October 14th
Luncheon - Wednesday, October 14th DHS Secretary Gloria Pearson
Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether
Continuing Education Credits Continuing Education Credits will be provided through the Commission on Rehabilitation Coun-selor Certification. Individuals in other professions will be provided a certificate of attendance to utilize for CE credits with their professional organization.
Certificate of Attendance Certificate of Attendance will be provided upon request for Certified Employment Support Pro-fessionals and other professional certifications.
C S E / I
Conference Evaluation
Participant input on the 2015 Fall Conference, presentations and presenters helps the planning committee improve the quality of future training ses-sions. The conference evaluation can be completed on-line. The link to the conference evaluation can be found at: WWW.SDRehabACTion.org. Conference participants will also receive an e-mail following the conference with the evaluation link. The conference program provides a section called “Evaluation Sum-mary” underneath each presentation to write notes about the presentation and presenter. Referring to these notes will help complete the conference evalu-ation.
8
Vendor booths open at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 14th. Visit the booths and sign up for the door prize displayed at each booth.
During the afternoon break, vendors will draw names from their bag for a door prize winner!
All door prize winners will be announced at the booths, so head back to the vendor booths to see if you’ve won! You must be present to
win. Any prizes not collected by 5:00 P.M. will be drawn again during the Thursday morning session.
Don’t Miss Out on
Vendor Door Prizes
Visit the Vendor Booths & Sign Up
For Door Prizes
9
B /V
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
BHSSC—Transition Services Liaison Project
Business Resource Network
Center for Disabilities
DakotaLink
Department of Labor & Regulation
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Division of Rehabilitation Services
East Dakota Educational Cooperative
ECCO Inc.
Independent Living Choices
Inspirations by LifeScape
SD RehabACTion
Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
South Dakota Advocacy Services
South Dakota Parent Connection
South Dakota State University
SDSU Extension
Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Workforce Diversity Network of the Black Hills
On Wednesday, October 14th, agencies will have vendor booths in the lobby. Each vendor is donating door prizes which they will draw for in the afternoon. Be sure to visit each vendor for a chance to win a door prize.
Must be present to win.
10
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Tuesday, October 13th
1:30pm-3:00pm General Session
Vision-Mindset-Grit Scott Burrows
The true measure of success is how well you adapt to change, doubt, uncertainty and fear—and the belief system you employ must be powerful enough to conquer those obstacles. Scott Bur-rows’ own riveting story of overcoming adversity through sheer determination, willpower and goal setting is uplifting and infectious. Using his physical paralysis as a visual metaphor, Scott reveals how to drive personal and business results using the same mental focus that helped him rein-vent his life. The dynamic principles discussed in this presentation inspire people to unprecedent-ed levels of empowerment and self-confidence, setting the stage for developing cutting-edge ide-as and leadership strategies that will benefit your entire company.
Evaluation Summary
3:30pm-5:00pm Breakout Sessions
NAMI
In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a unique public education program in which two trained speakers share compelling personal stories about living with a mental illness and achieving recovery. IOOV unmasks mental illness, using speaker stories to illustrate the individual realities of living with mental illness. You gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with mental illness and stay in recovery. NAMI In Our Own Voice can change attitudes, preconceived notions and stereotypes regarding mental illness.
Evaluation Summary
Tips and Suggestions for Employment Specialists and Job Seekers
Sioux Falls BRN Employers
This presentation by Sioux Falls employers will provide Employment Specialists and job seekers helpful tips and suggestions in applying for jobs, interviewing and other contacts with potential employers.
Evaluation Summary
In Our Own Voice
11
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Tuesday, October 13th (cont.)
3:30pm-5:00pm Breakout Sessions (cont.)
Beyond the Boomer, Aging in Place Leacey Brown
We are living during unprecedented times in our history. Never before have we had such a large number of people living to age 65 and beyond. It's commonly thought that the baby boomers are driving this change. During this presentation, we will dig deeper into the forces driving the aging of our population and how population aging is resonating through every sector of our society. This presentation will also address misconceptions about aging, older adults, and differentiate between age and disability. Finally, the presenter will identify the unique opportunities provided by an aging population and provide strategies to make your organization aging ready.
