Vermont APSE Conference
Our conference flyer and latest updates are available on line at:
http://www.uvm.edu/~cdci/programs/supemp/
 

Eighth Annual Vermont APSE
Supported Employment Conference
IMAGINE WORKFORCE INCLUSION

May 11, 2005
Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center
Burlington, Vermont

Keynote speaker: Richard Pimentel
http://www.miltwright.com/c_princip.htm

Richard Pimentel is a nationally renowned expert on disability management, workers' compensation cost containment, rehabilitation, and job retention in the workplace.  His vast and penetrating knowledge about issues related to disability and people of difference is communicated with humor and conviction. His training has not only successfully enabled managers and supervisors to participate in cost reduction initiatives and implementation of policies and procedures to reduce worksite accidents and re-injury, but also to dispel stereotypes and embrace diversity.  For over two decades, Richard Pimentel has arguably been North America's most predominant spokesperson for the employment of people with disabilities as the author of the highly acclaimed WINDMILLS attitudinal training program.

Schedule of Events:
 
8:30-9:00                      Registration and Refreshments

9:00-9:30                  Welcome

9:30-10:30                       Keynote Presentation: Richard Pimentel

10:30-10:45               Break

10:45-12:00                Concurrent Breakout Sessions

12:00 - 1:00                Lunch

1:00 - 2:15                        Concurrent Breakout Sessions

2:30 - 3:15                 Closing
Breakout Sessions to include:

* University of Hartford School to Work Resource Project
Presenters: Shelly Hartnett & Rick McAllister
University of Hartford Rehabilitation Training Programs
West Hartford, CT

This workshop describes a training and technical assistance model designed to provide efficient and effective delivery of state-of-the-art tools and techniques directly to support teams. This unique process focus on a team training design, intensive targeted training sessions and embedded technical assistance to build capacity in local communities. Training components include student assessment strategies; development of assessment sites, employment opportunities and employer partnerships; training, intervention and support; and on-site technical assistance following training. Training is based on national standards and competencies endorsed by the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators.

* Work Works! The Making of a Community Video
Presenters: George V. Nostrand & David Smith
Vocational Opportunity Works! (VOW)
Rutland, VT

Presenters will show the video Work Works, they produced and will also talk about how it came into being, the process, and how they hope to use it in the future. The 30-minute video was part of a grant project designed to address community issues. It premiered on December 15th of 2004. Anne Donahue, editor of Counterpoint reviewed the movie saying, "Anyone expecting an amateur productionŠwill be caught off guard by this well paced and educational look at the role of work in our lives, and in particular how it affects the lives of people with mental illness."

* Returning to Work with Traumatic Brain Injury
Presenters: Al Urpsis, Deborah Argent, Jane Gauthier, Hugh Barclay, Michele Corrow
Division of Disabilities and Aging Services, TBI Waiver Program
Waterbury, VT

This panel of individuals with TBI and their support providers will discuss the challenges, successes, and strategies associated with returning to work following a Traumatic Brain Injury.

* Making a Good First Impression: A "Business-Friendly" Model to Job Development & Placement
Presenters: Teresa Miele, Bill Merritt, Lisl Hacker, Denise Abrahamsen, Sofia van Heiningen
Career Choices
Rutland, VT

Over the past 3 years, Career Choices has been transforming itself from a rehabilitation model to a business model.  In doing so, we have implemented a "business-friendly" model that incorporates best practices from a wide variety of sources.  In this workshop, we will share our successes, employment approach and resources.  Participants will be able to use this information as a springboard to further their knowledge and improve current employment practices.

* Canoe Building Project for Youth with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities
Presenter: Justin Philie
Lamoille County JOBS Program
Morrisville, VT
Based on the book, Building the Six-Hour Canoe, the presenters created a vocational experience for youth with emotional behavioral disabilities.  Inexpensive to build using ordinary tools and materials, the canoe gives everybody access to boatbuilding and a boat. Light, easy to carry and handle, it can be a personal favorite. Or it can be the ideal boat for introductory boatbuilding courses and for community and/or school based building experiences. 

