ANCOR Connect ‘25

Government Relations Committee Meeting

8-9:30 am

National Partners Breakfast (invitation only)

8-9:30 am

Grassroots Committee Meeting

10-11:30 am

ANCOR Global Council Lunch (invitation only)

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

ANCOR Foundation Leadership Academy Networking Event (invitation only)

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

State Association Executives Meeting

12:45-2:15 pm

ANCOR Board of Representatives Meeting

12:30-2 pm

New Attendee Meet & Greet

2:30-3 pm

Welcome Reception with Exhibitors

4:30-5:30 pm

ANCOR Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser (separate ticket required)

6-8 pm

Pre-Conference Sessions offer deep dives into timely and relevant topics. There are four workshops in total, spanning two two-hour time blocks. An additional registration fee of $149 per session is required. We’re thrilled to offer the following workshops to jumpstart the learning at ANCOR Connect ’25:

Innovative Solutions for Workforce and Housing: A Path to Stability

Monday, April 7, 9:30-11:30 am

The workforce crisis, combined with soaring housing costs, presents challenges that impact stability and service continuity.

In this session, you will learn how a small nonprofit successfully established over fifty housing units for individuals accepting services and direct care workers within the last two years, significantly improving recruitment, retention, community engagement, and morale. We’ll outline actionable steps to assess and map your agency’s unique housing needs, emphasizing the importance of board engagement and buy-in.

This interactive session will provide valuable lessons on the complexities of combining employment with property management, addressing the details of creating a fair and equitable process for individuals accepting services and staff to access available housing. We’ll also explore the power of technology and collaborative partnerships, and how both can combine to enhance supports for people with disabilities.

Whether you’re an agency leader, manager, or executive, join us to explore how investing in housing solutions can positively impact your organization and the community you serve, creating a sustainable and empowering environment for all.

Presenters:

• Brad Hagan, Easterseals Arkansas
• Jennifer Putnam, Waypoint Maine

Taming the Management Monster: A Leadership Roadmap

Renee L. Pietrangelo Leadership Forum | Monday, April 7, 9:30-11:30 am

Managers are pivotal in shaping workplace culture and fostering employee retention. They serve as gatekeepers of organizational values, capable of nurturing a positive environment or inadvertently undermining it. In this interactive session, we will explore how effective management is essential for establishing strong workplace cultures that enhance retention, engagement, and service quality.

Drawing on stories from the I/DD field and various industries, we will identify common challenges managers encounter and discuss strategies to “tame the management monster.” Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain practical tools to support their workforce and drive meaningful change.

You’ll learn techniques for engaging both motivated and disengaged employees, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture rooted in trust and accountability.

Whether you’re a manager, director, or executive, you will leave this session inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to cultivate a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Presenter:

• Pete Moore, Ohio Provider Resource Association

Beyond GPT: Using AI for Good in Disability Services

Monday, April 7, 12:30-2:30 pm

Artificial intelligence or AI-powered solutions are transforming how we deliver supports. This hands-on, interactive session will showcase how AI-enhanced software can address critical challenges such as workforce retention, service personalization, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.

Participants will explore real-world use cases, including predictive analytics for resource planning, intelligent scheduling systems, and back-office AI tools that streamline tasks like managing RFPs, ensuring compliance, and improving staff training. Attendees will see how AI can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing agencies to focus more on their core mission: enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Drawing on industry insights, this session will equip attendees with actionable strategies and practical tools to implement AI ethically, empowering staff and enriching the services you provide.

Presenters:

• Heather Janci, SETWorks
• David Lindell, SETWorks
• Erik Nelson, SETWorks

Laying the Foundation: The DBT Model for Supportive Living

Monday, April 7, 12:30-2:30 pm

When working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it can be difficult to understand the reactivity that can be caused by a traumatic past. This interactive workshop will equip you with a structured framework on how to stabilize and provide ongoing support to people with complex needs in community settings. The Dialectical Behavior Therapeutic (DBT) Model for Living creates supportive environments for both individuals and caregivers.

In this workshop, participants will learn to apply the Risk Screening for Best Practices Tool to identify individualized needs and implement strategies that foster wellness and recovery. By teaching essential skills, we can help reduce the frequency and intensity of challenging situations. And, if effective supports are identified and put into place, risks to overall wellness can be minimized, and people’s lives can be enhanced.

Come prepared to share insights and explore innovative strategies that can transform how we support the people we serve in our communities.

