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EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS |
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We are excited to present a dynamic lineup of educational sessions led by national, state, and local presenters recognized for their expertise in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and professional skill-building topics. Designed to inform, inspire, and equip attendees with practical strategies and emerging insights, these sessions offer opportunities to deepen knowledge, explore innovative approaches, and strengthen the capabilities needed to advance services and supports.
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SPECIAL EVENTS |
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WELCOME & OPENING AWARDS CEREMONY |
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TUESDAY | 9 - 10:15 AM | Waters Ballroom C/D
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This signature event features the presentation of the five INARF Annual Awards, honoring individuals whose leadership, dedication, and innovation continue to elevate services and supports for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across Indiana and includes the celebration of the achievements of the INARF Leadership Academy – Class of 2026 Graduates. This inspiring opening sets the stage for connection, learning, and momentum that will be carried out throughout the conference experience. |
GENERAL SESSION |
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WEDNESDAY | 8:30 - 9:30 AM | Waters Ballroom C/D
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At age 20, Aaron was diagnosed with autism (Asperger’s syndrome), a moment that reframed his understanding of himself but did not diminish his ambitions. Instead, he continued pursuing his lifelong dream, ultimately achieving the rare distinction of serving on the flag stand at the Indianapolis 500—an accomplishment shared by fewer individuals than have walked on the moon.
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BEST PRACTICES & CLOSING SESSION |
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THURSDAY | 8:30 AM - 12 PM | Breakout Rooms
CEO Only - Stoney Creek A/B Leadership - Waters Ballroom C Programs - Waters Ballroom E Human Resources - Ditslear B Financial Management - Ditslear C |
Join us for the highly acclaimed Best Practice Sessions on the final day of the Annual Conference. These moderated breakout sessions bring together industry peers to share proven strategies, tools, and approaches that drive success and operational excellence. The Conference will conclude with insights and reflections from two industry leaders - Melissa Harris, Deputy Director for the Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will share perspectives on advancing Medicaid services and the impact of this work on Hoosiers with disabilities, and INARF President/CEO Katy Stafford-Cunningham will then close the Conference with final reflections on the State of the Industry in Indiana. |
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TUESDAY SESSIONS |
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#1 MANAGING VS. COACHING: KNOWING WHEN (AND HOW) TO SWITCH HATS
10:45 - 11:45 AM | Waters A |
Great leaders know how to get work done — and how to grow people. This session explores the difference between managing tasks and coaching individuals, and how using the right approach at the right time can dramatically improve recruitment, retention, and overall team culture. Participants will learn how to flex between these two leadership modes with confidence, clarity, & the right tone for each situation.
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#2 CONTINUING THE FORWARD MOVEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT FIRST IN CHALLENGING TIMES
10:45 - 11:45 AM | Stoney Creek A/B |
We live in challenging times with cuts in federal funding, and attacks on fundamental disability laws. It is critical that we not allow these challenges to stop and reverse forward progress on employment of people with disabilities. At this session we will discuss our unsettled times and how to continue the progress on Employment First, staying true to our values.
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#3 CHANGING THE CONVERSATION ON RETENTION: THE MOUNTAIN LAKE SERVICES BUDDY PROGRAM
10:45 - 11:45 AM | Ditslear B/C |
This presentation will describe the process of creating the Buddy Program, its implementation, and how it has affected employee retention. It will review the organization’s processes, assessments, and data analysis, as well as the impact of the program on both veteran and new Direct Support Professionals. The presentation will also include a question-and-answer session to address individual questions regarding the program, its processes, and related topics.
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#4 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: CONSIDERING THE COMPLIANCE RISKS OF THESE NEW TOOLS
10:45 - 11:45 AM | Waters E |
Artificial Intelligence is a rapidly becoming part of everything we do, even caring for our clients. Many providers have not considered the many compliance risks these tools car create, from bias to faulty documentation to privacy issues. This session will provide an overview of AI and consider a number of important compliance considerations, ranging from contracting considerations, implementation issues, privacy questions and governance considerations.