* The Art of Disclosing Your Disability
Presenter: Richard Pimentel
Milt Wright & Associates, Inc.
Granada Hills, CA

This presentation will be a guide for applicants in talking about disability-related job issues in employment interviews. The goal is to increase the employment opportunities of qualified persons with disabilities, increase the number of informed quality employment decisions made by employers and reduce discrimination and litigation associated with the ADA.

* Assistance Dogs in the Workplace
Presenter: Becky Barnes
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Yorktown Heights, NY

Unemployment among disabled adults in the United States is substantially higher than that of the general population.  Having an assistance dog may increase the mobility and independence an individual has, but it also presents its own set of issues in the job market. This will be an interactive workshop with plenty of opportunity for discussion of these issues and sharing of information as well as for questions. Colleagues and supervisors will provide a handout that offers information and suggestions on proper responses to an assistance dog in the workplace.

* The Job Club: Meeting the Vermont Standards! 
Presenters: Marian Connor and Dianne Chandler
Mt. Abe High School and Employment Associates
Middlebury, VT
Employment Associates staff will examine the process of forming a job club including: A) the rationale for developing a job club, B) developing the sessions/cycles, C) member participation, D) job club philosophy, and E) contribution from the Business Advisory Council including sessions taught by private employers.


PLUS:

Poster Sessions: Agencies/Companies will display & disseminate information and materials. 

Various Vendors will be displaying and selling artwork/merchandise.

"Imagine Workforce Inclusion" T-Shirts will be available for sale.

These comfortable shirts are made of 100% pre-shrunk cotton. They come in black only.

These attractive T-Shirts are a fun and tasteful way to make a statement about your personal commitment to workforce diversity and inclusion.

Reserve yours on the registration form.  Available in Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large.



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REGISTRATION

1) ___Professional (Full day, includes lunch)   
Before April 25 ($55)   After April 25 ($65)

2) ___Self-Advocates/Supported Employees (Full day, includes lunch)
Before April 25 ($20)   After April 25 ($25)   

3) ___Business Breakfast Special: (Half day, includes breakfast, keynote address, morning breakout session, does not include lunch).  Only $25.00!  This is intended for local businesses to learn more about workforce inclusion and diversity.  (Certificates of Attendance Available) Don't miss this opportunity to hear this renowned expert on issues of diversity!



APSE Members deduct $5.00 from fee.  APSE Membership # ____________ (required)

Join APSE now http://www.apse.org/ and attend the conference at the reduced rates!!

______Yes, we would like a display table for our non-profit agency.  Regular registration is required plus $25 vendor fee.  (Space may be limited)

Name(s):

Organization:

Address:                                                               

City:                                                                  

State:                 

Zip Code:

Special Accommodations (please specify):

 

______Yes, reserve an "Imagine Workforce Inclusion" T-Shirt for me! Quantity ____ Size _____

Scholarships may be available to persons with disabilities on request. Call 802-656-1345 for more information.

Please send your registration with check made payable to Vermont APSE
If special accommodations are needed please respond by April 20, 2005

Payment MUST accompany registration unless prior arrangements are made with Karen Hussey at 802-652-2161.

Send Check and Registration to:
Karen Hussey
Vermont APSE
c/o Project Hire/HCS
102 South Winooski Ave.
Burlington, VT 05401    Phone: 802-652-2161

Fax: 802-860-2360
Email: [log in to unmask]
The Vermont Association for Persons in Supported Employment is an independent, non-profit, membership organization dedicated to the advancement of supported employment for persons with severe disabilities.  Funds raised are used to maintain the organization and increase professional development opportunities for people with disabilities and staff of supported employment agencies.

A block of rooms have been set aside for the Vermont APSE conference for the night of May 10, 2005 at the rate of $95.00.  Reservations should be made by April 10, 2005.

To make reservations call (802) 865-6600 and mention you are with Vermont APSE.

Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center
870 Williston Road
Burlington, Vermont 05403

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Bryan Dague
University of Vermont
Center on Disability & Community Inclusion
Mann Hall, 3rd Floor
208 Colchester Ave.
Burlington, VT 05405-1757

Email: [log in to unmask]
Phone: (802) 656-1345
Fax: (802) 656-1357
TTY: (802) 656-8499
Website: http://www.uvm.edu/~cdci/