Presenters:

• Robin VanEerden, Merakey
• Kimberly Katruska, Merakey

Charting Oceans of Opportunity: Café Joyeux’s Vision for Inclusion

Our opening keynote presentation will be delivered by Yann Bucaille, the founder of Café Joyeux, an innovative social enterprise with a mission to empower individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Yann is deeply committed to promoting inclusion and proving that hiring people with disabilities is not only impactful but also transformative for businesses and society.

Founded in 2017 in France, Café Joyeux aims to create job opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be part of the competitive workforce, providing training and long-term employment in a welcoming café restaurant. The initiative has received widespread praise for its positive social impact and sustainable business model.

In March 2024, Café Joyeux embarked on an exciting milestone with the opening of its first U.S. location in New York City, employing 17 American crew members. This expansion highlights the brand’s mission to inspire inclusion on a global scale while showcasing the talents of its diverse workforce.

Presenter:

• Yann Bucaille, Café Joyeux

Navigating Oceans of Opportunity: Transformative Leadership in the I/DD Community

Our morning keynote will be delivered by Dr. Hassan Abdulhaqq a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience leading Human Resources initiatives for some of the largest global and domestic nonprofit and financial institutions. Dr. Abdulhaqq plays a key role in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the New York region, currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer for AABR, Inc.

Presenter:

• Dr. Hassan Abdulhaqq, AABR, Inc.

Advancing Global Health Equity for People with I/DD

Track: Global Perspectives | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

With 200 million people living with intellectual disabilities and 75 million with autism worldwide, striving for health equity for these populations using a global lens is imperative. The Woods System of Care in Pennsylvania has established the Mollie Woods Hare Global Center of Excellence in Intellectual Disability (ID), Autism, and Mental Health in partnership with Towards Unity for Health (TUFH), leveraging global connections to improve health care access and quality.

This session will discuss the Center’s initiatives, including research, consulting, and evaluation efforts aimed at improving services for individuals with IDD. We will explore collaborations designed to train a competent global healthcare workforce, government partnerships for disseminating best practices, and the development of a global community of practice.

Presenters:

• Erin Drummond, Woods System of Care
• Anupriya Mishra, Mollie Woods Hare Global Center of Excellence
• Nick Torres, Towards Unity for Health

Cultivating Leadership from the Ground Up: Talent Development in I/DD Organizations

Track: Leadership & Organizational Development | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

Leadership is essential to fostering inclusive and empowering environments in I/DD organizations. This session will explore the unique journey that Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) take to the C-Suite and how Relias can help organizations tap into this valuable talent pipeline. We will focus on practical applications of leadership development strategies that are designed to nurture and grow internal leaders, starting with DSPs.

Through a combination of leadership value frameworks, comprehensive competency models, and operational systems, this session will provide tangible tools for guiding leadership behaviors, developing clear career progression paths, and reinforcing these actions at every organizational level. Attendees will learn how to build strong leadership pipelines that not only drive retention but also position DSPs for growth into leadership roles, ensuring long-term success and sustainability for the organization.

Presenters:

• Arlene Bridges, Relias
• Candace Wallace, Relias

Don’t You Forget About Me: Training Frontline Supervisors for Success

Track: Workforce Solutions | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Amid high turnover rates and inadequate succession planning, the Community Provider Network of Rhode Island (CPNRI) collaborated with the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota to create a comprehensive training program for current and aspiring supervisors in long-term services and supports.

This competency-based, blended learning model emphasizes collaborative training, allowing supervisors to learn from both facilitators and their peers. After three successful cohorts, participants consistently report increased confidence and growth in key competency areas, feeling better prepared for promotions and additional responsibilities. Employers have observed enhanced stability and leadership skills among trained supervisors, many of whom have achieved promotions during the program.

Join us to learn how you can implement similar strategies to develop and empower supervisors within your own organization.

Presenters:

• Megan Sanders, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota
• Tina Spears, Community Provider Network of Rhode Island

Innovative Self-Advocacy Training: Empowerment through Theater Arts

Track: Advocacy & Empowerment | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

This engaging session centers on Cedars’ exciting Self-Advocacy Training Program, which creatively employs theater arts to bring advocacy concepts to life. This innovative approach has not only exceeded expectations but has also ignited a deeper understanding of self-advocacy among our clients, who share inspiring stories of newfound confidence and empowerment.

In this session, participants will:

Discover our unique theater-based self-advocacy training model.

Experience firsthand how we apply this creative approach in practice.

Learn the steps, tools, and materials necessary to implement the program in their own settings.

We guarantee a fun, inspiring experience that will leave you eager to adopt this transformative method. Our model has gone “viral,” spreading empowerment throughout our community. Join us to see how this dynamic approach is changing lives and fostering self-advocacy!