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#5 BUILDING BLOCKS OF GREAT LEADERSHIP
12:45 - 1:45 PM | Waters A |
Is your team clicking together like a perfectly built structure or clunking along like mismatched pieces? Strong collaboration and communication are the foundation of any high-performing team, and in this interactive session, you’ll discover how to strengthen both through the power of play.
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#6 CREATING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES THROUGH COMMUNICATION ACCESS
12:45 - 1:45 PM | Ditslear B/C |
Communication is a human right, yet many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to face barriers limiting autonomy, safety, and community participation. This session explores how communication access strengthens inclusive practices in public spaces, emergency response systems, and community agencies. Participants will gain practical, actionable strategies to immediately enhance safety, belonging, and equitable access for all.
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#7 LESS FLUFF, MORE ACCESS: PLAIN LANGUAGE POWER TOOLS
12:45 - 1:45 PM | Stoney Creek A/B |
This interactive session examines how clear, accessible communication strengthens workplace effectiveness and inclusion. It highlights the value of Plain Language, emphasizing that simplicity enhances comprehension rather than diminishing meaning. Participants will explore how reducing communication barriers decreases misunderstandings, increases productivity, supports neurodivergent colleagues, promotes equitable access to information, and fosters stronger, more collaborative teams through inclusive practices.
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#8 WHAT IS SIX SIGMA AND IS IT APPLICABLE TO MY ORGANIZATION?
12:45 - 1:45 PM | Waters E |
Lean Six Sigma tools are not just for Manufacturing! This discussion provides an overview of what Six Sigma is and how it can be applied in any organization.
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#9 LISTENING TO UNDERSTAND
2 - 3 PM | Waters A |
One of the greatest challenges for leaders is truly listening. Between handling team concerns, engaging stakeholders, and managing demanding workloads, creating space for meaningful conversations can feel overwhelming. This session explores common barriers to effective listening and introduces a powerful approach: seeking to understand before being understood.
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#10 POSSIBILITIES: WHEN INTENTIONALITY OF SUPPORTS, INTERDEPENDENCE, SAFETY, AND SELF-DETERMINATION COME TOGETHER
2 - 3 PM | Ditslear B/C |
“Possibilities!” presentation provides guided and interactive discussion on important philosophies of Culture of Gentleness, 11 core competencies of self-determination, and interdependence. Accompanying worksheet records new discoveries to implement on day one back home. Be ready for laughter and an opportunity to challenge your assumptions and update your thoughts on neurodiversity!
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#11 OSHA AND WORK PLACE SAFETY: PROTECTING YOUR EMPLOYEES FROM VIOLENCE
2 - 3 PM | Stoney Creek A/B |
Workplace violence in healthcare is receiving more attention than ever. OSHA has renewed its focus on workplace safety and recently imposed significant fines on a healthcare provider after an employee was murdered by a client. This session will review trends in workplace safety for healthcare workers and OSHA's recent efforts in order to help employers develop policies and procedures to keep their staff safe.
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#12 BRIDGING THE GAP: ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH I/DD
2 - 3 PM | Waters E |
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities who experience mental health conditions face fragmented, inadequate support. Services are siloed across systems with differing priorities, funding, and regulations This session examines systematic dual diagnosis challenges broadly and introduces a promising model for youth being implemented at Oregon-based Albertina Kerr. Attendees will gain insights into how integrated approaches can improve access and quality.
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#13 PREPARED, NOT PANICKED: BUILDING EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANS THAT WORK
3:15 - 4:15 PM | Ditslear B/C |
As human service providers, we protect some of our state’s most vulnerable individuals, yet we often struggle to keep Emergency Operations Plans clear and actionable. In this session, we share practical strategies to strengthen communication, define roles, and build confidence through training and drills so we can respond to emergencies with clarity, coordination, and calm.
