African American Conference on Disabilities
Join Ability360, the Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) and the Arizona Center for African American Resources (AzCAAR) for the African American Conference on Disabilities on Feb. 16, 2018.
The conference will take place at the Desert Willow Conference Center, located at 4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard in Phoenix.
- Youth Track
- CLEs credit available for Attorneys
- CEUs are available
- CEUs Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Click Here to Register
Schedule:
Opening Session. 8:00 am - 8:50 am
Opening Session Speaker
Connie Robinson, President, Arizona Center for African American Resources (AzCAAR)
Arizona Center for African American Resources (AzCAAR) founded in 2007 on the premise to improve the life challenges facing African Americans in Arizona and to act as a resource for those serving the African American community.
Session 1. 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Best Practice in School Interventions for Children with Medical, Behavioral and Academic Needs
Traci A. Williams, Ph.D., NCSP
Arizona Certified School Psychologist
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Arizona Licensed Psychologist
In an honest effort to provide support for children with academic, behavioral and/or medical needs the various systems often end up working against each other. The purpose of this workshop is to provide information regarding resources available and strategies for working together to best meet children’s needs across all settings. When the parents, schools, community agencies and providers collaborate to provide integrated care, interventions implemented can be more effective. The objectives of the workshop include:
Learning the components of a neuropsychological assessment
Academic and behavioral interventions for individuals with neurological impairments
Collaboration between the home, school, community agencies and providers in order to best meet the needs of the individual
Advocating and Self-Advocacy for Voting Rights
Chatham Kitz
Maricopa County Recorder Office
To engage, educate and empower our citizens to vote, understand their rights, the process of casting a ballot in person, and know what other tools are available to vote. How to use the accessible voting machine, requesting a Braille or Large Print ballots or receiving assistance from the Special Elections Board.
Lupus: Deciphering the Clues
Toni Grimes
Lupus Foundation of America
This presentation will cover: What is lupus? What causes lupus? Who gets lupus? What are the economic impacts? What are the current lupus treatments?
Phoenix Police Department: Engagement and Outreach (Part 1)
The Phoenix Police Department is charged with ensuring the safety and security of each person in our community. Multiple programs are in place to engage residents, families and individuals who live, work and play within our city. Participants who attend this session will hear from a panel of Phoenix Police Officers who will share information on programs and enforcement measures that impact those with disabilities, including Crisis Intervention, Bias Crimes, Community Engagement and Outreach, and the School Resource Officer Program.
Child Welfare in Arizona “Finding Fare for African American Children”
Teresa Toney, M.P.A.,
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Kris Jacober, Executive Director, Arizona Friends of Foster Children and Families, Phoenix, Arizona
Leslie Reprogle, Owner, Executive Director, Agape Adoption Agency, Phoenix, Arizona
Anika Robinson, Foster Care Liaison, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Phoenix, Arizona
Beth Rosenberg, Director of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Policy, Children’s Action Alliance, Phoenix, Arizona
Reducing the disproportionate number of African American children in Arizona’s child welfare system has been a systematic problem for the state of Arizona. Causes may be a lack of caring, motivation and indifference for those charged with overseeing the department as well as the failure on the part of the African American community to hold itself and the state accountable for the health and well-being of African American children. The workshop will focus on:
Strategies to Educate and Engage African American Children
Trauma Effects of Out of Home Placement(s)
Cognitive Reduction Impacts
Behavioral Health Implications
Family Impacts
Parent Training, Education and Civic Engagement
Possible Panel Format for Increased Participation to Focus on October 2016 Colloquium Outcomes
*Success in Medicaid Appeals (CLE available)
Sarah Kader, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
Chris Carlsen, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
This presentation will qualify for CLE credit and is intended to provide information to lawyers and paralegals on how to appeal a Medicaid denial. The presentation will give an overview of the process once a denial is issued and give information and instructions on how to appeal at each level as well as tips on how to increase your chances of success. This presentation will also provide valuable information to consumers representing themselves in Medicaid appeals.
