2024 TASH Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the official website for the 2024 TASH Conference!

Each year, the TASH Conference brings together our constituents to share resources and success stories, learn about field-driven best practices, and network within a community engaged in shared values. The Conference is attended by passionate leaders, experts, and advocates from every corner of the disability community. Conference attendees are influential in their fields and communities, and play an important role in the provision of services and supports for individuals and organizations around the world; and include professors and researchers from leading institutions; those involved in local, state, and federal governments and public policy; special and general educators, and school administrators; self-advocates, adult service providers; students, family members, and many others. This year’s conference theme is Celebrate Together: Let the Good Times Roll!

Click on the "Registration and More" tab for additional information about our Conference location, registration, reserving a guest room, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and more! The full Conference schedule is now available for viewing. Registered attendees will receive an invitation to log in and create a personalized schedule.

11:15am CST

Catalight's Compass Work Tool- Help PwD Find Meaningful Careers

Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST

Imperial 10

Catalight Research Institute has developed Compass Work. This self-paced program offers participants a unique set of tools to help them find a position that fits their strengths and sets them up for lifelong career success. It is person-centered, strength-based, assessment-driven, and career-focused. It consists of over 30 training elements, including skills assessments, resume building, interviewing, accommodation requests, handling rejections, accepting job offers, and creating a 100-day plan for when they start a new job. It launched in February 2023 and is used by over 100 job seekers, advocates, career coaches, and employment service providers. We will present the program design and the successes candidates and advocates for these candidates have accomplished. We will share how they use the tool and the feedback generated along the way. We will share critical feedback from candidates and advocates. We also plan to give TASH attendees free access to the tool.

Presenters

Dan Middleton

Senior Director, Clinical Excellence Planning and Development, Catalight

As the Clinical Excellence Planning and Development Leader at Catalight, I have led new strategies for employment services for neurodiverse adults since December 2021. With over 20 years of experience in process improvement, mentoring, and organizational support, I am passionate about... Read More →

Friday December 6, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Imperial 10 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Competitive Integrated Employment, Person Centered, Career Coaching, Career Planning, Strength Based
Presentation Type General

3:25pm CST

Celebrating Families: The Power of Parent Engagement to Support Employment

Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST

Foster 1

Join this session to learn about an innovative partnership between the LEAD Center and Parent 2 Parent USA (P2P USA), harnessing the input from parent advisors to craft resources to promote employment and career outcomes for their family members with disabilities. Families also identified resources through which they can access essential supports and services. Hear from family leaders and employment subject matter experts from LEAD Center about the pivotal role families play in envisioning and supporting the people with disabilities in their lives across their lifespan as they journey towards competitive integrated employment.

Presenters

Yvonne Wright

LEAD Center National Disability Institute

Friday December 6, 2024 3:25pm - 4:20pm CST
Foster 1 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Family Engagement, Employment, Supports Disability, Support, Family, Advocacy, Inclusion
Presentation Type General

4:35pm CST

Strategies for Opening the Glass Door To Employment Through Employer Engagement

Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST

Foster 2

Too often, qualified workers with disabilities struggle to find work because the organizations that support them focus primarily on â€œthem.â€ We must focus equally on preparing employers to successfully source, onboard, and retain employees with disabilities. Join DETAC and Jonathan â€œJonâ€ Taylor, Executive Director of the Arkansas Governorâ€™s Council on Developmental Disabilities, to discuss employer engagement and outreach to advance competitive integrated employment (CIE) for people with disabilities. Jon Taylor was previously a retail field manager with a decade of successful experience in CIE. In this session, Jon will recount his experiences and offer practical tips for how DD Councils, job developers, self-advocates, and other stakeholders can engage with employers to advance CIE and economic outcomes for people with disabilities. The session will review the philosophy of Employment First, emphasize the importance of partnerships, and share DETAC resources.