Evaluation Summary
Think Outside the Moment Scott Burrows
Feeling scared, vulnerable and overwhelmed are inevitable—and inescapable—traits of the hu-man condition, whether at work, at home or in other social environments. In this lively, engaging session, Scott Burrows helps audience members root out the causes of those anxieties and learn from each other how to Think Outside the Moment to fight such fears for a more productive, en-riching life.
Through careful guidance and an entertaining, inspiring approach, Scott digs deep into the vul-nerabilities and dynamics of the group for a unique session where everyone gets involved and everyone leaves with new skills and coping mechanisms built around his empowering concepts of Vision, Mindset and Grit.
Evaluation Summary
12
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Wednesday, October 14th
8:30am-10:00am Breakout Sessions
Living the Dream, What it Takes to Get a Home Vona Johnson
Join Vona Johnson from the South Dakota Housing Development Authority in an interactive dis-cussion about the different types of housing available from supportive housing to home owner-ship. Learn about South Dakota’s new 811 Program, the difference between Project-Based Sec-tion 8, a Housing Choice Voucher, a HOME Assisted Unit and a Housing Tax Credit Unit. We will discuss the various considerations for buying a home, including the benefits of purchasing one of the Governor’s Houses.
Evaluation Summary
Dr. Matt Johnson Dr. Karen Mahan
Jessica Lamb
Augie Access is a post-secondary education pilot program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. Through a collaboration with Division of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Labor and Regulation - Disability Employ-ment Initiative, Department of Education and Division of Developmental Disabilities, this program will provide students with educational experiences, thereby improving employment outcomes. Students will be provided with support including classroom and residential options. This presen-tation will provide an overview of the program design requirements and how young adults can attend this innovative program.
Evaluation Summary
Augie Access
13
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Wednesday, October 14th (cont.)
8:30am-10:00am Breakout Sessions (cont.)
Recognizing Personality Disorders Dr. Greg Lester
Although individuals with Personality Disorders are the most difficult and challenging of all mental health clients, very few social service professionals are trained to effectively identify and work with them. An understanding of Personality Disorders is essential in social services, because they are one of the most common mental health conditions and require a unique mindset and set of intervention techniques in order to work with them successfully. This session will teach partici-pants what a Personality Disorder is, how it works, how it differs from other mental health condi-tions, and how to identify it in a way that will enable them to both avoid the distress this clientele can cause, and to perform effective interventions that will help them.
Evaluation Summary
Developing Business Strategies: In Search of Opportunities, Not Openings
Rob Hoffman
Effective business engagement is rooted in placing a priority on, and demonstrating, an ability to meet business needs. This needs to be a central part of an organization’s employment services rather than a marginal/optional activity. Participants will learn about effective engagement strate-gies to increase business partnerships and successful employment outcomes. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the business engagement process, how to move from a con-sumer-based engagement approach to a stakeholder-based approach and will obtain strategies that make it easy for employers to engage.
Evaluation Summary
14
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Wednesday, October 14th (cont.)
10:30am-Noon Breakout Sessions
Low Vision Exams and Reports, “It’s Not Greek” Dawn Backer & Dr. Paul Greenfield
Does it seem like you’re reading Greek when you’re reading an eye report? This session will teach you how to decipher important information to read and understand an eye medical report. You will learn how the affected parts of the eye have implications for an individual’s ability to vis-ually function.
Evaluation Summary
Marketing Your Services & Programs Epicosity
Interested in learning more about how to market and promoting your services to employers and others who you work with? In this session you will learn about cost-effective marketing strate-gies that you can utilize for your business. You will also learn more about the campaign develop-ment of Department of Human Services' “Ability for Hire.”
Evaluation Summary
How to Effectively Work with Individuals Who Have a Personality Disorder
Dr. Greg Lester
Working effectively with individuals with Personality Disorders requires a unique mindset and set of intervention techniques. This session will teach participants the most current and effective methods for working with clientele with Personality Disorders. Techniques will be presented that have been shown to reduce the disordered patterns, achieve better consequences, lower bad behavior and repair a disordered self. The techniques will be described and demonstrated, and participants will be able to use the techniques in working with their difficult clientele.
