AIRS Annual Conference and National Aging and Disability Symposium
I&R Annual Training & Education Conference
Atlanta, Georgia – June 2-5, 2019
The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) in collaboration with ADvancing States, the National I&R Support Center, and military family support specialists held the 41st Annual I&R Training and Education Conference, "Driving Innovation in I&R," in Atlanta, Georgia from June 2nd to 5th, 2019. The Annual National Aging and Disability I&R/A Symposium included a pre-conference I&R/A Summit for aging and disability professionals and a full complement of workshops comprising the Aging and Disability conference track.
National Aging and Disability I&R/A Pre-Conference Summit
Aging and Disability I&R/A professionals attended the National Aging and Disability Pre-Conference Summit on Sunday, June 2, for networking, training, and access to information and resources that can support effective I&R/A service delivery.
Updates and Resources from Your National Partners
Sherri Clark, Administration for Community Living (ACL); Nanette Relave, National Information and Referral Support Center, ADvancing States; Patrice Earnest, Eldercare Locator, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a); Roger Howard, Executive Director, LINC
ADvancing States Presentation
n4a Presentation
ACL Presentation
NCIL Presentation
I/DD and Mental Health: Needs and Experiences of Individuals and Families
Jennifer Sladen Alexander, Director, National Initiatives, The Arc
Behavioral Health Issues: Foundations and Strategies for I&R Professionals
Jocelyn Chen Wise, Project Director, Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, Emory University
Behavioral Health Coaching: A Promising Model to Address Complex Needs
Cara Pellino, ADRC Coordinator, Aging & Independence Services, Atlanta Regional Commission; Jocelyn Chen Wise, Project Director, Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, Emory University
AIRS Conference Aging and Disability Luncheon
The 2019 Aging & Disability Luncheon featured Jay Bulot, PhD, as its keynote speaker. Jay is Vice President of Business Development and State Markets at WellSky and is considered a national expert on aging and disability services, long-term services and supports (LTSS), health policy and assistive technology. Prior to joining WellSky, he was an Associate Director at Navigant, served under three governors as the State Director for Aging and Adult Services where he was responsible for Older Americans Act, Public Guardianship, Protective Services and Medicaid 1915c waiver programs, President of the National Association of State Units on Aging and Disability, Tenured Associate Professor, Department Head and Research Institute Director.
AIRS Conference Aging and Disability Track Sessions
A-1: Connecting Youth with Disabilities in Poverty: PROMISE Lessons Learned
Engaging and connecting youth with disabilities in poverty and their families to services presents unique challenges. Promoting the Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) is a 5 year research grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The six sites involved provided interventions to improve academic, career, and financial outcomes for youth with disabilities receiving supplemental security income (SSI) benefits and their families. The presenters will share lessons learned about ways to engage, and how to provide information and referrals that yield results.
Jade Gingerich, Maryland Department of Disabilities, Baltimore, Maryland; Ellie Hartman, Department of Workforce Development, Madison,Wisconsin
A-2: Supports and Tools for Elder Abuse Prevention from NCEA and n4a
Everyone, regardless of age, deserves to live healthy and happy lives that are free from abuse. Older people are mistreated more often than we think. In this workshop, representatives from the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) will introduce a collection of practical and customizable tools your agency can use to engage and educate your community about the role everyone can play in preventing elder abuse. This session is relevant to anyone committed to creating a society free from abuse and neglect.
Kimmy Moon, National Center on Elder Abuse at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Alhambra, California; Jasmine Ng, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), District of Columbia
Community Resource Specialists recognize the importance of coordinating with local programs to effectively and efficiently get the word out about transportation services in their communities. This session will provide an overview of “Every Ride Counts “ a new national campaign recently launched by the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center that is designed to support local community efforts to promote transportation programs and connect individuals in the community with these services. Those who attend will obtain access to organized and easy-to-use materials for better promotion of the services.
Melissa Gray, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), Washington, District of Columbia
A-4: Developments in Aging and Disability Policy: A National Perspective- Part One
Join this session to learn about the latest in aging and disability policy from your national I&R/A partners. This session will provide I&R/A professionals with a review of current issues in aging and disability policy, financing, and service delivery. During Part
I, presenters will share key updates and developments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living (ACL), and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), with a focus on the aging network.
Sherri Clark, Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia; Autumn Campbell, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), Washington,District of Columbia
A-5: Developments in Aging and Disability Policy: A National Perspective- Part Two
Join this session to learn about the latest in aging and disability policy from your national I&R/A partners. This session will provide I&R/A professionals with a review of current issues in aging and disability policy, financing, and service delivery. During Part II, presenters from the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and ADvancing States will share key updates and developments in disability policy, Medicaid, and home and community-based services.
Roger Howard, LINC, Boise, Idaho; Damon Terzaghi, ADvancing States, Washington, District of Columbia
Nasuad Update
NCIL Presentation
A-6: ADRC Partnerships within the Healthcare Community and Beyond
Partnership building is crucial to a successful ADRC program. In this session, learn key steps on how to navigate and engage partners within the healthcare community in your region. From identifying healthcare champions, designing an MOU, resource mapping, to ultimately having them sit at your Advisory Committee table, this session is for you!
Richard Flores, Lower Rio Area Agency on Aging-Rio-Net, Weslaco, Texas
A-7: Public Transportation a la Mode: Community Options and Accessibility
Join this interactive session featuring an exploration of community transportation options including public and private modes and services. Examine the unique ride needs and supports for older adults and people with disabilities. The Atlanta area CIL, dis-ABILITY LINK, will offer a discussion on their experience with finding rides, including the ADA paratransit eligibility process. The session will conclude with an overview of coordination efforts, partnerships for identifying resources and great ideas to share.
