Twenty-Sixth Annual
Developmental Disabilities Day
Registration & Workshop Information
Thursday, May 22nd, 2014
8:00 am. – 4:00 pm.
The Conference Center Niagara Falls
101 Old Falls Street - Niagara Falls NY 14303
Visit www.ddday.org to register online
2014 Features
Opening Event: “SELF-MADE MEDIA: CREATING WHO YOU ARE”
Innovative Workshops
- Cyber Cafe
- Concession Service
Agency and Vendor Fair - Art Gallery - Live Performance Area
Parents Corner - Awards Luncheon - Reception
2014 DD Day Registration Form
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Agency (if appropriate):__________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________ State: ___________ Zip: _________________
Email address: _____________________________________________ Phone: ____________________
Please check all that apply:
Individual with Disability
Family Member
How did you hear about DD Day?
Print Advertisement
Website
I am registering for:
Workshops and Lunch ($32)
Lunch Only ($20)
Professional
Referred
Workshops/Fair Only ($12)
Lunch Choice: (All lunches come with fruit cup, rolls and cheesecake)
Chicken Cobb Salad (gluten-free)
Pasta Prima Vera (vegetarian)
Panko Encrusted Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Registration Scholarship
I am an individual with a developmental disability and/or have a family member with a
developmental disability and would like to apply for a scholarship to attend the workshop and fair
only. Scholarships are limited – apply early.
SESSION NUMBERS
Please circle your workshop for each session. Register for only one workshop per session.
Session
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10:30 – 12:00
Session
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1:45 – 3:15
9
10
19
20
Important 2014 Registration Information:
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Registration deadline is 5/9/14, 2014. Online Registration deadline is 5/19/14.
Register online at http://www.ddday.org
Registration on the day of conference is $15 – No lunch provided.
Mail this registration form (above) with your payment (checks must be made out to DD Day) to:
DD Day 2014 – PO Box 46 – Strykersville, NY 14145
Additional accommodations: If you need an interpreter, FM loop, or other accommodations,
please contact Linda Szmanda at (716) 447-9999 ext. 610
2014 Schedule
8:00 am – 9:15 am
9:15 am – 10:15 am
10:15 am – 10:30 am
10:30 am -12:00 pm
12:00 pm – 12:15 pm
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm
3:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Registration
Welcome and Opening Event
Break and Fair
Morning Workshops
Break and Fair
Awards Luncheon
Break and Fair
Afternoon Workshops
Reception (Music by “Universal Mind”)
OPENING PRESENTATION
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
SELF-MADE MEDIA: CREATING WHO YOU ARE
Do you see yourself, or people like you, in the shows, movies or videos you watch? Do you feel you are
connecting with others through the media? Have you ever created your own media?
Using movie clips from the 2014 iXpress Film Festival (IFF), the speakers will present other ways of thinking
about the media you consume and suggest methods for creating it yourself. Though focusing mainly on
film, this presentation will consider “media” as anything that carries meaning from one individual to others;
media might include movies, paintings, or social networking.
We all choose to participate in some form of media for our enjoyment, but how much choice do we
actually have in what we watch? For example popular media illustrate watered-down versions of people
with developmental disabilities, if we can consider media as a two-way street, in addition to watching
media passively, we can also become active producers of our own media.
Ideas are the movies inside one’s mind, but who else can experience them? The process of taking the idea
and making it real is now, accessible to almost anyone, furthermore, one can share it easily, freely, and
perhaps, even globally.
We can take back the screen by making and sharing our own media. When we produce “Self-Made Media”,
we express ourselves while giving others a meaningful experience. As a result, we generate our own
culture, share our stories, connect emotionally, and above all, create who we are.
PRESENTERS’ BIOS
Sarah Field Sonnenberg graduated from SUNY Buffalo State with a Bachelors degree in Art and Social
Work, and holds certifications in Art Education and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counseling. She has been
working in human services since 2004 and is currently an Art Facilitator for Aspire of WNY’s iXpress Arts
Program. Her artwork focuses on surreal figurative paintings and mixed media sculptures.
Alexander Glenfield studied music, art, and philosophy at the University of Toronto and at York University,
where he completed a Ph.D. in the field of medical ethnomusicology. Since the year 2000, Dr. Glenfield has
facilitated creative arts programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities and complex care
needs. In addition to serving as an Art Facilitator at Aspire of WNY’s iXpress Arts Program, he continues to
perform and compose music and works occasionally as a researcher in the field of sound, psychoacoustics,
and consciousness studies.
