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INARF ON-LINE, Conference Edition: October 13, 2021 Last week at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Conference Center Resilience was evident in the INARF Pre & Annual Conference attendees. The events started on Tuesday with the opening of the INARF Pre-Conference Leadership Symposium followed by the INARF 2021 Annual 2-day Conference on Wednesday and Thursday. The overwhelming receptivity to gathering in-person while following the In-Person Safety Protocols was outstanding and we can’t thank you enough for your support and trust in our efforts. We sincerely appreciate and thank our attendees, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and artisans for helping make the Conference a success. We look forward to seeing you next year at the INARF 2022 Pre & Annual Conference! Leadership Symposium The INARF Leadership Symposium kicked off the 2021 Pre-Conference activities last Tuesday with an audience of almost 100 CEOs, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and other senior leaders. Mike Nardone, Health Policy Consultant, The Nardone Group, LLC, shared lessons from other states that have implemented Medicaid Managed Care for Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), with a particular focus on states expanding Medicaid MLTSS to the I/DD population. Following lunch, Dr. Laura Brackin worked through practical approaches as to how providers can go above and beyond to ensure individuals work and spend time with people who do not have disabilities and make choices in their daily lives. Additionally, she delved into creative ways providers can ensure that the requirements are understood and implemented in all services and at all levels of their organizations. Wrapping up the day, new and old friends converged for the Pre-Conference Reception. Resilience is Reset at INARF 2021 Annual Conference INARF Board Chair, Debbie Bennett, opened the INARF 2021 Annual Conference by welcoming attendees and providing an overview of the Conference fun facts including the investment and participation of 300 attendees; 45 Exhibitors; 39 Sponsors; 33 Educational Sessions; plus, a Keynote; 5 Award Winners; 2 Scholarship Recipients; leading to what was sure would be one fantastic event. Bennett recognized the INARF Training and Professional Development Committee for their hard work and dedication in delivering another great event. Nanette Hagedorn, Vice President, Member Services, echoed Bennett's welcome and thanked attendees and the sponsors for partnering with us for the 2-day event. Before introducing the Keynote, Al Condeluci, and Keynote Sponsor, ADEC, Inc., Hagedorn recognized the valuable partnership INARF has developed with the Meridian Health Services' (MHS) team for the past nine years to offer an education track designed to enhance participants' knowledge in supporting individuals with both intellectual/developmental needs and/or health needs. INARF Conference Partner, Lisa Suttle, Regional Vice President of Clinical Services, Meridian Health Services, shared information and resources available through the MHS Connxxions Program and the many ways to engage with MHS representatives throughout the Conference. Bringing the Passion Back to Our Work: Tools for Transformation Keynote speaker, Al Condeluci, invited us to look closely at our struggles in creating community experiences for the people we serve. He challenged attendees to consider what community means. He shared how the problem is not with people, but assumptions people make. We don't think about what we can do to change culture and society, we do it! Condeluci encouraged attendees to seek out others with common passion, find places that have gatherings, who are the gate keepers? Ultimately, Condeluci challenged each attendee to become the gate keepers so they may open the gates to welcome people in. This interactive keynote left attendees inspired to focus their attention on a positive approach to building community. Attendee’s shared: "Al was a breath of fresh air!" "Mr. Condeluci always brings his 'A' game." "His delivery, passion, and personal experience was wonderful." Following the Keynote message, attendees were presented with a wide array of educational sessions and panel presentations for their educational experience. They also participated in the Annual Awards Luncheon where they were able to hear opening comments and words of encouragement from Dr. Dan Rusyniak, Indiana FSSA Secretary, before the Annual Awards Program recognizing the many individuals who make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. And, in between these scheduled activities, Conference attendees were able to peruse the Artisan Alley and Expo Hall to learn new program ideas as well as solutions and resources. Outstanding Award Recipients Honored at the Annual Awards Luncheon The 2021 INARF Annual Awards Luncheon paid tribute to six exemplary individuals and one outstanding organization on Wednesday, October 6. The INARF Annual Award Program has been an Association tradition for many years and enables INARF members to recognize the significant contributions and exceptional efforts of individuals and community partners committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Annual Awards Recognition Program featured moving stories captured in video of each recipient's achievements and how their vision of supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities has raised the bar of service delivery in Indiana. Dr. Dan Rusyniak kicked off the Annual Award Program by reflecting on his service with the State and his hopes for continued partnership with INARF. After a short break, Bruce Schnaith kicked off the Annual Award Program with the assistance of Dr. Dan. Congratulations to all the individuals who were nominated. The list of nominations and the moving stories of the award recipients reflect the strong commitment of these individuals to our industry. Russ Bonanno, CEO, LIFEDesigns, Inc., received the James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award, an award presented to an outstanding executive or administrator in the human service industry. “His diverse background gives him a unique perspective and allows him to guide those around him to fulfill our agency mission ‘to partner with and promote independence for people with disabilities.’” - David VanDeventer, LIFEDesigns, Inc. Pictured left to right: Russ Bonanno, Max (dog), Dr. Rusyniak, and Bruce Schnaith Alex Buchman, Direct Support Professional at Easterseals Crossroads, received the Keystone Award, an