Presenters:

• Mariana Abballo, The Cedars of Marin
• K.C. Coco, The Cedars of Marin
• Bridget Jackson, The Cedars of Marin

Navigating Financial Decisions: Building Sustainable Retirement Plans

Track: Strategic Transformation | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

In today’s challenging financial markets, providing a robust retirement plan is essential for employees at all stages of their careers. This session will emphasize the importance of offering comprehensive retirement benefits and provide hands-on guidance to demystify the complexities of retirement savings.

Participants will learn about practical strategies for creating and maintaining effective retirement plans that support employees’ long-term financial well-being. We will present a viable roadmap to navigate the retirement planning process, ensuring that employees are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary for a sustainable and dignified retirement.

Join us to explore how thoughtful financial decision-making can enhance employee satisfaction and retention while fostering a secure future for your workforce.

Presenter:

• Steven Ortiz, Mutual of America Financial Group

Achieving Outcomes through Enabling Technology

Track: Technology & Innovation | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

In this session, discover how Keystone Human Services has harnessed enabling technology to create life-changing outcomes for individuals. What began as a pioneering initiative in Pennsylvania in 2018 has evolved into a culture of creativity and curiosity, breaking traditional service delivery molds and fostering true independence.

Participants will hear personal success stories of individuals using enabling technology as a natural support system. We will explore how Person-Centered Planning has been pivotal in driving these successes and examine the impact of enabling technology adoption on trend analytics.

This session promises to provide valuable insights into integrating enabling technology within service frameworks to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Presenter:

• Nathan Gerhard, Keystone Human Services

Transforming Organizations: Risk Analysis and Change through Person-Centered Practices

Track: Leadership & Organizational Development | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Enhancing the lives of those seeking support is the core mission of any human services organization. For sustainable, effective service delivery, person-centered philosophy and practices must be integrated at all organizational levels. These approaches not only benefit individuals but also inform decisions, analyze organizational risks, and evaluate trends in staff retention and effectiveness.

In this session, we will introduce three key person-centered tools: Risk Assessment, Decision-Making, and SODAS. Participants will learn how to apply these tools to guide organizational change, improve training, and foster lasting, positive transformations. By implementing these practices, organizations can effectively navigate risks and adapt to the evolving needs of those they support, personnel, and the organization as a whole.

Presenters:

• Jennifer Billington, STAR Services
• Sarah Stein, STAR Services

A Decade+ of Employment First in Ohio

Track: Quality Services | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

In 2012, Ohio became an Employment First state under Governor John Kasich, establishing a statewide initiative to promote competitive, integrated employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the past decade, Ohio has emerged as a national leader in this movement, navigating a complex policy and service landscape.

In this session, attendees will explore Ohio’s journey, highlighting successes, setbacks, and key strategies that have shaped its approach. We will share practical insights and lessons learned from over ten years of developing, implementing, and sustaining this transformative effort. Participants will gain valuable knowledge to inform their own initiatives and contribute to advancing Employment First principles in their communities.

Presenter:

• Scott Marks, Ohio Provider Resource Association

Bridging Self-Directed and Traditional Services

Track: Advocacy & Empowerment | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

In this session, we will explore how Alliance New York has managed to support Self-Directed (SD) and Traditional Services models through data-driven insights and effective collaboration. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of Self-Directed services, including its core principles and how they operate within New York State. We’ll discuss the role of person-centered thinking and planning in building customized budgets and supports, while also highlighting opportunities for collaboration with legacy services and relationship building.

Using data trends from New York State, we will dive into key demographic insights and budget considerations that help to make informed decisions.

The session will also consider trends in Self Direction and address SD and Traditional services integration, emphasizing the importance of alliance-building and the evolving trends in Self-Directed care. By the end of the session, you will have actionable strategies for collaborating across service models and fostering relationships that ensure individuals receive the best of both worlds in support options.

Presenters:

• Katie Page, NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation
• Michael Seereiter, NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation

Support Me, But Don’t Touch: Innovations in Non-Contact Remote Supports

Track: Technology & Innovation | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

This session explores the cutting-edge world of non-contact remote support technologies, focusing on touchless solutions like the Xandar Kardian radar system. As remote support becomes more vital in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), these technologies offer enhanced safety, independence, and convenience.

Attendees will learn how touchless systems can monitor health and safety without compromising privacy or requiring physical contact. We’ll also explore additional technologies transforming the I/DD landscape, allowing for more personalized, hands-off support. The session will provide real-world use cases, including implementation, and discuss the broader applications of these tools in creating safer, smarter homes for individuals with I/DD.