Evaluation Summary
15
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Wednesday, October 14th (cont.)
10:30pm-Noon Breakout Sessions (cont.)
Implementing a Business Solutions Approach to Employment Services
Rob Hoffman
It’s no secret we are currently experiencing incredible momentum when it comes to increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Between favorable Federal and State policies, and a significant increase of businesses actively doing outreach and recruitment, we have an opportunity to make considerable gains in terms of employment for individuals with disa-bilities. However, to capitalize on this, we must move from a strictly singular approach of one person/one job to a business solutions approach where we become a significant part of our com-munity’s workforce landscape. This session expands on the Business Engagement Strategies session, taking a more in depth look at how systems and organizations should prepare to re-spond to the needs of businesses and position ourselves as a viable and long-term resource in our communities.
Evaluation Summary
1:30pm-3:00pm Breakout Sessions
Accessible Wellness Kevin Horner & Lisa Klein
This presentation will talk about the development of the Accessible Wellness and Adaptive Sports programs at Sanford Health. Adaptive equipment will be on display along with infor-mation on how individuals with disabilities can get involved.
Evaluation Summary
DLR Programs and Services for Job Seekers DLR Staff
This presentation will provide an overview of the various programs in the South Dakota Depart-ment of Labor and Regulations (DLR) that are available to assist job seekers prepare and obtain employment. This presentation will also discuss changes in DLR programs and services result-ing from the Workforce Innovative and Opportunities Act (WIOA).
Evaluation Summary
16
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Wednesday, October 14th (cont.)
1:30pm-3:00pm Breakout Sessions
Identifying Hidden Addictions and How to Work with These Individuals
Dr. Greg Lester
Addictions remain one of the most frequent and destructive of mental health conditions. Many addictions do not present in the “classical” form of obvious excessive drinking or drug abuse. Many addictions are subtle, hidden, do not involve drugs or alcohol, and underlie other social and mental health problems. This sessions will present the nature of hidden addictions along with methods for identifying them, tracking their effects, and working successfully with them.
Evaluation Summary
Trending in Successful Transition Outcomes Rob Hoffman
Transition planning for students is not easy and is more complicated for students with disabilities. Many students with disabilities leave school lacking academic, technical, and the social skills needed to find and/or maintain employment. Identifying the challenges students will face and preparing them to meet these demands requires careful transition planning. In this session, par-ticipants will explore strategies for collaboration with schools and other community providers. They will learn about the Guiding Principles that are an expansion of evidence-based practices that support seamless transitions to integrated employment. There will be discussions to identify resources, needs and opportunities to support and enhance successful transition outcomes.
Evaluation Summary
3:30pm-5:00pm Breakout Sessions
Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace: Tips for Job Seekers and Employment Professionals
Colleen Moran
The American with Disabilities Act requires employers to remove workplace barriers for appli-cants and employees with disabilities. This session will help job seekers, providers, employment specialists, vocational rehabilitation counselors and others understand the reasonable accommo-dation process. It will also help job seekers and employment professionals learn how to address accommodation needs with an employer, disclose a disability, and educate the employer during the job seeking process to ensure ADA compliance.
Evaluation Summary
17
3:30pm-5:00pm Breakout Sessions (cont.)
Self Employment - Creating a New Venture Larry Swain
This workshop will describe the value of doing a business plan. Participants will learn how to do a ten page business plan and develop a marketing plan for the business. The workshop is de-signed to assist participants in helping clients to determine what direction to go with self-employment and how to do it. Dr. Swain has helped thousands of individuals develop plans for their businesses and has started 18 of his own businesses over the past 55 years.