Session 2. 10:30 am - 11:45 am
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Understanding and Navigating Supports and Services
Lynette Tolliver
When parents receive a diagnosis of autism for their child, a journey begins to find effective and meaningful supports and services for your family. During this workshop parents/guardians who have children on the autism spectrum will share their family’s journey to becoming their child’s biggest advocate. They will also discuss the importance of gaining knowledge, education and training that that will help you developing partnerships with your child’s service providers, child serving systems, as well as help you connect with peer and family run or friendly organizations staffed with other parents with lived experience.
The Health of Mental Health: Access Authority and Protecting Individuals from Abuse and Neglect
Anna Branson, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
As the designated Protection & Advocacy agency for Arizona, the Arizona Center for Disability Law has unique access authority to both monitor and investigate facilities and programs who render care or treatment for persons with mental illness. This authority allows the Center reasonable unaccompanied access to residents of mental health facilities, not only to discuss their concerns and inform them of their rights, but also to conduct investigations where allegations of abuse or neglect are made. However, access authority can be a controversial subject and the need for understanding of how it works and why it exists is essential.
Protections for HIV Positive Individuals under the ADA
Kenja Hassan, MA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with HIV too. How to help loved ones know their rights.
People of African descent are the racial group most heavily affected by HIV. Knowing the rights of persons with HIV under federal and local laws, you can help loved ones and others in the black community keep precious resources such as jobs and housing; to improve health outcomes and reduce the spread of HIV. In this workshop you will learn 1. How HIV disproportionality impacts our community and 2. How your knowledge of legal protections for HIV positive people can help overcome the HIV virus and end the stigma of the disease.
Phoenix Police Department: Engagement and Outreach (Part 2)
The Phoenix Police Department is charged with ensuring the safety and security of each person in our community. Multiple programs are in place to engage residents, families, and individuals who live, work, and play within our city. Participants who attend this session will hear from a panel of Phoenix Police Officers who will share information on programs and enforcement measures that impact those with disabilities, including Crisis Intervention, Bias Crimes, Community Engagement and Outreach, and the School Resource Officer Program.
Education in Arizona: Improving the Education of African American Children
Carlian Dawson, Ed.D.
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Luis Avila, Founder President, Inconico Campaigns
Sandra Chase,MSW, Director Master’s Social Work Internship Program, Children's Institute, Los Angeles, California
Steve Cossey, Senior Pastor, Total Faith Community Church, Rockford, Illinois
Dr. Darlene Little, Executive Director, Tanner Community Development Corporation
Janelle Wood, Founder, Black Mothers Forum, Phoenix, Arizona
The panel workshop will focus on multiple areas of improvement including:
Parent Involvement
Mental Health
Suspensions and Expulsions
Student Achievement
Community Responsibilities
Principals’ Perspectives
*Enforcing Early Intervention and Educational Rights: Birth to 22 (CLE available)
Maya Abela, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability
Jessica Jansepar Ross, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
This presentation will outline the complaint options available to enforce the rights of children with disabilities to early intervention services to prepare for the classroom and equal educational opportunities in the classroom under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and access to educational facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will also discuss the impact of recent cases in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court on such complaint options, including deadlines for filing IDEA due process complaints (Avila v. Spokane School District 81), the standard for a Free Appropriate Public Education under the IDEA (Endrew v. Douglas County School District), and exhaustion requirements when filing disability-related lawsuits in the educational context (Fry v. Napoleon).
Lunch. 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Keynote Speaker:
Adrian Fontes, Maricopa County Recorder
Mr. Fontes is responsible for the administration and implementation of the election process for the fourth most populated county in the United States. Mr. Fontes is an Arizona native, has served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he solidified his love of country and made him a strong advocate of the U.S. Constitution. He holds an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver. Mr. Fontes has worked for the Denver DA's Office, Maricopa County Attorney, The Arizona Attorney General, and in private practice before being duly elected as the Maricopa County Recorder in 2016.
