Alliance for Full Participation

AFP Roundtables:  Saturday, November 19, 8:00 am - 9:30 am

Exhibit Hall.  Breakfast served

The AFP Summit's breakfast roundtables will be informal session discussions, dedicated to a specific topic, led by an industry leader.  Come, learn, share, network and add your voice to these important dicussions.  New topics will be added on an ongoing basis.

Impact of Employment on Health Care (Medicaid) Costs

Moderator:  Tamara Amsbaugh

Data from several states show that employment of persons  impacted by disability has a positive impact on Medicaid claims expense (claims are lower if employed).  Discussion of how to best get this information into the mainstream conversation and policy actions around Medicaid costs and services for persons impacted by disabilities.

Discovery as the Foundation of Employment Planning

Moderator:  Michael Callahan

Here's a chance to speak with the practitioner who developed the concept of discovery as an alternative to traditional assessment and as the foundation for all employment planning.  Michael Callahan will share information and answer questions regarding this innovative approach.

National Service Options as a Transition to Work

Moderator:  Sheila Fesko

We will discuss all the exciting National Service Options -- AmeriCorps, Vista, Habitat for Humanity, City Year, etc. as steps to employment for people with disabilities.  Join this lively discussion!

We Have A State Team …. But …?

Moderator:  Karen Flippo

Ok, so you know a few people who are interested in talking about employment and think you may be interested in joining the AFP movement.  But the problem is that you can't seem to get past the starting flag.  We're going to talk about how to get revved up and running smoothly, while acknowledging the importance of a periodic tune up for a high performance AFP state team.

Helping Business to Get Comfortable Hiring Candidates with Disabilities

Moderator:  Howard Green

Come and share how more small businesses can reduce their fears regarding hiring candidates with disabilities. The  group will discuss what the 'demand side' (employers) are seeking from the supply side (service agencies) and how a real partnership can impact successful employment.

Evidence-based Policies and Practices for Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies

Moderator:  Margo Izzo

Share evidence-based policies and practices that promote employment in your state or region.  Come and learn what other states are doing to promote full participation of persons with the most significant disabilities.  Topics of interest include: serving transition-age youth and young adults; partnerships with schools and colleges to serve students with disabilities; customized employment promising practices; and serving underserved populations in rural areas.

More People into Paying Jobs

Moderator:  Bill Kiernan

The focus of this round table will be a discussion of how can we increase the employment options for persons with disabilities.  Let's hear what your ideas are and what should be done next.  A time to share strategies and speak up.

What Community Agenices Can Do to Support Transitioning Youth!

Moderator:  Debra Luecking

Employment First!

Moderator:  Wendy Parent

Want to make your state an Employment First State or really focus on implementation of Employment First?  Come discuss ideas and solutions!

How a Statewide Commitment Leads to Significant Change

Moderator:  Linda Rolfe

Come talk with two of the key people who got Washington State on the employment track/  Why does this state have more success than any other.  Hear about the roots of the change, challenges encountered and great ideas you can take back to your state!

Not Being Left Behind: How Organizations Need to Transform Themselves to Remain Relevant

Moderator:  Jeff Strully

How can organizations remain relevant by changing the way they conduct business, provide services and meet the needs of people who demand quality, responsive supports? Come discuss how to continually move toward becoming the new kind of organization that is needed to create positive change!

Starting and Running Your Own Business!

Moderator:  David Taylor

Have you thought about starting your own business?  Or have you started one and want to share what's worked and what has been challenging?  Join this great conversation about the ups and downs of being your own employer!

Worker's Rights

Moderator:  Lilia Teninty

A discussion of the basic rights of workers in the United States and how they do and do not apply to people with developmental disabilities.

The Role of Families in Employment

Moderator:  Nancy Thaler

What role do families play in helping their family members get and keep jobs?  How can family members help people to find the right job for them and receive the supports they need?  Come join thius lively discussion!

How to Partner and Collaborate for Employment Success

Moderator:  Nancy Ward

Half the battle is getting different groups to work together toward shared goals for increasing employment and successful outcomes.  Come discuss ways to get groups talking and working together!