Presenter:

• Precious Myers-Brown, Vista Supports/Health & Joy Services

Honoring Neurodiversity in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Organizations

Track: Strategic Transformation | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

Understanding and embracing neurodiversity is essential for fostering inclusivity and driving innovation in today’s workplace. This session will highlight practical strategies to support neurodivergent employees, featuring insights from Aaron Likens, an autistic individual with diverse employment experiences, including his role as Chief Starter of the NTT IndyCar Series.

Drawing from his new book, Playing in Traffic, Aaron will share how his unique perspective has influenced his leadership style and team dynamics. Attendees will learn how to create an environment that values diverse thinking, learning, and information processing, ultimately enhancing employee engagement and team performance.

Participants will leave with actionable insights, including effective communication techniques, necessary accommodations, and supportive systems that can be implemented immediately to promote inclusion. Join us to discover how embracing neurodiversity can transform your workplace into a hub of creativity and collaboration.

Presenters:

• Alyssa Kavner, Easterseals of Southern California
• Aaron Likens, IndyCar
• Paula Pompa-Craven, Easterseals of Southern California

Leading the Way: Fostering Collaboration & Innovation in Nonprofits

Track: Leadership & Organizational Development | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

In today’s complex landscape, effective nonprofit leadership requires more than passion; it demands skills to cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration within your organization.

Join this interactive session featuring two experienced leaders who will share their insights on building a culture that fuels creativity and teamwork. Participants will learn practical strategies to:

• Bridge the gap between goal-setting and achieving measurable results through visionary planning.
• Enhance collective impact for your organization, staff, and community through strategic partnerships.
• Unlock your team’s potential and nurture untapped creativity.
• Implement actionable frameworks and leadership strategies to elevate your organization and make a lasting impact.

Presenters:

• Eric Curtis, Curtis Strategies
• Jean Phelps, Incompass Human Services

Employer Resource Networks

Track: Workforce Solutions | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Although you’re likely well-versed in the unique joy that is found in the work we do in human services, you’re also likely well aware that your staff often face personal crises beyond our control at work. This session centers on how tailored staff support can significantly improve retention rates in a field that is already emotionally demanding.

We’ll discuss practical approaches for creating a supportive work environment, leveraging community resources, and fostering resilience among staff—specifically by exploring the innovative development of a collaborative network in Cleveland, Ohio, involving 16 diverse providers focused on enhancing staff retention. This session will highlight the retention strategies employed by Success Coaches to support staff during crises, such as homelessness, domestic violence, and other traumatic experiences.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into building effective Employer Resource Networks that prioritize employee well-being, ultimately leading to a more stable and engaged workforce.

Presenter:

• Tony Thomas, Welcome House

2025 Policy Trends for I/DD Providers

Track: Advocacy & Empowerment | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

This session brings together providers who offer community-based services to troubleshoot and share insight into the current federal policy trends impacting services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through facilitated discussion, participants will navigate the ins and outs of service delivery through shifts in policy from rulemaking to legislation. Join us as we learn from each other in identifying opportunities, challenges, and creative solutions to delivering high-quality supports and services.

Presenters:

• Elise Aguilar, ANCOR
• Noah Block, ANCOR
• Lydia Dawson, ANCOR

Creating Employment Pathways for Newly Arrived Immigrants

Track: Workforce Solutions | Knowledge Level: Advanced

Discover how one provider successfully developed an employment and training initiative tailored for newly arrived immigrants. This innovative program combines language access and education with on-site training to address the workforce crisis effectively.

In this session, participants will learn about the program’s multifaceted approach, which focuses on bridging language barriers while equipping immigrants with essential skills for the job market. Together, we’ll explore best practices for supporting newly arrived immigrants in their journey to meaningful employment, enhancing community integration, and contributing to a diverse workforce.

Presenter:

• Kristin Shaver, Shore Educational Collaborative

Leveraging AI & Data Visualizations to Improve Supports

Track: Technology & Innovation | Knowledge Level: Advanced

Discover how emerging best practices with artificial intelligence (AI) and data visualizations can transform the way we deliver person-centered supports. By leveraging AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns, combined with the power of data visualization to simplify complex information, attendees can gain actionable insights that enhance service delivery and empower individuals. We will also discuss practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies for overcoming challenges, ensuring that AI-driven solutions are person-centered, equitable, and secure.

Whether you’re a provider, administrator, or self-advocate, this session will offer valuable insights into how to use these tools to produce text, graphics, charts, and more with the goal of enhancing communications, impact, and person-centered outcomes.