Lisa Brown is a mixed-media artist, residing in Buffalo, NY. She is a graduate of Buffalo State college, where
she earned a Bachelor's degree in Art Education. She has worked with various communities through
Artpark, The Buffalo and Erie County Libraries, and Sugar City Arts Collaborative. Lisa believes art is not a
spectator sport, and is best enjoyed through active participation. She has been an Art Facilitator at Aspire
of W.N.Y. since 2012.
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
10:30 AM - NOON
#1 SELF-MADE MEDIA: CREATING WHO YOU ARE – THE SEQUEL
Alexander Glenfield, Sarah Sonnenberg, Lisa Brown
An extension of the morning’s “keynote address” of the same title, this panel presentation and conference
discussion brings the presenters together with individuals with developmental disabilities who have
created self made media. Film makers and presenters will offer strategies for making digital media and
discuss the personal and social benefits of “do it yourself” media production. Attendees will be expected to
participate in lively and personal discussion with the panel of presenters to confer on the topic of disability
in relation to the following: popular media, homemade media, societal judgment, community formation,
empathic communication, and identity.
#2 BURY MY HEART WITH TONAWANDA
Adrian Eposito
An historical film about the Seneca culture featuring the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, Bury My Heart
with Tonawanda tells the story of a developmentally disabled boy with Downs Syndrome who is rejected by
his own family but is accepted and nurtured by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. The film is written, edited
and produced by Adrian Esposito a young man who himself has an autism spectrum disorder and is
directed by Gary Sundown from the Tonawanda Indian Reservation in western New York state.
Shunned by 19th century society, a man with a disability finds love and acceptance with the Seneca Nation.
Bury My Heart with Tonawanda tells the story of John Harrison, a developmentally disabled boy with
Downs Syndrome, who is rejected by his own family, but accepted and nurtured by the Tonawanda Seneca
Nation.
The film teaches us about Seneca culture, beliefs and myths. Above all, the story reveals the positive
effects of love and respect and challenges our historical stereotypes about Native Americans.
#3 WHAT IS CONSOLIDATED SERVICES?
Robert Kozlowski, Maya Hu, Amanda Muldoon
Consolidated Supports and Services (CSS) is a community based Medicaid waiver service which allows for
individuals and their families to have what is referred to as “employer authority” and “budget authority”
over their own services. This service is driven by the people that are served and has provided many the
opportunity to enhance their independence and autonomy. We will have a panel discussion on what CSS is
and how it can benefit those that are eligible. The panel will include People Inc., Community Services for
the Developmentally Disabled, and Aspire of Western New York, as well as 1-3 individuals who are
currently enrolled in CSS. We anticipate a small introduction to CSS, the opportunity for participants to
share their personal experiences, and a period for questions and clarification from the audience.
#4 SUPER MARKET & PANTRY SOLUTIONS TO COMMON NUTRITION DILEMMAS OR SPECIAL NEEDS
Sandra D. Kirst MS, RD, CDN
Do you, your family member or the person you care for need to: gain weight, lose weight, improve variety
of their diet or has special needs that require special adaptations to their foods such as increasing fiber,
protein, calories, or texture modifications. Are they or you tired of the same old, same old? This
presentation will offer some quick and easy tips to help improve overall nutrition without relying on
expensive supplements. More specifically this will focus on flavorful easy ways to increase fiber, protein,
calorie, calcium enrichment, as well as some calorie conservative methods for improving nutrient intake.
Basic food safety will also be included. Recipes, foods samples and demonstrations will be included.
#5 TRANSITION FOR FAMILIES
Tonja Weichmann & Aletha Clark, Parent Network
The goals of this training are to ensure that parents, family members and students can work with their CSE
to assess their child's strengths, interests, and needs; establish measurable goals for life after High School;
and identify appropriate transition services and coordinated activities.
#6 THE WNY PROJECT SEARCH COLLABORATIVE AT BEECHWOOD CONTINUING CARE: A GREAT SCHOOLTO-ADULT LIFE TRANSITION OPTION FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE DISABILITIES IN THEIR LAST YEAR OF
SCHOOL
Kathy Simme, Director of HR Beechwood Continuing Care, Erin Richeal, Erie 1 Boces.
Project SEARCH has come to Western New York to offer transitioning high school students real life work
internships at Beechwood Continuing Care in Getzville NY. This international model of school to adult life
transition brings something very different to the students that creates a successful opportunity to learn
how to be successful at work and a member of the working community. Join the Beechwood staff, the
Erie 1 BOCES teacher, the student interns and their families and job support team to learn about the great
opportunities offered by Project SEARCH. Hear about how this innovative program offers success in
getting jobs upon graduation and how the continued support into adulthood offers participant/ interns
with a lasting opportunity for developing careers.