Session 3. 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Socio Economic Determinants and Disparities in Autism Treatment for African Americans
Kenneth Mims, M.Ed.
What is Autism? Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as being on the Autism spectrum, a ten-fold increase in prevalence over the last 40 years. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States, with 1 in 98 being African American. This presentation will provide information and dispel the mystery surrounding the disorder, giving perspectives of socio-economic determinates and disparities in the treatment of individuals living with ASD. The discussion will examine available resources for support and services, advocacy, the importance of early intervention and provide tips for how African Americans can lead a way to understand and integrating this population into social situations from which they may feel otherwise excluded.
FDIC Money Smart – Financial Recovery Education
Maxine (MAX) White, MBA
The objective of the workshop is for participants develop a plan to assess their current financial situation, then to identify ways to increase income and decrease expenses. We will identify steps to successfully implementation of a financial recovery plan as well as how to safeguard against credit repair scams.
In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness
Terry McDermott, Peer Program Coordinator, NAMI Valley of the Sun
Arthur Jackson
Do you have a family member, friend, coworker or acquaintance living with a mental illness? Do you enjoy hearing success stories filled with inspiration? Do you believe in the power of hope? Two presenters will walk you through their journey to recovery. They will speak of their despair and of their hope. How they are leading successful lives despite their illness.
+Employment Initiatives in Arizona – Promoting Competitive, Integrated Employment for All Transition-Aged Youth/Young Adults with ID/DD
Laura Schweers, Statewide Coordinator, Project SEACH Arizona
University of Arizona, Sonoran UCEDD | Department of Family & Community Medicine
Susan Voirol
Sonoran UCEDD, Department of Family & Community Medicine
Program Manager, Employment First and Transition Initiatives
University of Arizona, Sonoran UCEDD | Department of Family & Community Medicine
Presenters will share information about federal legislation and the Arizona Employment First initiative that prioritize efforts to support all people with disabilities, including youth/young adults, to obtain meaningful, competitive, and integrated employment and pursue a life of independence in their communities. Session participants will learn about significant strides achieved by the AZ Employment First Core Team during the past year in addition to model youth employment transition programs such as Project SEARCHÒ in which youth/young adults develop job and independent living skills with a goal toward competitive, integrated employment. Attendees will also hear of stories highlighting youth who are successfully employed in the community.
Health Care: Infant Mortality “Babies Dying - Mothers Crying”
Danielle Kemp, M.Ed.
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Ilce Alexander, Injury Prevention Specialist, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Monica Ennis, Arizona Black Nurses Association, Phoenix, Arizona
Katharine Levandowsky, Chief, Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Arizona Department of Health Services
Dr. Patricia Neff, Director Education, Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Phoenix, Arizona
Reducing the infant mortality rate among African American children in our community has evaded the State of Arizona for more than fourteen years. This workshop will continue the discussion from 2016 colloquium workshop entitled “Babies Dying and Mothers crying.” This year our panel will focus on:
Accountability
Community Engagement
Funding Equity
Parent Education
Collaboration
*Legal Update: Employment Protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act for People Living with HIV, Lupus, Autism and Sickle Cell (CLE available)
Rose Daly-Rooney, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
This presentation provides a legal update about the employment protections of the ADA, including 1) the meaning of disability and qualified, 2) medical documentation requirements that employers may obtain to support accommodation requests, 3) confidentiality requirements, 4) when employers may use “safety” to deny jobs or fire employees, and 5) reasonableness of selected accommodations. The speaker(s) will present fact patterns from the latest judicial decision that focus on discrimination faced by people living with HIV, Lupus, Autism and Sickle Cell. This presentation is open to people with disabilities and service providers who would like to learn more about the ADA’s employment protections.