Presenter:

• Doug Golub, Data Potato

Breakfast

7:30-8:30 am

Networking Break

9:15-9:45 am

Networking Break

12:30-1 pm

Networking Break

2-2:30 pm

Leadership Academy Graduation & Awards Presentation

5:15-6:15 pm

ANCOR DC PAC Reception

6:30-8:30 pm

One of the most powerful parts of ANCOR Connect ’25 is sure to be this final morning of the conference. We’ll come together to start the day by honoring the recipients of the 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. Selected by an array of ANCOR members and other leaders in our field, the stories of this year’s honorees will remind us all of why we keep fighting on behalf of our incredible workforce and the people they support.

Managing Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in Individuals with I/DD: Treatment Journey and Outcomes

This session will explore the journey of diagnosing and treating Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) in a person with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (/IDD), covering the period from early 2021 to late 2024. We will highlight the challenges in identifying this rare, complex syndrome and address common misconceptions about treatments, including the role of cannabinoids and FDA-approved medications.

Through the use of clinical tools and careful evaluation, we’ll walk through the process of refining the treatment plan, including adjusting or eliminating other seizure medications, and share the successful outcomes of this personalized therapy approach. This session will provide valuable insights for clinicians looking to improve care for individuals with LGS and I/DD.

Presenter:

• Nanette Wrobel, Jazz Pharmaceuticals

The Empowering Impact of Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)

Track: Leadership & Organizational Development | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

You are the expert of your own life. That’s the underlying principle of the evidence-based Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) program in supporting individuals with I/DD. We will present data showcasing how WRAP enhances employee retention and reduces challenging behaviors among those we serve.

Through real-life examples, participants will see how implementing WRAP can transform organizational culture and foster resilience and self-advocacy. This workshop will equip you with practical steps to integrate WRAP into your programs, promoting self-advocacy and improving support for individuals.

Presenters:

• Lesley Corey, Step by Step, Inc.
• Jamie Fiel, Step by Step, Inc.
• Lee Horton, Step by Step, Inc.

A Seat at the Table: Creating Partnerships with DSPs

Track: Workforce Solutions | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

Nothing about us without us. This has been the mantra of disability advocates for decades. And yet many disability organizations and systems don’t think about offering direct support professionals the same opportunity. DSPs often find themselves—in situations similar to people with disabilities—in that policy decisions or systemic change discussions often occur without DSPs sitting at the table. Or DSP input is solicited without enough support or inclusion for genuine participation.

This session will share the story of the Alaska Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (AADSP) and how they have evolved into an influential group of DSP leaders who are recognized and respected as subject matter experts on Alaska’s DSP workforce challenges and needs. Participants will be introduced to AADSP’s recent publication ”The Voices of DSPs: Organizational Best Practices to Retain and Strengthen the DSP Workforce.” This publication, developed with funds from the Administration for Community Living, is just the latest accomplishment of this powerful group of DSP leaders.

Presenters:

• Kim Champney, Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities
• Brian Ormond, Alaska Alliance of Direct Support Professionals

Navigating Compliance: A Transformative Journey with CMS

Track: Quality Services | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Join us to explore ADAPT’s empowering journey through a recent audit by the Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS). Embracing John Dewey’s insight that “we learn from reflecting on experience,” ADAPT recognized this audit as an opportunity to showcase its commitment to compliance and service excellence.

By leveraging a unique model, ADAPT successfully completed the audit with zero findings. In this session, ADAPT will share the effective systems and strategies that contributed to their success.

Participants will gain practical insights and adaptable practices that can be integrated into their organizations, empowering them to navigate compliance challenges and enhance service quality. Together, we can turn compliance into a catalyst for positive change.

Presenters:

• Jeisson Cardona, ADAPT Community Network
• Matthew Parascando, ADAPT Community Network
• Kelly Spina, ADAPT Community Network

Community Supported Care Model: A New Approach to Service Delivery

Track: Strategic Transformation | Knowledge Level: Advanced

After years of strategic planning led by their state association, several I/DD organizations in Illinois have launched Community Supported Care Partners—a unique LLC partnership among provider investors and Deon Health, a specialized health plan tailored for individuals with I/DD.

This innovative partnership aims to create an integrated care approach that improves participant outcomes, optimizes the utilization of state resources across Medicaid and Medicaid Waiver programs, and establishes a replicable model for broader implementation.

This session will explore the development process, current activities, and key priorities of the Community Supported Care model. Participants will gain insights into how to replicate this model in other state systems, fostering effective partnerships and enhancing service delivery for individuals with I/DD.