Evaluation Summary
Understanding and Working with Teenagers with the “Teen Brain”
Dr. Greg Lester
Recent data on adolescence has produced a breakthrough in our understanding and dealing with this often difficult and tumultuous period of life. Specific, predictable, and dramatic brain changes have been documented in adolescents that explains many troublesome teenage behaviors such as impulsivity, grumpiness, defensiveness, passivity, procrastination, thrill-seeking, and lying and sneaking. This session will present the new findings about the teenage brain and will teach par-ticipants effective methods for handling and managing the unique brain structure and behavior that occurs during adolescence.
Evaluation Summary
Compassion Fatigue Dr. J.C. Chambers
Compassion fatigue is a series of symptoms, both physical and psychological, that develop slow-ly over time in response to serving those in need, particularly those with a history of trauma. Compassion Fatigue is also known as Vicarious Trauma or Secondary Trauma. Understanding and managing these symptoms is key to achieving a long and satisfying career as a professional caregiver. Dr. Chambers has designed the Keys to Compassion Fatigue workshop to include a balance of theory and practical strategies that give caregivers the tools they need to deliver effec-tive services while maintaining physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Evaluation Summary
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Wednesday, October 14th (cont.)
18
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Thursday, October 15th
8:00am-9:30am Breakout Sessions
Ethical Issues VR Professionals Encounter When Working With Individuals and Families
Dr. J.C. Chambers
Counselors are faced with constantly changing ethical considerations regarding the use of tech-nology and social media in their work with clients. In fact, for the first time ever, the 2014 Ameri-can Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics has included a section specifically addressing social media use in counseling. This workshop will provide an overview of the Vocational Reha-bilitation Counselor Code of Ethics related to technology and social media, and will include dis-cussion and application of the ethical code to relevant case studies.
Evaluation Summary
The Disability Determination Process DDS
Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) file the applications for disability benefits with the local Social Security field offices. However, it is the South Dakota Department of Human Services/Disability Determination Services that will obtain medical assessments/records and make the disability determination. This presentation will provide an overview of the Social Security Administration disability determination process from the application with the Social Security office, the medical review process completed at the Disability Determination Services office, and the final notification of the disability decision by the Social Security Administration. This panel of DDS personnel and Social Security Administration will provide this presentation and answer questions participants may have on the disability deter-mination process.
Evaluation Summary
19
S E S S I O N D E S C R I P T I O N S Thursday, October 15th (cont.)
8:00am-9:30am Breakout Sessions (cont.)
What WIOA Means for Service Providers DRS/SBVI State Office Staff
This presentation will cover the changes in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and how these changes will impact service providers. This presentation will also include new initiatives being implemented by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.
Evaluation Summary
Employment for Individuals with Diverse Backgrounds Christy Nicolaisen
Evaluation Summary
9:45am-11:00am General Session
Simple Truths in the Workplace and in Life Gary Berg
This presentation challenges all who participate to look at their own lives more closely and with more focus. It challenges audience members to consciously examine how they can be better at what they do on a daily basis at work and in life. Gary has presented this talk from coast to coast to diverse audiences with great success. Besides challenging people to think – he also makes sure all audiences laugh hard as well and do not forget how important it is to remember his last simple truth – It important to laugh often and laugh loud!
Evaluation Summary
This presentation will provide an overview of the reasons for businesses to strive for greater di-versity among their employees, by hiring workers of different races, disabilities, creeds, genders and ages to bring a more varied experience to their ranks.
20
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
Sioux Falls Business Resource Network The Sioux Falls Business Resource Network (BRN) was formed in 2009 and became an official non-profit corporation under South Dakota law in September 2010. The mission of the SFBRN is “To provide businesses with education, awareness and resources to promote the successful employment of persons with disabilities.”
Scott Burrows Scott is living proof your life can change in an instant. By the age of 19, he was playing college football at Florida State University as a wide receiver and a top-ranked kick-boxing champion, with his last fight broadcast by ESPN. On November 3, 1984, Scott’s life took a dramatic and irreversible turn. He was involved in a serious automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down and diagnosed a quadriplegic. Despite his grim diagnosis, Scott refused to be sidelined. He made the decision to take action, to focus on the positives of the experience as opposed to dwelling on the obvious and overwhelming negatives. Scott has transcended his
circumstances to become an expert on transformation change as well as an in-demand speaker all over the world.