annual honor given to an outstanding Direct Support Professional employed in the Indiana service delivery system. “Having dealt with his own disability as a child and teenager, Alex has a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges that his consumers have experienced. I believe that this gives him compassion and empathy, but perhaps more importantly, it gives him the ability to encourage and support their goals and dreams, along with the motivation to achieve them.” - Marjorie Duryea, Easterseals Crossroads Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Alex Buchman, and Bruce Schnaith Melissa Market, Group Home Coordinator at Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, received the Pinnacle Award, an honor given to an outstanding professional level staff member in the human service industry. For nearly 31 years, the residents have inspired Melissa. “Her love for them is unbelievable. You can see it. Her eyes beam, their eyes beam, there's just a huge connection.” - Jackie Smith, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Chris Imes (accepting the award on Market's behalf), and Bruce Schnaith Strack & Van Til Food Market received the Partnership Award, an annual honor given to a person or organization that has made significant contributions to improve the lives of people with disabilities and the agencies that serve them. “Their attitude has helped OE clients grow into great customer service employees and leaders. The management team at Strack’s has embraced the philosophy of helping each participant to reach a level of self-sufficiency through employment.” - Neil Samahon, Opportunity Enterprises Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Neil Samahon (accepting the award on Strack & Van Til Food Market's behalf), and Bruce Schnaith Brad Lain, IPMG, Inc., received the Justin Dart Personal Achievement Award, an annual honor presented to an individual who has participated in services through an INARF member agency and who has maximized higher skills and abilities to achieve chosen goals. “Advocate, dedication and creative are among the first words that come to mind when describing Brad Lain. He has always been passionate about sharing information and support to others with Autism.” - MK Riehle, IPMG, Inc. Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, MK Reihle (accepting the award on Lain's behalf), and Bruce Schnaith In addition to the award recipients noted above, Ability Indiana was proud to present the Costa N. Miller Scholarship Awards to Heather Enyeart, a CE Supervisor at The Arc of Wabash County and Yves Bayiringire, a Studios DSP - Program Assistant at LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. About Yves Bayiringire: “It is rare to find a nurse who has the willingness to work with people with developmental disabilities and the ability to assess heath needs in individuals who have limited verbal communication. Yves is already highly valued by the participants he serves and by LOGAN, and his continued learning will help him contribute even more." - Barbara Pickut, LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. About Heather Enyeart: "Heather has stated that working directly with people with developmental and intellectual disabilities is the passion of her life and is her chosen career.” - Jeff Patton, The Arc of Wabash County Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Heather Enyeart, Yves Bayiringire, and Bruce Schnaith INARF would like to congratulate all who were nominated for their dedication to serving and enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Thank You to Our Generous Conference Sponsors! Ability Indiana, Inc. ADEC, Inc. Advocacy Links, LLC Alicia M. Boyd, CPA PC Benchmark Human Services Blue & Co., LLC Bradley Associates, CPAs Cardinal Services, Inc. Conner Insurance Corvilla, Inc. Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana Easterseals Crossroads Gibson Hillcroft Services, Inc. Humana I - TRAIN INcare Solutions, LLC Indiana ABLE Authority Indiana Association of People Supporting Employment First Indiana MENTOR IPMG, Inc. LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc. Meridian Health Services (Conference Partner) Mosaic Mutual of America Night Owl Support Systems, LLC Noble Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. Philadelphia Insurance Companies PQC Trains Primary Solutions ResCare, Inc. Stone Belt Arc, Inc. Tangram, Inc. The Arc of Indiana Master Trust The Arc Southwest Indiana The Columbus Organization Wabash Center, Inc. Conference Handouts & CEUs The INARF 2021 Annual Conference handouts are available via the Mobile App in each educational session. The Conference App is available by computer/mobile/tablet device and is available to Conference Attendees only. The login credentials are the same as the credentials sent to registered attendees prior to the Conference. Handouts will be available until November 4 and updated presentations have been made available. If you have questions or issues accessing the materials, please contact Heather de Jong. Attendees who forgot to turn in their CEU cards may send Kim Wasiak a scanned copy or photo. After verification, attendees will be issues CEUs. All CEUs will be emailed within 2 weeks. Back Together Again! How to Top it in 2022? After the spectacular attendance last week, the positive reception to the hotel, Artisan Alley, and the larger offering of Exhibitors, the INARF Training and Professional Development Committee will certainly have their work cut out for them to top this Conference in 2022. If you have not already done so, we greatly appreciate a few moments of your time (5-6 minutes if we are completely honest) to complete the Pre and/or Annual Conference Surveys that was sent to you following each of the events last week. These surveys are a critical way for the Committee to evaluate where we direct our focus next year. Thank you in advance for your time and honest feedback! If you attended Pre & Annual Conference, but did not receive a survey request, please contact Heather de Jong. Thank you to our Conference Partner: Meridian Health Services INARF was proud to partner with Meridian Health Services for the 9th consecutive year! This collaboration provided Conference attendees with the opportunity to participate in a dedicated educational track addressing dual-diagnosis issues. INARF / 615 N. Alabama St., Ste. 410, Indianapolis, IN 46204 (t) 317-634-4957 / (f) 317-634-3221 Send a comment or question / Unsubscribe View photos from the Pre-Conference and the Annual Conference on the INARF Facebook page.