Presenters:

• Kathy Carmody, Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
• Mark McHugh, Envision Unlimited
• Shane Spotts, Deon Health

Building Bridges: Fostering Effective Relationships Between IT and Program Teams

Track: Technology & Innovation | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

In this session, Emmaus Homes will share its organizational journey in building a collaborative relationship between IT and Program teams, resulting in the formation of a cross-functional team with members from various programs. By fostering trust, aligning goals, and leveraging technology and data, Emmaus has created a framework that drives innovation and maximizes impact.

This approach has enabled the organization to break down silos, streamline processes, and make data-driven decisions that enhance both team performance and program outcomes. Join us to gain insights into building a high-impact, collaborative partnership that effectively harnesses the power of technology and data.

Presenters:

• Tanna Clark, Emmaus Homes
• Tim Curran, Emmaus Homes
• Erika Rodriguez, Emmaus Homes

An Innovative Path to Creating a Home

Track: Leadership & Organizational Development | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

The dream of having your own place resonates with everyone, but individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) often face unique obstacles in accessing housing. This session will provide valuable insights into two grant-funded initiatives in New York that are helping individuals achieve their housing goals.

First, we’ll explore the Statewide & Regional Housing Collaboratives project, which established Regional Housing Collaboratives facilitated by Master Housing Navigators. These Collaboratives bring together key stakeholders, including developers, nonprofits, provider agencies, individuals with I/DD, and their families, implementing innovative leadership strategies to enhance housing opportunities.

Next, we will discuss the Housing Resources for Independent Living (HRIL) project, which features the New York Housing Resource Center—an accessible online platform that provides essential information for parents, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and professionals, guiding them through their housing journeys.

Presenters:

• Seth Greenman, New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation
• Carol Napierski, New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation

Moving Mountains: Best Practices in Workforce Development

Track: Workforce Solutions | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

Join the 2025 Moving Mountains Award honorees as they offer a closer look at their winning innovations. Chosen for their leading practices to develop the direct support workforce, this year’s winners will share the DSP recruitment and retention challenges they were facing, the innovative initiative they designed to overcome these challenges, data and insights about how their workforce has been transformed as a result, and what’s next as they continue to iterate. Participants can expect to leave this session with an array of ideas for how they might replicate the Moving Mountains Awardees’ successes.

Presenters:

• Michelle Smith, University of Minnesota
• Jolene Thibedeau Boyd, University of Minnesota

Friendship Project: Combating Loneliness through Volunteerism

Track: Quality Services | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

Is loneliness impacting the quality of life of people you support? People with disabilities are disproportionally impacted by loneliness, and lack of social connection is known to heighten health risks as much as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.

In this session, you will learn how Advocates, a nonprofit human services agency in Massachusetts, built a robust program in which community volunteers are paired with adults with disabilities to foster connection, alleviate loneliness, and improve well-being. Participants will learn effective strategies for recruiting volunteers, raising needed funds, matching individuals, and fostering long-term, genuine friendships. Participants will also learn about the benefits of social connection programs like Friendship Project for both family caregivers and providers seeking to build relationships with health care plans, state agencies, and community organizations.

Presenters:

• Jeffrey Keilson, Advocates
• Maryellen Killeen, Advocates
• Pam McKillop, Advocates

My Life, Your Job: Empowering Voices in Decision-Making

Track: Advocacy & Empowerment | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

In this impactful session, a recipient of home and community-based services will share her powerful story of moving from exclusion to empowerment. She will discuss the deep frustration and insecurity that stemmed from being left out of decisions affecting her life and how participatory leadership transformed her experience.

Alongside the Executive Director of the agency providing her services, they will explore the evolution from siloed decision-making to a model that values and includes the voices of those receiving services.

Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for fostering inclusion—from board leadership practices to training Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and enhancing interview processes. Discover how empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities in decision-making leads to greater confidence, purpose, and true inclusion within organizations.

Presenters:

• Michelle Davidson, Frontier Community Services
• Amanda Faulkner, Frontier Community Services

Can You Have Too Much Innovation?

Track: Strategic Transformation | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

The pressure to grow, expand, and evolve while maintaining compliance, quality, and person-centeredness can be overwhelming for an organization. How do we find the right balance? Is it ever OK to pause? How big is big enough, and how good is good enough? These are the questions that keep organizational executives up at night. This session will explore lessons learned (including some learned the hard way) from one provider in Ohio on their exponential growth and transformation journey over the past decade.

Participants will gain practical tools and frameworks to aid decision-making, helping them navigate the complexities of organizational growth. Together, we’ll explore how to effectively balance innovation with quality and compliance, ensuring that your organization evolves without compromising its core values.