Session 4. 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm
“I Didn’t Know I Could Ask for That” - Strategies for Building an Effective IEP/504 Plan
Anna Branson, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
It is not often said that the law is creative. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act demands creativity when it comes to tailoring each student’s Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”) or Section 504 Plan to their unique needs. This seminar will give you tips and tricks on how to mold your student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan into what it needs to be for your student to be successful, tips to working with your team and how to build and rebuild relationships with your district.
Alzheimer’s: What You Need to Know
Angela M. Allen, PhD, CRRN
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. This workshop will examine the impact of Alzheimer’s on the individual, family and society. In addition, participants will learn to implement 8 particular strategies to avoid many of the common problems that arise when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.
Powers of Attorney for Adults with Behavioral Health Diagnoses
Marsha Goodman, Esq.
Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg and Arnold, LLP
We will discuss how Healthcare and Durable Financial Powers of Attorney can be drafted so that adults with behavioral health diagnoses can identify agents to assist them when their condition prevents them from making responsible decisions, while maintaining maximum autonomy when they are functioning normally. We will also discuss how the appropriate preparation of these documents can avoid the need for Guardianship and/or Conservatorship for these adults.
+Youthful Tips 4 Successful Transitions 2 Adulthood
James Hinckley-Wade
Facilitated by an elder who has been there, this workshop features a panel of youth who are actively making successful transitions to adulthood. These experts will share their stories, their advice, and will engage in candid conversation about their experiences. Covering the importance of leadership, self-determination, self-advocacy, and person-centered planning, this workshop is ideal for youth and those who support them.
Juvenile Justice: The Injustice of Disproportionality
Roy Dawson, Executive Director
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Tara Laurie, Founder and CEO, Youth World Education Project (YWEP), Phoenix, Arizona
Angie Lopez, Detention Specialist/JDAI Coordinator, Arizona Supreme Court, Phoenix, Arizona
Pima County JDAI Team, Tucson, Arizona
Sheila Kemble, Pima County JDAI Coordinator
Rafael Batain, Community Member, Tucson IF Project
Lance Meeks, Goodwill METRO Program Manager
For over 20 years the state of Arizona has been unable to find an effective answer to the disproportionate number of African American children in Juvenile custody. Studies show that African American children have been traumatized within the system leading to “a jurisdictional crossover” crisis among state agencies. Currently, the overall number of children in the system is dropping, but the number of African American children is increasing resulting in even high disproportionality figures.
The workshop panel includes child advocates and juvenile justice experts from different jurisdictions to address:
Commitments to Fixing Disproportionality
Community Engagement
Spending Equity
Diversion Efforts
Other Factors
*Enforcing the Rights of Clients with Disabilities Who Have Been Denied Accessible Medical Care (CLE available)
Asim Dietrich, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Arizonans with Disabilities Act (AzDA) require that medical facilities provide care that is accessible to persons with disabilities. In this workshop, Arizona Center for Disability Law Staff Attorney, Asim Dietrich, will provide information about the obligations of medical facilities to provide care that is accessible to persons with disabilities and the administrative and legal procedures for enforcing rights under the ADA and AzDA. This workshop will additionally provide practical strategies for attorneys to enforce the rights of clients with disabilities to accessible medical care, including complying with advance notice requirements created by AzDA amendments in 2017 and using alternative dispute resolution options. This session is also open to participants who are not attorneys, but who wish to learn about their rights and strategies for self-advocacy.
Closing Session. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Session Speaker:
Steven C. Freeman Regional Director, Linkages
Linkages is a non-profit agency that connects employers with agencies to find job opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans. He is the President of the Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome (SANDS) whose mission is to seek to inspire, educate and support individuals, families and communities affected by Down syndrome throughout Southern Arizona.