NAMI NAMI South Dakota was founded in 1987. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to carrying out the mission to improve the lives of persons affected by mental
illness. Affiliates are located throughout the state in Aberdeen, Brookings, Huron, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Sturgis, Watertown and Yankton. There is also a statewide Consumer Council.
Leacey Brown Leacey served in the US Air Force at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. She has an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Systems. Her undergraduate work focused on psychology and sociology and she studied gerontology during graduate school. Leacey began her career at SDSU Extension and connects people with unbiased, research based information to aid them as they make decisions about their families and communities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the SD Alzheimer’s Association and the Community Service Connections of the Black Hills. Leacey coordinates the Black Hills Senior Information Network, an organization designed for
networking and resource sharing for professionals serving older adults and their families. Leacey’s professional interests include aging in place, community development, demographics, adult technology use, and accessible design in print and web products.
21
Vona Johnson Vona Johnson is the Director of Rental Housing Management for the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA). She has acted in a variety of capacities at SDHDA for nearly 30 years and currently oversees the asset management and compliance of the rental housing programs at the Authority, including the Housing Tax Credit, HOME, and Section 8 Project Based Assistance Programs. She is currently working on a collaborative effort to design South Dakota’s new HUD Section 811 Project Rental Assistance
Program, which will provide additional housing options for extremely low income people with disabilities.
Dr. Matt Johnson Prior to coming to the Augustana Education Department, Dr. Matt Johnson was a special education teacher in Omaha, NE, Sioux Falls, SD, and Chicago, IL. In his 13 years of public school teaching, Matt has K-12 experience in teaching students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, autism, emotional disturbance, and behavior disorders. Matt received his B.A. and M.A. from Augustana University and also has coaching experience as an assistant and head coach at the high school level. Courses that Matt teaches at Augustana University are: Foundations of Special Education, Secondary Programs in
Special Education, and Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms. Matt recently completed his doctoral studies where his research focused on interventions for high school students with behavior disorders.
Dr. Karen Mahan Dr. Mahan is a certified Speech/Language Pathologist with the American Speech and Hearing Association. She received her doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University and her Master of Arts degree in Speech/Language Pathology from the University of South Dakota. Professor Mahan’s areas of specialization include language development, language disorders in children, and autism spectrum disorders. She serves on the University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities’ Autism Advisory Committee, and is the Special Education Division Head for the Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders program with the Sanford
School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. Professor Mahan advises students in the Communication Disorders program who are interested in becoming Speech/Language Pathologists or Audiologists.
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
22
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
Rob Hoffman Rob is the Executive Director of the Business Leadership Network of Greater Kansas City and the Owner/Sr. Partner of Employment Analytics. With over 30 years in the field, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in management practices, service delivery, leadership and organizational development. Drawing from his experiences leading organizations, directing training/technical assistance projects, and establishing successful business partnership efforts, he works with organizations throughout the country to implement the most effective practices to enhance services, increase performance and achieve better outcomes. Rob is a recognized leader in the
field and has served on numerous national and state boards including multiple terms on National APSE’s Board of Directors.
Dr. Greg Lester Dr. Lester, Ph.D. is a psychologist who has been in practice for over 35 years. He is licensed in Colorado and Texas, has served on the graduate faculty of The University of St. Thomas, and is currently on the continuing education faculty of Cross Country Education. Dr. Lester is the author of eight books, and his research and articles have appeared in numerous professional journals. Dr. Lester specializes in difficult conditions such as Personality Disorders, addictions, and adolescence. Dr. Lester has trained numerous human service professionals on Personality Disorders. He is the author of a front-line manual clinical on Personality Disorders. Dr. Lester’s
practical front-line clinical principles and his engaging presenting style make him a highly sought-after speaker and trainer.