Presenters:

• Stephanie Nagisetty, I Am Boundless
• Jennifer Riha, I Am Boundless
• Chris Wolf, I Am Boundless

Leveraging Community Life Engagement to Achieve Better Outcomes

Track: Quality Services | Knowledge Level: Universal/All

The goal of “Community Life Engagement in Action” is to transform and improve services in order to increase community life engagement (CLE) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Attendees will learn how this work is being accomplished through a partnership between the Institute on Disability at UNH (IOD), the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston (ICI), and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), and guided by an advisory group that includes providers, people with IDD, and other CLE experts.

Session attendees will also learn about the ECHO learning model, wherein participants engage with CLE content, case studies, and strategies for enhancing outcomes using an “everyone teaches, everyone learns” educational approach.

Presenter:

• Jennifer Sulewski, University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability

In addition to the specified room rates, the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina applies a Resort Charge of $30 per room, per night. For our group, this charge is waived, with the included amenities provided at no additional cost.

• Premium high-speed internet access
• Morning yoga classes
• 1-hour cruiser bicycle use
• 5-hour paddleboard tour and lesson
• 1-hour daily tennis court rental with equipment for two
• Lawn games
• S’mores kits
• Unlimited local and domestic long-distance phone calls
• Electric vehicle charging

• Check-In: Guest accommodations will be available starting at 4 pm on the day of arrival.
• Check-Out: Guests must vacate their rooms by 11 am on the day of departure.

Guests seeking late check-out should inquire at the front desk on the day of departure. If late check-out is approved, the hotel may impose a half-day rate for the extended stay. For any questions about these policies, please contact the Sheraton directly at 619.291.2900.

Guests who depart the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina before their confirmed scheduled departure date will be subject to an Early Departure Fee of $299 per night (or the applicable rate for their room type, excluding additional fees). Exceptions for emergency situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the front desk manager in consultation with the Group’s Authorized Representative.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina will honor the group’s specified room rates for attendees three (3) days before and three (3) days after the official conference dates, based on availability. Attendees are encouraged to book early to secure these extended rates as availability is limited. For questions or to check availability for pre/post dates, contact the hotel directly at 619.291.2900.

December 20, 2024
Early Bird Registration Deadline (standard pricing begins December 21)

March 17, 2025
Late-Bird Pricing Begins

Session proposals are now closed!

Members of the ANCOR team have reviewed all completed submissions, and notifications of approved proposals were sent in mid-November.

Early December 2024
ANCOR Foundation Awards Application Period Begins

Mid-January 2025
ANCOR Foundation Awards Application Period Closes 

By January 31, 2025
Notifications of DSP of the Year Award Status Sent to Nominators

Early April 2025
Public Announcement of DSP of the Year Award Winners

ANCOR Connect, formerly the ANCOR Annual Conference, is our nation’s premier gathering of providers of long-term supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who are dedicated to providers’ success. With nearly 1,000 participants expected this year, ANCOR Connect convenes you and your colleagues to:

• Learn from one another about pressing challenges and emerging innovations. 
• Share best practices that enable providers to support more people with high-quality services. 
• Connect with leaders, up-and-comers and newcomers to the field. 
• Advance our shared vision for fully inclusive communities. 

All staff from I/DD provider agencies are welcome and encouraged to attend ANCOR Connect, including:

• Executive leaders
• Program directors & program managers
• Frontline supervisors
• Direct support professionals
• Care coordinators & support coordinators
• Nurses & other clinical staff
• Administrative support staff
• Board members

In addition to staff from provider agencies, ANCOR Connect draws a diverse range of other participants, including:

• Self-advocates & other individuals with I/DD
• Family members of individuals with I/DD
• Researchers
• Federal, state and local policymakers & regulators
• Corporations offering products & services used by I/DD providers
• At-large members of the disability advocacy community

Given the diverse range of ANCOR Connect participants, there’s something for everyone—including YOU! 

ANCOR Connect 2025 will take place April 7-9, in San Diego, California, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. 

Generally speaking, pricing depends on whether you’re an ANCOR member and how far in advance of the conference you register. Additionally, special pricing is available for direct support professionals. Visit the “Register Now” tab of the Conference website to learn more.

What does my registration include?

Your ANCOR Connect registration includes full access to the entire array of activities on offer in San Diego on April 7-9, including:

• Keynote presentations and plenary sessions
• Breakout sessions
• The presentation of the 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards
• Multiple networking receptions and events
• The chance to connect with leading companies in the Exhibitor Lounge

Your registration does not include access to ticketed events, namely our Pre-Conference Workshops on April 7. These tickets can be added to your registration at the point or purchase or at a later date, space permitting.

