INARF Annual Conference Preview: Community Supports Section

The INARF Annual Conference provides a wide array of educational programming targeted at the needs of INARF's diverse membership. Designed around the needs of INARF's Professional Interest Sections, Annual Conference programming tracks allow agency staff to easily identify the sessions most applicable to their job functions. 

With over 30 sessions to choose from, the Annual Conference is the best place for staff of all levels of experience to connect with colleagues from around the state while engaging in quality professional development opportunities.

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The Community Supports Section educational track offers industry professionals the opportunity to immerse themselves in many topics tailored to meet the needs of agency professionals. The track kicks off with "Mobile Essentials," a workshop designed to provide an overview of the several options that are available to simplify tracking client information or for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through technology. 

In the afternoon, Community Support professionals are invited to attend "Compassionate End of Life Care," presented by keynote speaker Dr. Chuck Dietzen. In this session, Dr. Chuck will discuss the ethics of end of life care, along with the policies, regulations, and emotions that accompany these challenging events. 

Friday morning offers Community Supports Professionals two excellent sessions from which to choose. The first is a discussion about the functional impact of cognitive deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The session explores the mechanisms of injury and offers suggestions for therapeutic interventions. The second session, "The Role of Forensic Examiner and Persons with Disabilities," will seek to build understanding of the severity of violence in the community of individuals with disabilities and the importance of special considerations during exams and interviews. 

Finally, it is recommended that those following the CSS track attend "Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," brought to you by INARF's Conference Partner, Meridian Health Services. In this informative presentation, Lara Palay, LISW-S will discuss the high risk of trauma and stress in individuals with disabilities and offer effective care strategies for professionals in addressing these issues.