Jessica Lamb Jessica received her B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Northern State University and spent the next several years teaching elementary and special education in various settings before receiving her M.A. in Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2010. While a high school special education teacher in Webster, South Dakota, Jessica received the Outstanding Award for Transition Services Governor's Award. In 2012, Jessica accepted a position with Aberdeen School District to be the teacher for the Transition Learning Campus, a program for 18-21 year old high school special education students
transitioning to adulthood and is currently the Program Coordinator for the Augie Access program at Augustana University, a post-secondary program for 18-24 year old students with Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities.
23
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
Kevin Horner Kevin Horner has been a physical therapist for Sanford Health for the past 26 years. He has spent the majority of his time treating patients in the orthopedic outpatient population. For the last 19 years he has been involved in the development of the lymphedema program implementing care after cancer treatment. In 2009, he recognized the need for better access for individuals with disabilities and began pursuing the development of an accessible wellness program within Sanford Health.
Epicosity Who We Are—We’re thinkers, dreamers, and storytellers. We’re the type of people who don’t abide by the boundaries of “job descriptions.” Team collaboration works out too well for us to not utilize it on a daily basis. And we’re all over the map in terms of experience. With clients in 22 states and four countries, we have expertise in a variety of industries. What We’re About—We’re not a mega-agency. We’re a tight group of creative, idea
people. Our work isn’t driven by larger corporate interests – it’s driven by client need. Blending traditional services with a strong digital footprint for brands with purpose, we excel at creative development, digital strategy, video production, website development, public relations and media buying and planning. Where We’ve Been—Founded in 2008 as Epic Multimedia and rebranded as Epicosity in 2013, the agency has grown from a local video production firm to a full-service agency. The agency was recently named one of the top rising companies in the US by Inc., a well-known and respected business magazine.
Dr. Paul Greenfield Dr. Greenfield is a native of Fulda, MN. He attended the University of Minne-sota-Morris and received his Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 1993. He is currently the Low Vision Chairman of the South Dakota Optometric Society, and has a special interest in low vi-sion and the InfantSee program.
Dawn Backer Dawn Backer is the Manager of the SD Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (SDRC) in Sioux Falls, SD. Dawn began working for SD Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) in 1985 as a Rehabilitation Teacher, shortly after she became the staff Low Vision Therapist until 2005 when she was appointed SDRC Manager. Dawn is a Past- President of SD RehabACTion, and participates on the ADA Celebration and the National Disability Employment Awareness Month committees. Dawn received a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University in Family and Consumer
Science, as well as attended Salus University, formerly Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and is a certified low vision therapist.
24
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
Colleen Moran Colleen is an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Sioux Falls, who serves as the City’s Human Relations Manager and ADA Coordinator. Colleen received her ADA Coordinator certification through the University of Missouri. In her work with the City, Colleen administers the City’s reasonable accommodation policy and advises on ADA issues. Her office acts as a liaison to three City boards, which include the Disability Awareness Commission, the ADA Accessibility Review Board, and the Human Relations Commission. Colleen currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Sioux Falls Business Resource Network, the SD Board of Vocational
Rehabilitation, the Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, Special Olympics, Independent Living Choices, and Children Rescue International.
Dr. Larry Swain Dr. Swain is a leadership, interpersonal communication and business consulting expert for corporations, private business, and universities. He travels nationally and internationally to lead management, development training and strategic planning conferences and projects. Dr. Swain has received national recognition for leadership programs and multiple papers on human capital training in Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Australia, Chili, Argentina, Brazil, Netherlands, Canada, and Mexico. Dr. Swain has started 18 companies and has worked with farmers, ranchers and
small businesses. His specialty is in developing entrepreneurial abilities in individuals and families who want to start a business. Dr. Swain has a B.S. and M.S. from South Dakota State University and a Ph.D. in economics, ag. economics, international trade and development and community and human resource development.
SD Department of Labor and Regulations (DLR) The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulations (DLR) mission is to promote economic opportunity and financial security for individuals and businesses through quality, responsive and expert services; fair and equitable
employment solutions; and safe and sound business practices. DLR has 16 office locations across South Dakota with staff ready to assist employers deal with various labor issues and to help job seekers identify opportunities and prepare for productive employment.