For registration assistance contact
David Carey, Conference Co-Chair, Ability360
(602) 443-0723
Register online at: www.aacod.eventbrite.com
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 13, 2018
February 16, 2018
Desert Willow Conference Center
Phoenix, Arizona
Presented By
Hosted By
Ability360, Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL) and Arizona Center for African American Resources (AzCAAR)
+Youth Track
*CLEs credit available for Attorneys
CEUs are available
CEUs Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Opening Session. 8:00 am - 8:50 am
Opening Session Speaker
Connie Robinson, President
Arizona Center for African American Resources (AzCAAR)
Arizona Center for African American Resources (AzCAAR) founded in 2007 on the premise to improve the life challenges facing African Americans in Arizona and to act as a resource for those serving the African American community.
Session 1. 9:00 am - 10:15 am
Best Practice in School Interventions for Children with Medical, Behavioral and Academic Needs
Traci A. Williams, Ph.D., NCSP
Arizona Certified School Psychologist
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Arizona Licensed Psychologist
In an honest effort to provide support for children with academic, behavioral and/or medical needs the various systems often end up working against each other. The purpose of this workshop is to provide information regarding resources available and strategies for working together to best meet children’s needs across all settings. When the parents, schools, community agencies and providers collaborate to provide integrated care, interventions implemented can be more effective. The objectives of the workshop include:
Learning the components of a neuropsychological assessment
Academic and behavioral interventions for individuals with neurological impairments
Collaboration between the home, school, community agencies and providers in order to best meet the needs of the individual
Advocating and Self-Advocacy for Voting Rights
Chatham Kitz
Maricopa County Recorder Office
To engage, educate and empower our citizens to vote, understand their rights, the process of casting a ballot in person, and know what other tools are available to vote. How to use the accessible voting machine, requesting a Braille or Large Print ballots or receiving assistance from the Special Elections Board.
Lupus: Deciphering the Clues
Toni Grimes
Lupus Foundation of America
This presentation will cover: What is lupus? What causes lupus? Who gets lupus? What are the economic impacts? What are the current lupus treatments?
Phoenix Police Department: Engagement and Outreach (Part 1)
The Phoenix Police Department is charged with ensuring the safety and security of each person in our community. Multiple programs are in place to engage residents, families and individuals who live, work and play within our city. Participants who attend this session will hear from a panel of Phoenix Police Officers who will share information on programs and enforcement measures that impact those with disabilities, including Crisis Intervention, Bias Crimes, Community Engagement and Outreach, and the School Resource Officer Program.
Child Welfare in Arizona “Finding Fare for African American Children”
Teresa Toney, M.P.A.,
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Kris Jacober, Executive Director, Arizona Friends of Foster Children and Families, Phoenix, Arizona
Leslie Reprogle, Owner, Executive Director, Agape Adoption Agency, Phoenix, Arizona
Anika Robinson, Foster Care Liaison, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Phoenix, Arizona
Beth Rosenberg, Director of Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Policy, Children’s Action Alliance, Phoenix, Arizona
Reducing the disproportionate number of African American children in Arizona’s child welfare system has been a systematic problem for the state of Arizona. Causes may be a lack of caring, motivation and indifference for those charged with overseeing the department as well as the failure on the part of the African American community to hold itself and the state accountable for the health and well-being of African American children. The workshop will focus on:
Strategies to Educate and Engage African American Children
Trauma Effects of Out of Home Placement(s)
Cognitive Reduction Impacts
Behavioral Health Implications
Family Impacts
Parent Training, Education and Civic Engagement
Possible Panel Format for Increased Participation to Focus on October 2016 Colloquium Outcomes
*Success in Medicaid Appeals (CLE available)
Sarah Kader, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
Chris Carlsen, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
This presentation will qualify for CLE credit and is intended to provide information to lawyers and paralegals on how to appeal a Medicaid denial. The presentation will give an overview of the process once a denial is issued and give information and instructions on how to appeal at each level as well as tips on how to increase your chances of success. This presentation will also provide valuable information to consumers representing themselves in Medicaid appeals.
