INARF Kicks Off New Year and 40th Anniversary Launch

Celebrating Growth, Influence, and the Power of Partnership

On February 1, 1974, the Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Facilities hired Costa Miller as its Executive Director. Charged with moving the chapter "toward a self-sustaining basis" within three years, Costa, the Board, and 25 members embarked on a journey that continues today.

40 years later and 77 members strong, INARF has used its collective influence to forever change the landscape of services for Hoosiers with disabilities. And while much has changed, the need for INARF remains the same - to provide a forum to develop a unified voice for the disability services industry and to work together to build the capabilities needed to deliver quality services and supports.

Throughout the next year, we will reflect on the many accomplishments made possible through your investment in and commitment to the Association. The cornerstone of these activities will be the 2014 INARF Pre & Annual Conference - Ruby Anniversary: 40 Years of Growth & Influence.

Hosted on March 12-14, the Conference provides a great way to connect with colleagues to celebrate our history while laying the foundation for our future through leading-edge learning experiences offered by experienced practitioners and our committed sponsors and exhibitors. Registration for this premier event will be open soon through our new event registration system. Details regarding accessing this system and how to register will be sent via e-mail in the coming weeks.This year's Pre & Annual Conference also builds on INARF's tradition of partnership, which enables the Association's resources to be used effectively in maximizing member benefits. This tradition is most evident in our efforts to join forces with INARF member Meridian Health Services to offer a dedicated dual-diagnosis track. This "conference within a conference" concept epitomizes the benefit of using our collective resources to expand educational opportunities to conference attendees.

Building on last year's success, the Meridian Health Services partnership reinforces INARF's practical, proactive approach to providing enhanced and unparalleled educational programming. This year's track will feature presentations by Lara Palay on Trauma, Grief, Loss, and Individuals with ID/DD and by Eileen Elias on Understanding the Importance of Performance Measures in Today's Health Care World. For additional information on Meridian Health Services and their work with Hoosiers who are dually diagnosed, please visit their website at www.meridianhs.org.

Another key Annual Conference partnership is our many sponsor and exhibitor opportunities. The support and participation of sponsors and exhibitors are integral to our ability to consistently provide state of the art learning experiences and value-add networking opportunities. Please join us in thanking those who have committed to supporting this year's event (see below). Opportunities to join this list still exist - don't miss your chance to connect with member agency decision makers and celebrate INARF's 40th Anniversary.

Stay tuned for more details of INARF's 40th Anniversary celebration, including special Annual Conference festivities to thank our members for four decades of partnership and support. INARF's strength is derived from the knowledge and participation of members like you, and we look forward to recognizing where we've come from and where we are going - together.