Ability Indiana: Networking in New Orleans

Last week, Asher Weaver and Nick Rhoad had the pleasure of traveling to the State Use PRograms Association (SUPRA) 18th Annual Conference, held in New Orleans. Although New Orleans is a great place to visit, with great food and great sights what is even more impressive are the people that we met and the information that we learned learn about helping to employ individuals with disabilities. As first time attendees, the entire conference was a great learning experience and provided us with the opportunity to learn how different states operate compared to Indiana and about the role of the State Use PRograms Association in providing support to State Use Program management, promoting growth of State Use Programs nationwide, and serving the common interests of its members.

During this two day conference, we were able to network and meet people from all over the country that share Ability Indiana’s passion for providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The conference included general presentations on how to be a better servant leader, a better person, and how to get people excited about a cause. More importantly then the general sessions were the industry specific meetings on a variety of topics including governmental affairs, new products and services, and marketing and branding. Participation in these meetings enabled us to gain a whole new perspective in regards to what is working and not working with others on a national stage. It also helped to illuminate potentially great new ideas for the state of Indiana. 

The question we now ask ourselves is: How can we apply what we learned from the conference that would be beneficial in creating additional employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities? It is our hope that by attending this conference we have gained new insights into business models, new products and services and new ways of interacting with state and local governments. For more information on Ability Indiana or how to become an employment center please contact any member of the Ability Indiana Team at 317-634-4957.