Last week at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Conference Center Resilience was evident in the INARF Pre & Annual Conference attendees. The events started on Tuesday with the opening of the INARF Pre-Conference Leadership Symposium followed by the INARF 2021 Annual 2-day Conference on Wednesday and Thursday. The overwhelming receptivity to gathering in-person while following the In-Person Safety Protocols was outstanding and we can’t thank you enough for your support and trust in our efforts. We sincerely appreciate and thank our attendees, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors and artisans for helping make the Conference a success. We look forward to seeing you next year at the INARF 2022 Pre & Annual Conference!
Leadership Symposium The INARF Leadership Symposium kicked off the 2021 Pre-Conference activities last Tuesday with an audience of almost 100 CEOs, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and other senior leaders. Mike Nardone, Health Policy Consultant, The Nardone Group, LLC, shared lessons from other states that have implemented Medicaid Managed Care for Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), with a particular focus on states expanding Medicaid MLTSS to the I/DD population. Following lunch, Dr. Laura Brackin worked through practical approaches as to how providers can go above and beyond to ensure individuals work and spend time with people who do not have disabilities and make choices in their daily lives. Additionally, she delved into creative ways providers can ensure that the requirements are understood and implemented in all services and at all levels of their organizations. Wrapping up the day, new and old friends converged for the Pre-Conference Reception.
Resilience is Reset at INARF 2021 Annual Conference INARF Board Chair, Debbie Bennett, opened the INARF 2021 Annual Conference by welcoming attendees and providing an overview of the Conference fun facts including the investment and participation of 300 attendees; 45 Exhibitors; 39 Sponsors; 33 Educational Sessions; plus, a Keynote; 5 Award Winners; 2 Scholarship Recipients; leading to what was sure would be one fantastic event. Bennett recognized the INARF Training and Professional Development Committee for their hard work and dedication in delivering another great event.
Nanette Hagedorn, Vice President, Member Services, echoed Bennett's welcome and thanked attendees and the sponsors for partnering with us for the 2-day event. Before introducing the Keynote, Al Condeluci, and Keynote Sponsor, ADEC, Inc., Hagedorn recognized the valuable partnership INARF has developed with the Meridian Health Services' (MHS) team for the past nine years to offer an education track designed to enhance participants' knowledge in supporting individuals with both intellectual/developmental needs and/or health needs. INARF Conference Partner, Lisa Suttle, Regional Vice President of Clinical Services, Meridian Health Services, shared information and resources available through the MHS Connxxions Program and the many ways to engage with MHS representatives throughout the Conference.
Bringing the Passion Back to Our Work: Tools for Transformation Keynote speaker, Al Condeluci, invited us to look closely at our struggles in creating community experiences for the people we serve.
He challenged attendees to consider what community means. He shared how the problem is not with people, but assumptions people make. We don't think about what we can do to change culture and society, we do it! Condeluci encouraged attendees to seek out others with common passion, find places that have gatherings, who are the gate keepers? Ultimately, Condeluci challenged each attendee to become the gate keepers so they may open the gates to welcome people in.
This interactive keynote left attendees inspired to focus their attention on a positive approach to building community. Attendee’s shared:
"Al was a breath of fresh air!"
"Mr. Condeluci always brings his 'A' game."
"His delivery, passion, and personal experience was wonderful."
Outstanding Award Recipients Honored at the Annual Awards Luncheon The 2021 INARF Annual Awards Luncheon paid tribute to six exemplary individuals and one outstanding organization on Wednesday, October 6.
The INARF Annual Award Program has been an Association tradition for many years and enables INARF members to recognize the significant contributions and exceptional efforts of individuals and community partners committed to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The Annual Awards Recognition Program featured moving stories captured in video of each recipient's achievements and how their vision of supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities has raised the bar of service delivery in Indiana.