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#14 NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US: HOW TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN A STRONG SELF-ADVOCACY PROGRAM
3:15 - 4:15 PM | Stoney Creek A/B |
Join members of Self-Advocates of Indiana and The Arc of Indiana to learn more about how to build and sustain a successful self-advocacy program at your organization. Discussion will focus on how providers and disability professionals can support people with IDD in taking ownership of their self-advocacy group and become engaged in self-advocacy efforts on the state and federal level.
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#15 UPLIFTING CAREFIVERS: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE DISABILITY FIELD
3:15 - 4:15 PM | Waters A |
DSPs and caregivers in the disability field face many risk factors that contribute to compassion fatigue and burnout. Chief among these risk factors is the underdiagnosed and undertreated mental health challenges. This presentation will explore current research about the state of the mental health of our workforce, signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary trauma, and practical strategies for organizations in our field.
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#16 CHANGE THE WAY WE CHANGE: ALIGNING EXECUTIVES AND MANAGERS TO REDUCE CHANGE FATIGUE
TUESDAY | 3:15 - 4:15 PM | Waters E |
Organizational change often fails not because of strategy but because leadership roles are unclear. This session explores how executives and managers must work in partnership to lead change effectively. Participants will learn the ABCs of sponsoring change, the CLARC roles of managers, & practical strategies to reduce change saturation while strengthening workforce stability, engagement, & retention.
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WEDNESDAY SESSIONS |
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#17 PRESENCE IS POWER: THE FEARLESS LEADER'S SECRET WEAPON
10 - 11 AM | Waters A |
Leadership today requires more than strategy and execution. Good leadership calls for presence. In this session, we go beyond the basics of active listening and body language to explore what it truly means to be a fearless leader through the power of practiced presence. Presence isn’t about slowing down, it’s about showing up.
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#18 EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT: BUILDING EFFECTIVE EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS (PANEL)
10 - 11 AM | Stoney Creek A/B |
This session will feature a panel discussion of representatives from Indiana businesses and job placement professionals. Through a facilitated discussion, the panel members will share tips on how employment staff can manage the employer engagement process to achieve strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.
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#19 CREATING GENERATIONAL WELLNESS AT WORK
10 - 11 AM | Ditslear B/C |
Direct support work is meaningful, but it can be exhausting when your own wellness is an afterthought. In this interactive session, participants will learn a simple framework for creating “generational wellness at work,” explore the ripple effect their habits have on their teams and services, and leave with an action plan to integrate sustainable self-care practices into their workflow.
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#20 DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGIES FOR RESILIENT, FUTURE-READY ORGANIZATIONS
10 - 11 AM | Waters E |
The I/DD field is navigating rapid change, including workforce shortages, financial pressures, payer accountability, and the shift to managed care, while continuing to provide high-quality, person-centered supports. Although these challenges are significant, they also create opportunity. When used responsibly, data and artificial intelligence can equip agencies with the insight and confidence to build resilient, future-ready organizations.
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#21 HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE OF ACCOUNTABILITY (WITHOUT LOSING EMPATHY!)
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Waters A |
High-performing teams thrive when accountability and empathy coexist. This session explores how leaders can set clear expectations, promote responsibility, and hold people accountable, while maintaining trust, compassion, and psychological safety. Through real-world examples, frameworks, and interactive discussion, participants will learn how to foster ownership, support growth, and build a culture where accountability is seen as empowering rather than punitive.
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#22 WELLNESS AS A PROTECTIVE STRATEGY: EMPOWERING PEOPLE WITH IDD
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Stoney Creek A/B |
Individuals with an Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities face additional challenges in building/supporting wellness. Building a wellness focus into daily expectations/supports for individuals with IDD can impact other health issues and impacts. Louisiana’s OCDD partnered with The Arc of Louisiana to connect with individuals with IDD and their families to develop a Guide to Building/Supporting Wellness to achieve more positive wellness outcomes.
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#23 THE VIBE CHECK: HOW TO KEEP EMPLOYEES ALIGNED, ENGAGED, AND SUPPORTED
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Ditslear B/C |
It's easy to get caught up in deadlines and tasks. Behind every goal and every outcome are people, and how those people are doing matters. In a world full of AI, it is crucial that employees feel heard and valued; they’re more engaged, motivated, & more likely to succeed.