Make sure you already have an ANCOR account since you will use the same information to login to our registration platform. If you don’t yet have one, create one. If you have an account but you need to reset your password, see our troubleshooting guide. If you already get ANCOR emails but haven’t yet set up your password, view this video. If you have difficulty, send a note to [email protected].  

Registrations canceled on or before March 14, 2025. will be fully refunded, less an 8.5% administrative fee. No refunds will be issued on or after March 15, 2025.

Our online registration system does not permit transfers, but you are permitted to cancel your existing registration and establish a new one. Please note, however, that you will incur an 8.5% administrative fee in the event that you cancel your original registration. Please also ensure that additional registrations are available before cancelling your existing registration; if we are operating a waiting list when you attempt to establish the new registration, the new registrant will be added to the end of the waiting list and may not be approved to register if space does not become available.

When establishing a registration, you will be asked to log into our event management system. To do so, you will use the same email address and password that you use to log into any ANCOR website (e.g., ancor.org, the ANCOR Connected Community, etc.).

If you don’t yet have an ANCOR account, create one! Then use the same login credentials to sign into our event management system. If you have an account but you need help to reset your password, see our troubleshooting guide. If you still need support, email [email protected].  

Once you have logged in, click “View Product” to the right of “Full Conference.” Assuming your identity has been authenticated, the non-member pricing should be crossed out and next to it, the member pricing should be displayed.

If you still aren’t seeing the member pricing, it may be because you have been newly added to our database and our backend systems have not yet fully synced. Please wait until at least two business days following the addition of yourself or your colleague to our database before attempting to complete the registration.

Yes. Creating an account is fast and simple, and it’s the only way we can discern your eligibility to participate and the pricing you should see. Therefore, we ask that you create an account.

Yes, each registrant must have their own ANCOR account to register for ANCOR Connect. At this time, the “Add a Colleague” function is not available, but it will be soon.

ANCOR Connect is the premier gathering of community-based I/DD service providers and the community of professionals who support these providers. The organizations that exhibit at ANCOR Connect offer products and services that are relevant to leaders at all levels of the organizations that comprise the conference audience. Featured exhibitors each year include ANCOR’s Diamond, Platinum and Gold Partners. Nonprofit, for-profit, academic and provider organizations are all welcome to exhibit at the conference.

Our Exhibit Hall is sold out, but if you are interested in exhibiting and have not yet registered, you may join our waiting list.

Please see page 24 of the ANCOR Connect ’25 Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus to learn more about costs and add-ons.

If an exhibitor, after submitting payment, is no longer able to attend, a request must be made in writing to ANCOR no later than March 7, 2025. The exhibitor fee will be refunded less a $250 administrative fee. Absolutely no refunds will be made after March 7, 2025.

All decisions regarding session acceptances were sent via email in mid-November. If you have questions about your submission, email Alli Strong-Martin.

Yes! Not only are DSPs welcome and encouraged to attend, but there is special programming available for DSPs, including the presentation of the annual Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. To encourage DSPs to participate in ANCOR Connect, deeply discounted registration rates are available.

Yes! We offer deeply discounted rates for these individuals. Here’s what to do if any of the following apply to you:

Self-Advocates and Family Members: To register as a self-advocate or family member, send us an email. If you need additional financial support beyond the discounted rate, self-advocates are encouraged to apply for the ANCOR Foundation’s Self-Advocate Scholarship Program! This program helps pay for important costs like travel, hotel, meals, and registration fees.

Direct Support Professionals: A Direct Support Professional is defined as someone whose primary role is as a direct care worker, in-home support worker, personal assistant or attendant who works directly with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to ensure that they have the supports needed to live, work and enjoy life more independently in a community-based setting.  If you are a DSP, you are eligible for a discounted rate. To register as a DSP, send us a message and include your name, the organization where you work, and the address of your organization. We will get back to you within two business days.

Yes! Here’s what to do if any of the following apply to you:

100% State Association members: Before registering, make sure you ask your state association for a special promo code! This code must be used at the time of purchase and no refunds can be given after registration is complete.

Speakers: All speakers will receive an email with a link to register at the speaker rate, so please hold off on registering until you get that message. If you have any questions, email Alli Strong-Martin.

Students: If you are a student interested in attending ANCOR Connect, send us a message and include your name, the college/university you attend, and the address of your school. We will get back to you within two business days.

ANCOR is happy to provide certificates of attendance upon request. Information about how to request a certificate of attendance will be made available onsite.

Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help! Simply drop us a line at [email protected].