Lisa Klein Lisa Klein is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at Sanford Health with the inpatient rehabilitation unit and accessible wellness program. For the past 20 years, Lisa has been implementing interventions to enhance the leisure lifestyle of individuals that have encountered a change in independence due to accidents or medical issues. In 2013, she extended services to community members and Veterans with physical disabilities through the development of an adaptive sports program.
25
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
Disability Determination Disability Determination Services, commonly called DDS, are state agencies, funded by the United States Federal Government/Social Security Administration. When the Social Security Administration added protection for individuals with disabilities in 1954, Congress wrote into the law that the disability decision had to be made by a State Agency and not by a federal office. Social Security Administration pays the State to run the office and make the decision. The SD Disability Determination Services is responsible only for the medical eligibility portion of the disability claim. Social Security is responsible for the application process, any other eligibility criteria, and the calculation of benefits if awarded.
Christy Nicolaisen Christy is the Executive Director of the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated from Buena Vista University with a triple major. In her undergraduate career, she studied extensively in Mexico. Christy has been a Board of Immigration Appeals Accredited Representative with fourteen years of experience representing clients in the areas of family based and refugee immigration. Christy has more than sixteen years of non-profit management experience. She has over 28 years of experience working within the immigrant and refugee communities. Christy was the Director of the Foundation Against Homelessness for four years. In addition, Christy taught ESL, GED, Citizenship and Credit English to ELL students at Western Iowa Tech Community College for over 14 years.
State Office Staff The presentation on “What Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) means for Service Providers” will be presented by the State Office staff from the Division of Rehabilitation Services and Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Dr. J.C. Chambers Dr. J.C. Chambers is a founding partner of Stronghold Counseling, Inc., and serves as the Clinical Director. He has been a South Dakota Licensed psychologist since 1996 and has provided training for school systems and therapists who work with students for the past 15 years. Dr. Chambers has been a Senior Trainer for Life Space Crisis Intervention since 1998, a Senior trainer for Response Ability Pathways since 2004, and is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. He has worked with school districts training personnel in Canada, Australia, and across the United States.
26
E N T E R T A I N M E N T
On Tuesday, Oct. 13, join us for a fun-filled evening of comedy, voice
tossing, story telling and music. David Malmberg and his merry sidekicks cajole, joke, kid, coax and otherwise tickle your funny bone. A cornucopia of entertainment with the wisecracking antics of the lova-ble Simon Spencer, America’s grouchiest farmer, Leonard Cribble and the totally clueless Lars Gunderson provide one sizzling laugh after another.
T u e s d a y N i g h t S o c i a l
P R E S E N T E R B I O G R A P H I E S
Gary Berg Gary is a real entrepreneur and he has built his company based on some “Simple Truths” that hopefully can challenge and benefit all of us. He has been called a human reminder of what is important in life and in the workplace. Gary Berg is a business owner, coach, former college administrator, and a really regular guy. His presentation challenges participants to look at their lives more closely and with more focus. Gary challenges participants to consciously examine how to be better at what they do on a daily basis at work and in life. Gary has presented
from coast to coast to diverse audiences with great success. Besides challenging people to think – he also makes sure all audiences laugh hard as well and do not forget how important it is to remember his last simple truth – It important to laugh often and laugh loud! Gary’s presentations truly connect with people and help them help themselves in an informative and entertaining fashion that is real, honest, and to the point.
27
Great appreciation goes out to all the people who helped organize this conference!!
S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O O U R P A R T N E R S A N D C O - S P O N S O R S
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
Board of Vocational Rehabilitation
Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
Independent Living Choices
SD Council on Developmental Disabilities
SD Department of Labor and Regulation
SD Division of Developmental Disabilities
SD RehabACTion
SD Division of Rehabilitation Services
SD Special Education Programs
SD Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired
Sioux Falls Business Resource Network
Sioux Falls NDEAM Committee
Transition Services Liaison Project
Find the hidden Hashtags that
are mysteriously hidden in the
conference area. Turn it in at the
registration table to collect your
prize.
28
See You Next Year for the 2016 Fall Conference!
Have a Safe Dr ive Home!