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#24 LEADING WITH AI: PRACTICAL WAYS LEADERS CAN USE AI TO IMPROVE JUDGEMENT AND DECISION-MAKING
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | Waters E |
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how work gets done, yet many leaders are still figuring out how it should influence their thinking and decision-making. This session explores how leaders can use AI as a thought partner to clarify ideas, challenge assumptions, and work through real leadership challenges while maintaining responsible, human-centered leadership.
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#25 MANAGING LEADERSHIP ANXIETY: STAYING CALM, CONFIDENT, AND CONNECTED UNDER PRESSURE
1:30 - 2:30 PM | Waters A |
Leadership often comes with pressure, unpredictability, and high expectations, which can breed anxiety. This session helps leaders identify anxiety triggers, understand how stress impacts decision-making and relationships, and build resilience strategies grounded in emotional intelligence. Participants will learn practical tools to manage personal anxiety, stay composed under pressure, and lead their teams with clarity and confidence even in challenging moments.
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#26 INCREASED INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EASILY ACCESSABLE TECHNOLOGY
1:30 - 2:30 PM | Stoney Creek A/B |
Participants will gain access to easy to use and easy to access free or low-cost apps and assistive technology that can help those they serve to be more independent at home, work and in the community.
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#27 EVOLVING SKILLS - THRIVING WORKPLACE: ADAPTING FOR SUCCESS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD
1:30 - 2:30 PM | Waters E |
The workplace is transforming rapidly. Are our skills keeping pace? In this session, we explore the capabilities that help us and our organizations thrive in a changing world. We examine the blend of human and technical skills, the importance of adaptability, and practical strategies to future-proof our workforce so we can confidently shift from simply surviving to truly thriving.
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#28 THE NEW NADSP CODE OF ETHICS: PRACTICAL USE FOR ALL FRONTLINE STAFFS AND MANAGERS IN IDD AGENCIES
1:30 - 2:30 PM | Ditslear B/C |
The NADSP Code of Ethics (COE) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a full update approved in 2025. This session will introduce the revised Code of Ethics and the new NADSP Ethics Practice Guideline. Presenters will outline key differences from the previous code and share strategies for teaching the updated standards to frontline staff and supervisors. The session will also emphasize the importance of integrating ethical discussions into daily practice and why IDD agency leaders should prioritize ethics in organizational culture and staff development.
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#29 TAMING THE MANAGEMENT MONSTER: A LEADERSHIP ROADMAP
2:45 - 3:45 PM | Waters E |
Managers shape workplace culture and drive retention, and in this engaging session, we explore how leadership can build, or break, a thriving environment. We share real stories and practical tools to address common management challenges, engage both motivated and disengaged employees, and foster trust and accountability, leaving participants inspired to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.
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#30 PURPLE SPARKLY UNICORNS: HOW PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES BREAK THE USUAL MEDICAID RULES
2:45 - 3:45 PM | Ditslear B/C |
Medicaid rules change when individuals have a waiver. Learn about waiver specific Medicaid rules, including recent changes, and how providers can help individuals maintain or regain Medicaid eligibility.
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#31 BRINGING TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE TO LIFE
2:45 - 3:45 PM | Stoney Creek A/B |
Trauma-informed care (TIC) in intellectual and developmental disability services has become an increasing interest over the past decade, however, organizations continue to struggle with actual implementation. This presentation will address TIC principles, consider real world application/cases, and provide strategies for developing a preliminary action plan to integrate TIC practices.
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#32 MAXIMIZING YOUR PERSONAL ENERGY WINDOW FOR A MORE PRODUCTIVE YOU
2:45 - 3:45 PM | Waters A |
Time is our most valuable resource, yet we don't often treat it as such. However, with intentionality and understanding our own energy, we can maximize our productivity and stop blaming "time" when it's often a lack of understanding prioritization.
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© Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc. (INARF)
615 North Alabama Street, Suite 410, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (t) 317-634-4957 / We'd like to hear from you! |
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