Session 2. 10:30 am - 11:45 am
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Understanding and Navigating Supports and Services
Lynette Tolliver
When parents receive a diagnosis of autism for their child, a journey begins to find effective and meaningful supports and services for your family. During this workshop parents/guardians who have children on the autism spectrum will share their family’s journey to becoming their child’s biggest advocate. They will also discuss the importance of gaining knowledge, education and training that that will help you developing partnerships with your child’s service providers, child serving systems, as well as help you connect with peer and family run or friendly organizations staffed with other parents with lived experience.
The Health of Mental Health: Access Authority and Protecting Individuals from Abuse and Neglect
Anna Branson, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
As the designated Protection & Advocacy agency for Arizona, the Arizona Center for Disability Law has unique access authority to both monitor and investigate facilities and programs who render care or treatment for persons with mental illness. This authority allows the Center reasonable unaccompanied access to residents of mental health facilities, not only to discuss their concerns and inform them of their rights, but also to conduct investigations where allegations of abuse or neglect are made. However, access authority can be a controversial subject and the need for understanding of how it works and why it exists is essential.
Protections for HIV Positive Individuals under the ADA
Kenja Hassan, MA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with HIV too. How to help loved ones know their rights.
People of African descent are the racial group most heavily affected by HIV. Knowing the rights of persons with HIV under federal and local laws, you can help loved ones and others in the black community keep precious resources such as jobs and housing; to improve health outcomes and reduce the spread of HIV. In this workshop you will learn 1. How HIV disproportionality impacts our community and 2. How your knowledge of legal protections for HIV positive people can help overcome the HIV virus and end the stigma of the disease.
Phoenix Police Department: Engagement and Outreach (Part 2)
The Phoenix Police Department is charged with ensuring the safety and security of each person in our community. Multiple programs are in place to engage residents, families, and individuals who live, work, and play within our city. Participants who attend this session will hear from a panel of Phoenix Police Officers who will share information on programs and enforcement measures that impact those with disabilities, including Crisis Intervention, Bias Crimes, Community Engagement and Outreach, and the School Resource Officer Program.
Education in Arizona: Improving the Education of African American Children
Carlian Dawson, Ed.D.
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Luis Avila, Founder President, Inconico Campaigns
Sandra Chase,MSW, Director Master’s Social Work Internship Program, Children's Institute, Los Angeles, California
Steve Cossey, Senior Pastor, Total Faith Community Church, Rockford, Illinois
Dr. Darlene Little, Executive Director, Tanner Community Development Corporation
Janelle Wood, Founder, Black Mothers Forum, Phoenix, Arizona
The panel workshop will focus on multiple areas of improvement including:
Parent Involvement
Mental Health
Suspensions and Expulsions
Student Achievement
Community Responsibilities
Principals’ Perspectives
*Enforcing Early Intervention and Educational Rights: Birth to 22 (CLE available)
Maya Abela, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability
Jessica Jansepar Ross, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
This presentation will outline the complaint options available to enforce the rights of children with disabilities to early intervention services to prepare for the classroom and equal educational opportunities in the classroom under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and access to educational facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We will also discuss the impact of recent cases in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court on such complaint options, including deadlines for filing IDEA due process complaints (Avila v. Spokane School District 81), the standard for a Free Appropriate Public Education under the IDEA (Endrew v. Douglas County School District), and exhaustion requirements when filing disability-related lawsuits in the educational context (Fry v. Napoleon).
Lunch. 11:45 am - 1:00 pm
Keynote Speaker:
Adrian Fontes, Maricopa County Recorder
Mr. Fontes is responsible for the administration and implementation of the election process for the fourth most populated county in the United States. Mr. Fontes is an Arizona native, has served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he solidified his love of country and made him a strong advocate of the U.S. Constitution. He holds an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver. Mr. Fontes has worked for the Denver DA's Office, Maricopa County Attorney, The Arizona Attorney General, and in private practice before being duly elected as the Maricopa County Recorder in 2016.