Presenters

Megan Ryan

The Lewin Group/OptumServe Consulting

Friday December 6, 2024 4:35pm - 5:30pm CST
Foster 2 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Employment, Self-Advocacy, Collaboration, Partnerships, Employer Engagement
Presentation Type General

8:45am CST

Competitive Employment: If Not Now, When? If Not Us, Who?

Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST

Imperial 10

The purpose of this proposal is to discuss the current status on competitive integrated employment for individual with the highest support needs and review progress made but also why we continue to remain stuck in helping get significantly challenged people out of segregated setting and into real work for real pay, be it in community companies, self employment or even partially remote working conditions. We present the barrier and offer constructive suggestions to make changes now.

Presenters

Paul Wehman

Senior Research Scientist, Virginia Commonwealth University

Paul Wehman, Ph.D. has been a tenured faculty member with Virginia Commonwealth University since 1976. Originally with the VCU School of Education, he moved to a joint appointment with SOE and the School of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has now returned to an exclusive... Read More →

Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Imperial 10 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Competitive Integrated Employment, Employment First, Diversity and Social Impact
Presentation Type General

8:45am CST

Studying Customized Employment to Expand Competitive Integrated Employment

Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST

Imperial 12

This panel discussion delves into the multifaceted landscape of Customized Employment (CE), and efforts to catalog its use as a workable tool for provider transformation and expansion of Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The members of the panel were all participants in a Case Study through the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) investigating how Customized Employment is successfully implemented in the community, and each brings a unique perspective, shedding light on the collaborative efforts required to facilitate meaningful employment outcomes. Through shared experiences, practical strategies, and interactive dialogue, attendees will gain valuable insights into fostering a more inclusive and supportive employment environment for individuals with disabilities and learn about efforts through ODEP's CIE initiatives to better understand the successful utilization of Customized Employment implementation across the country.

Presenters

Rich Davis

Policy Advisor, Office of Disability Employment Policy

Saturday December 7, 2024 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Imperial 12 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Customized Employment, Self-Advocacy, Employment First, Competitive Integrated Employment
Presentation Type General

10:00am CST

Expanding Employment Choices: An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Entrepreneurship for All

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST

Imperial 5D

This presentation addresses the unique barriers faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental illness, and other significant disabilities. By tackling these challenges directly, attendees will explore an innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem that aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society where economic independence and success are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability. By highlighting success stories and best practices, we aim to inspire and equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.

Presenters

Aarti Sahgal

Founder & CEO, Synergies Work

I am the founder of Synergies Work - the largest startup hub providing comprehensive supports to entrepreneurs with disabilities. At Synergies Work our mission is to bridge the disability wealth gap through entrepreneurship.

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 5D Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Sustiainable Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Economic Growth
Presentation Type General

10:00am CST

Leveraging Gallup CliftonStrengths for Disabled Employees in Inclusive Workplaces

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST

Foster 2

Over 30 million people worldwide have taken the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment and have learned the critical link between talent and strengths, as well as the wisdom in leveraging strengths instead of trying to â€œfixâ€ weaknesses. In the disability community, starting with strengths and leveraging abilities is the foundation for Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) at school, and Individual Plans for Employment (IPEs) at work. This session will describe how to leverage the CliftonStrengths assessment and coaching approach in the workplace. CliftonStrengths provides a common language for disabled and nondisabled employees and their managers to work together and provide an optimal and inclusive environment for all employees.