Dr. Dan Rusyniak kicked off the Annual Award Program by reflecting on his service with the State and his hopes for continued partnership with INARF. After a short break, Bruce Schnaith kicked off the Annual Award Program with the assistance of Dr. Dan. Congratulations to all the individuals who were nominated. The list of nominations and the moving stories of the award recipients reflect the strong commitment of these individuals to our industry.
Russ Bonanno, CEO, LIFEDesigns, Inc., received the James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award, an award presented to an outstanding executive or administrator in the human service industry.
“His diverse background gives him a unique perspective and allows him to guide those around him to fulfill our agency mission ‘to partner with and promote independence for people with disabilities.’” - David VanDeventer, LIFEDesigns, Inc. Pictured left to right: Russ Bonanno, Max (dog), Dr. Rusyniak, and Bruce Schnaith
Alex Buchman, Direct Support Professional at Easterseals Crossroads, received the Keystone Award, an annual honor given to an outstanding Direct Support Professional employed in the Indiana service delivery system.
“Having dealt with his own disability as a child and teenager, Alex has a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges that his consumers have experienced. I believe that this gives him compassion and empathy, but perhaps more importantly, it gives him the ability to encourage and support their goals and dreams, along with the motivation to achieve them.” - Marjorie Duryea, Easterseals Crossroads Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Alex Buchman, and Bruce Schnaith
For nearly 31 years, the residents have inspired Melissa. “Her love for them is unbelievable. You can see it. Her eyes beam, their eyes beam, there's just a huge connection.” - Jackie Smith, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Chris Imes (accepting the award on Market's behalf), and Bruce Schnaith
Strack & Van Til Food Market received the Partnership Award, an annual honor given to a person or organization that has made significant contributions to improve the lives of people with disabilities and the agencies that serve them.
“Their attitude has helped OE clients grow into great customer service employees and leaders. The management team at Strack’s has embraced the philosophy of helping each participant to reach a level of self-sufficiency through employment.” - Neil Samahon, Opportunity Enterprises Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, Neil Samahon (accepting the award on Strack & Van Til Food Market's behalf), and Bruce Schnaith
“Advocate, dedication and creative are among the first words that come to mind when describing Brad Lain. He has always been passionate about sharing information and support to others with Autism.” - MK Riehle, IPMG, Inc. Pictured left to right: Dr. Rusyniak, MK Reihle (accepting the award on Lain's behalf), and Bruce Schnaith
INARF would like to congratulate all who were nominated for their dedication to serving and enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Thank You to Our Generous Conference Sponsors!
Ability Indiana, Inc. ADEC, Inc. Advocacy Links, LLC Alicia M. Boyd, CPA PC Benchmark Human Services Blue & Co., LLC Bradley Associates, CPAs Cardinal Services, Inc. Conner Insurance Corvilla, Inc. Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana Easterseals Crossroads Gibson Hillcroft Services, Inc. Humana I - TRAIN INcare Solutions, LLC Indiana ABLE Authority Indiana Association of People Supporting Employment First
Indiana MENTOR IPMG, Inc. LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. Marshall-Starke Development Center, Inc. Meridian Health Services (Conference Partner) Mosaic Mutual of America Night Owl Support Systems, LLC Noble Opportunity Enterprises, Inc. Philadelphia Insurance Companies PQC Trains Primary Solutions ResCare, Inc. Stone Belt Arc, Inc. Tangram, Inc. The Arc of Indiana Master Trust The Arc Southwest Indiana The Columbus Organization Wabash Center, Inc.
Conference Handouts & CEUs The INARF 2021 Annual Conference handouts are available via the Mobile App in each educational session. The Conference App is available by computer/mobile/tablet device and is available to Conference Attendees only. The login credentials are the same as the credentials sent to registered attendees prior to the Conference. Handouts will be available until November 4 and updated presentations have been made available. If you have questions or issues accessing the materials, please contact Heather de Jong.
Attendees who forgot to turn in their CEU cards may send Kim Wasiak a scanned copy or photo. After verification, attendees will be issues CEUs. All CEUs will be emailed within 2 weeks.
Back Together Again! How to Top it in 2022? After the spectacular attendance last week, the positive reception to the hotel, Artisan Alley, and the larger offering of Exhibitors, the INARF Training and Professional Development Committee will certainly have their work cut out for them to top this Conference in 2022. If you have not already done so, we greatly appreciate a few moments of your time (5-6 minutes if we are completely honest) to complete the Pre and/or Annual Conference Surveys that was sent to you following each of the events last week. These surveys are a critical way for the Committee to evaluate where we direct our focus next year. Thank you in advance for your time and honest feedback! If you attended Pre & Annual Conference, but did not receive a survey request, please contact Heather de Jong.