Session 3. 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Socio Economic Determinants and Disparities in Autism Treatment for African Americans
Kenneth Mims, M.Ed.
What is Autism? Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 68 American children as being on the Autism spectrum, a ten-fold increase in prevalence over the last 40 years. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States, with 1 in 98 being African American. This presentation will provide information and dispel the mystery surrounding the disorder, giving perspectives of socio-economic determinates and disparities in the treatment of individuals living with ASD. The discussion will examine available resources for support and services, advocacy, the importance of early intervention and provide tips for how African Americans can lead a way to understand and integrating this population into social situations from which they may feel otherwise excluded.
FDIC Money Smart – Financial Recovery Education
Maxine (MAX) White, MBA
The objective of the workshop is for participants develop a plan to assess their current financial situation, then to identify ways to increase income and decrease expenses. We will identify steps to successfully implementation of a financial recovery plan as well as how to safeguard against credit repair scams.
In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental Illness
Terry McDermott, Peer Program Coordinator, NAMI Valley of the Sun
Arthur Jackson
Do you have a family member, friend, coworker or acquaintance living with a mental illness? Do you enjoy hearing success stories filled with inspiration? Do you believe in the power of hope? Two presenters will walk you through their journey to recovery. They will speak of their despair and of their hope. How they are leading successful lives despite their illness.
+Employment Initiatives in Arizona – Promoting Competitive, Integrated Employment for All Transition-Aged Youth/Young Adults with ID/DD
Laura Schweers, Statewide Coordinator, Project SEACH Arizona
University of Arizona, Sonoran UCEDD | Department of Family & Community Medicine
Susan Voirol
Sonoran UCEDD, Department of Family & Community Medicine
Program Manager, Employment First and Transition Initiatives
University of Arizona, Sonoran UCEDD | Department of Family & Community Medicine
Presenters will share information about federal legislation and the Arizona Employment First initiative that prioritize efforts to support all people with disabilities, including youth/young adults, to obtain meaningful, competitive, and integrated employment and pursue a life of independence in their communities. Session participants will learn about significant strides achieved by the AZ Employment First Core Team during the past year in addition to model youth employment transition programs such as Project SEARCHÒ in which youth/young adults develop job and independent living skills with a goal toward competitive, integrated employment. Attendees will also hear of stories highlighting youth who are successfully employed in the community.
Health Care: Infant Mortality “Babies Dying - Mothers Crying”
Danielle Kemp, M.Ed.
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Ilce Alexander, Injury Prevention Specialist, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Monica Ennis, Arizona Black Nurses Association, Phoenix, Arizona
Katharine Levandowsky, Chief, Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Arizona Department of Health Services
Dr. Patricia Neff, Director Education, Pilgrim Rest Foundation, Phoenix, Arizona
Reducing the infant mortality rate among African American children in our community has evaded the State of Arizona for more than fourteen years. This workshop will continue the discussion from 2016 colloquium workshop entitled “Babies Dying and Mothers crying.” This year our panel will focus on:
Accountability
Community Engagement
Funding Equity
Parent Education
Collaboration
*Legal Update: Employment Protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act for People Living with HIV, Lupus, Autism and Sickle Cell (CLE available)
Rose Daly-Rooney, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
This presentation provides a legal update about the employment protections of the ADA, including 1) the meaning of disability and qualified, 2) medical documentation requirements that employers may obtain to support accommodation requests, 3) confidentiality requirements, 4) when employers may use “safety” to deny jobs or fire employees, and 5) reasonableness of selected accommodations. The speaker(s) will present fact patterns from the latest judicial decision that focus on discrimination faced by people living with HIV, Lupus, Autism and Sickle Cell. This presentation is open to people with disabilities and service providers who would like to learn more about the ADA’s employment protections.