Presenters

Jennifer Camota Luebke

President & CEO, Relay Resources

Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke is a visionary and strategic President and CEO of Relay Resources, a leading social enterprise in the Pacific Northwest that cultivates meaningful employment for people with disabilities. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the national United... Read More →

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Foster 2 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Employment, CliftonStrengths, Leveraging Strengths, Disability Inclusion, Disability Inclusive Employment
Presentation Type General

10:00am CST

Positive Behavior Supports in the Workplace

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST

Imperial 9

It is easy to read about behavioral crises and describe what staff should do. It isnâ€™t quite as easy when you are the one being hit or yelled at. When confronted by challenging behavior, it is more effective to figure out the root cause of the behavior. Challenging behaviors are often means of communication â€“ it sends the message of needs not being met such as, "I'm frustrated," "I'm bored," "I have no power," "I don't feel safe," "I don't feel valued," etc. Once we identify the root cause, we need to stop or replace the behavior. In order to stop the behavior, we need to stop the pattern, not just the current incidence. This presentation will provide strategies for identifying possible functions of challenging behaviors and identify ways to respond and prevent these behaviors in the workplace. Participants will also gain an understanding of how the environment, and other people, affect behavior. and will learn to correctly carry out behavioral support plans in an ethical manner.

Presenters

Laura Owens

UWM

Saturday December 7, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Imperial 9 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Behavioral Support, Competitive Integrated Employment
Presentation Type General

3:00pm CST

Dan Thompson Employment Rallies - Our History and Our Future

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Imperial 5D

Washington State upholds a tradition of promoting competitive integrated employment and community inclusion through gatherings and shared learning. In the early 2020s, traditional gatherings were disrupted, leading to the creation of The Dan Thompson Employment Rallies. These rallies reunited legacy leaders in supported employment with people with disabilities, new service providers, government and education partners. Six regional rallies and a statewide event supported full engagement, both in person and online, fostering a powerful dialogue on Employment First, led by those most impacted. Emphasizing inclusive employment, leadership and voices of people with disabilities, these events reenergized our community. Transition students played a crucial role in shaping the vision and narrative and the rallies addressed inequities, ensuring marginalized communities' needs and voices were included in statewide planning. Join us to discover the innovative rally format, themes, and next steps.

Presenters

Heather Evans

Wise

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Imperial 5D Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Self-Advocates, Leadership, Inclusion, Employment First, Transition Aged Students, Equity, Systems Change, Self-Determination, Capacity Building for Inclusion
Presentation Type General

3:00pm CST

Supporting Employment Through Technology: QR Codes and More

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Celestin Ballroom: Celestin B

This will be the presentation of the findings of a study about the use of technology (specifically QR codes) by individuals with ID in the workplace. The participants in the study were post secondary aged students who were enrolled in an inclusive post secondary program. The students were working at inclusive on-campus jobs, supported by job coaches. The students all had access to, and were proficient in the use of, cell phones. QR codes were used to link students to individualized supports (e.g. videos, or task checklists) to reinforce skill development and increase independence in the workplace. The QR codes were easily be embedded at the worksites, limiting the need for hard copy lists or charts for students or coaches to manage. Pre and post intervention data will be presented and will include student and job coach feedback and task completion data.

Presenters

Mollie Sheppard

Associate Professor, Saint Joseph's University

Sara Corley

Saint Joseph's University

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Celestin Ballroom: Celestin B Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Technology in Employment, Post Secondary Employment Training
Presentation Type Research

3:00pm CST

Transition Away from Sheltered Employment: What We Know and What We Can Do

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Imperial 9

This session offers the latest research relevant to the barriers and facilitators of transition from sheltered 14c employment to competitive, integrated employment via the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA, 2014). Given Indiana's clear movement towards investment in Employment First philosophy, this session is relevant for service providers, families, and people with disabilities considering transition. This session features research highlighting commonly reported concerns and fears around transition, as well as potential strategies to remediate these common challenges. This session will also review interviews of people with disabilities in Indiana who have successfully moved to competitive integrated employment (CIE), are in the process of transitioning from sheltered employment to CIE, and the staff who are assisting in these transitions.

Presenters

Mary Pearson

Saturday December 7, 2024 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Imperial 9 Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Breakout Sessions

Primary Topic Employment
Themes of Interest Competitive Integrated Employment
Key Words Transition from Sheltered Work, Competitive Integrated Employment, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Interviews with People with Disabilities
Presentation Type Research