Ken Thompson, Easterseals/National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, Washington, District of Columbia; Ken Mitchell, disABILITY LINK, Tucker, Georgia
A-8: Strengthening Your Service Delivery by adding an Assistive Technology Component- Part One
Assistive Technology (AT) ranges on a continuum from low tech (walkers and bath benches) to high tech (tele-presence, bath tub lifts, environmental controls, etc.). In this fun and interactive session, participants will not only learn what low cost technologies are available, but also how the ADRCs in Georgia have reduced waiting lists, increased the morale of clients and staff, and built new partnerships with key community agencies. The first half of the session will be informational, and the second half will be interactive and hands-on with live AT demonstrations.
Cheney Roper Magusiak, Georgia Department. of Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia; Rachel Wilson, Georgia Tech, Atlanta Georgia; Denise Howard, LIFE Inc., Center for Independent Living, Savannah, Georgia; Elaine Harkin, Legacy Link AAA, Gainesville, Georgia; Ginger Ragans, Legacy Link AAA, Gainesville, Georgia; Peggy Luukkonen, Coastal Georgia AAA, Darien, Georgia
A-9: Strengthening Your Service Delivery by adding an Assistive Technology Component- Part Two
Assistive Technology (AT) ranges on a continuum from low tech (walkers and bath benches) to high tech (tele-presence, bath tub lifts, environmental controls, etc.). In this fun and interactive session, participants will not only learn what low cost technologies are available, but also how the ADRCs in Georgia have reduced waiting lists, increased the morale of clients and staff, and built new partnerships with key community agencies. The first half of the session will be informational, and the second half will be interactive and hands-on with live AT demonstrations.
Cheney Roper Magusiak, Georgia Department. of Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia; Rachel Wilson, Georgia Tech, Atlanta Georgia; Denise Howard, LIFE Inc., Center for Independent Living, Savannah, Georgia; Elaine Harkin, Legacy Link AAA, Gainesville, Georgia; Ginger Ragans, Legacy Link AAA, Gainesville, Georgia; Peggy Luukkonen, Coastal Georgia AAA, Darien, Georgia
A-10: Identifying and Supporting Victims of Elder Abuse on Hotlines
The VictimConnect Resource Center is a national hotline providing resources and referrals to those impacted by crime. The anonymous nature of the service requires staff to be trained to recognize red flags to determine when a call may be referencing elder abuse. Most hotlines will encounter the 1 in 10 older adults who experience abuse and neglect. This workshop covers practical tips to assist in identifying elder abuse victims, connecting them to local resources and providing emotional support.
Keeley Frank, National Center for Victims of Crime, Arlington, Virginia
A-11: Benefits Outreach: Practices that Work
Many states and local communities are implementing innovative practices to increase enrollment in benefit programs that assist financially vulnerable older adults and persons with disabilities. Speakers will share state and local practices for benefit outreach, assessment, and enrollment. This session will present the results from a ADvancing States survey of state aging and disability agencies on their systems and practices for benefit assessment and enrollment. We will also review what outreach tactics and messages work best with diverse communities.
Samantha Gardner, ADvancing States, Washington, District of Columbia; Brandy Bauer, National Council on Aging (NCOA), Arlington, Virginia; Esteban Gonzalez, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Atlanta, Georgia
A-12: Protection and Advocacy for At-Risk Adult Victims of Benefits Trafficking
Benefits Trafficking is an emerging crime characterized by the recruitment, harboring, and undue influence of older adults and adults with disabilities for the purpose of gaining access to and exploiting their benefits and life savings. Georgia is the first state to take legislative action and identify Benefits Trafficking as a felony crime. Addressing Benefits Trafficking requires a multidisciplinary effort involving a variety of agencies responsible for public safety, aging and disability services, financial services, emergency response, and victim resource connection.
Anna Thomas, Division of Aging Services Forensic Unit, Atlanta, Georgia; Lindsay Greenwa, Division of Aging Services Forensic Unit, Atlanta, Georgia
A-13: Alzheimer’s Care: Person-Centered Strategies for Communication and Challenging Behaviors
Do you know how to talk to your clients about communicating with a person living with dementia? Do you know what resources are available for caregivers and PLWDs? Join us to learn person-centered care strategies for effective communication and challenging dementia-related behaviors. Access the rich resources for caregivers and PLWDS provided by the Eldercare Locator, Alzheimer’s Association, and other community agencies, including an in-depth description of I&R assessment and care consultation services.
Mariam Schrage, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago, Illinois; Amber Meadows-Dillard, Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta, Georgia; Jasmine Ng, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), District of Columbia
A-14: Social Security for Seniors and People with Disabilities
The Social Security Administration touches the lives of millions of older Americans and people with disabilities. Our programs serve as a vital financial protection during times of hardship, transition, and uncertainty. As baby boomers age and an unprecedented number of Americans enter their most disability-prone years, it is critical that SSA collaborates with I&R organizations. Join us for an interactive session about our key programs and services. We will show you how you can help others access some of our most requested services: Benefit Verification Letter, Medicare Replacement Cards, New Wage Reporting option for SSI claimants, and other services. In addition, presenters will answer all your Social Security questions!
Alicia Lipscomb, Social Security Administration, Atlanta, Georgia