Session 4. 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm
“I Didn’t Know I Could Ask for That” - Strategies for Building an Effective IEP/504 Plan
Anna Branson, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
It is not often said that the law is creative. However, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act demands creativity when it comes to tailoring each student’s Individualized Education Plan (“IEP”) or Section 504 Plan to their unique needs. This seminar will give you tips and tricks on how to mold your student’s IEP or Section 504 Plan into what it needs to be for your student to be successful, tips to working with your team and how to build and rebuild relationships with your district.
Alzheimer’s: What You Need to Know
Angela M. Allen, PhD, CRRN
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. This workshop will examine the impact of Alzheimer’s on the individual, family and society. In addition, participants will learn to implement 8 particular strategies to avoid many of the common problems that arise when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.
Powers of Attorney for Adults with Behavioral Health Diagnoses
Marsha Goodman, Esq.
Frazer, Ryan, Goldberg and Arnold, LLP
We will discuss how Healthcare and Durable Financial Powers of Attorney can be drafted so that adults with behavioral health diagnoses can identify agents to assist them when their condition prevents them from making responsible decisions, while maintaining maximum autonomy when they are functioning normally. We will also discuss how the appropriate preparation of these documents can avoid the need for Guardianship and/or Conservatorship for these adults.
+Youthful Tips 4 Successful Transitions 2 Adulthood
James Hinckley-Wade
Facilitated by an elder who has been there, this workshop features a panel of youth who are actively making successful transitions to adulthood. These experts will share their stories, their advice, and will engage in candid conversation about their experiences. Covering the importance of leadership, self-determination, self-advocacy, and person-centered planning, this workshop is ideal for youth and those who support them.
Juvenile Justice: The Injustice of Disproportionality
Roy Dawson, Executive Director
Arizona Center for African American Resources
Panelists:
Tara Laurie, Founder and CEO, Youth World Education Project (YWEP), Phoenix, Arizona
Angie Lopez, Detention Specialist/JDAI Coordinator, Arizona Supreme Court, Phoenix, Arizona
Pima County JDAI Team, Tucson, Arizona
Sheila Kemble, Pima County JDAI Coordinator
Rafael Batain, Community Member, Tucson IF Project
Lance Meeks, Goodwill METRO Program Manager
For over 20 years the state of Arizona has been unable to find an effective answer to the disproportionate number of African American children in Juvenile custody. Studies show that African American children have been traumatized within the system leading to “a jurisdictional crossover” crisis among state agencies. Currently, the overall number of children in the system is dropping, but the number of African American children is increasing resulting in even high disproportionality figures.
The workshop panel includes child advocates and juvenile justice experts from different jurisdictions to address:
Commitments to Fixing Disproportionality
Community Engagement
Spending Equity
Diversion Efforts
Other Factors
*Enforcing the Rights of Clients with Disabilities Who Have Been Denied Accessible Medical Care (CLE available)
Asim Dietrich, Esq.
Arizona Center for Disability Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Arizonans with Disabilities Act (AzDA) require that medical facilities provide care that is accessible to persons with disabilities. In this workshop, Arizona Center for Disability Law Staff Attorney, Asim Dietrich, will provide information about the obligations of medical facilities to provide care that is accessible to persons with disabilities and the administrative and legal procedures for enforcing rights under the ADA and AzDA. This workshop will additionally provide practical strategies for attorneys to enforce the rights of clients with disabilities to accessible medical care, including complying with advance notice requirements created by AzDA amendments in 2017 and using alternative dispute resolution options. This session is also open to participants who are not attorneys, but who wish to learn about their rights and strategies for self-advocacy.
Closing Session. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Closing Session Speaker:
Steven C. Freeman Regional Director, Linkages
Linkages is a non-profit agency that connects employers with agencies to find job opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans. He is the President of the Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome (SANDS) whose mission is to seek to inspire, educate and support individuals, families and communities affected by Down syndrome throughout Southern Arizona.
For registration assistance contact
David Carey, Conference Co-Chair, Ability360
(602) 443-0723
Register online at: www.aacod.eventbrite.com
Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 13, 2018