#7 BULLYING AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: NEEDS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Jilynn Werth, Joseph Prior, Michele Wiszowaty
This presentation will include an overview of the current research surrounding bullying and individuals with
developmental disabilities. Existing research literature on bullying prevalence, outcomes, resources, and
prevention avenues for individuals with developmental disabilities will be reviewed. Identified needs of the
target population and their implications for practice (prevention, intervention, advocacy, and future
research directions) will also be discussed. Participants will be provided with the opportunity to participate
in a needs assessment regarding this topic.
#8 OBSERVING AND COMMUNICATING BEHAVIORS
Marcus L. Thomeer, Ph.D
Do you recognize the behaviors that could be effecting your child’s development? Do you know how to
document these behaviors and effectively communicate them to educational professionals? This workshop
will give you the tools to document your child’s behavior, know who to share these observations with, and
how to communicate them effectively. As a bonus, you will also walk away with resources to develop skills
to manage stress in the home.
#9 “AN EAGLE ONLY SOARS WHEN IT FLIES AGAINST THE WIND”
Sammy Violante
After a very successful career as an investment broker, Sammy Violante now dedicates his life mentoring
and coaching homeless and runaway, troubled at risk kids. Sammy presents an amazing recovery story
from OCD and through this incredible journey he has found his true purpose and ultimate passion in lite!
He now represents the true hopes and inspirations for all of our peers throughout the entire W.N.Y Region.
Giving them hope and belief in their own recovery. Transform adversity into passion and true happiness…..
Your recovery.
#10 (Part 1) USING AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO FACILITATE CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION FOR YOUNG
CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: A PILOT STUDY OF DIR/FLOORTIME
Amy Nwora, D’Youville College.
Educators and parents are seeking innovative treatments to help children with developmental disabilities
maximize functional independence at both school and home. New techniques are emerging every year that
target problem behaviors and offer promise for improving communication/socialization skills. Among these
techniques, the DIR/Floortime approach of Dr. Stanley Greenspan is bcoming increasingly popular. While
this approach is gaining momentum, there are limited studies that assess efficacy of the program. This
presentation will discuss findings from a retrospective pilot study of 47 children aged 3-7 who participated
in structured DIR/Floortime intervention in a classroom environment in Western New York. The children
underwent baseline and follow-up testing using the Functonal Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS)
developed by Greenspan, DeGangi, and Wieder (2001). Anecdotal reports were also generated by teachers
and reviewed for progress. Preliminary results are promising, as total FEAS scores revealed statistically
significant improvements and anecdotal evidence indicates improved ability to interact and engage.
Although continuing research needs to be conducted, these preliminary findings may offer support for
DIR/Floortime as a tool to be included in the therapeutic repertoire for teachers, parents, and families.
#10 (Part 2) IDAA: ILLUMINATING DIFFERENTLY ABLED AWARENESS DISABILITY AWARENESS
CLASSROOM DISCUSSION CURRICULUM
Kathy Berggren, Cornell University
We developed a curriculum to provide educators with a tool to teach students about disability issues and
raise awareness of how attitudes and language affect perceptions of disability. The goal of this curriculum
is to spark conversations about disability and inclusion among students with their peers, teachers, and
parents. We hope to shift negative perceptions of disability towards acceptance and respect by providing
students with educational tools to increase their knowledge about specific disabilities, address disability
stereotypes, and create more inclusive and respectful learning environments.
WORKSHOP SESSIONS
1:45 PM-3:15 PM
#11 TEACHING THROUGH DRAMA/THE EMPOWERMENT OF THEATRICAL ARTS
Beth Geyer, Victoria Perez-Maggiolo, Aimee Levesque, Jessica Levesque
This presentation will begin with the writing process and how to inspire writers to get their thoughts on the
page and how to incorporate the technical basics needed for all writing: Conflict/creating obstacles and
then showing resolution. Coupled with this, Victoria will speak about drama, how putting the words into
action for stage production and the process that actors undergo to evoke emotion. Jessica Leveque
(actress) may read an emotional dialogue or a humorous monologue. Aimee Levesque is a mom who
supports the theatrical arts and as a parent can speak to the therapy this type of art provides
#12 MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON PROJECT
Sophia Roberts, Larry Jordan, Charles DeGraffenried, Henry Wesley, Chuck Hartson
The MFP (Money Follows the Person) project is a statewide initiative letting people who live in ICF’s know
that they have the choice to move into a smaller home. Learn about the project and meet the peer
advocates who are doing the outreach.
#13 INITIATIVES: THE PATH TO INCLUSION
Dave Whalen
Inclusion can mean many things to many people, but to individuals with disabilities it is the basic premise to
everything. Imperative to service delivery is understanding what this means and, more importantly, how to
achieve it. This training will introduce and explain inclusion and its components, including employment,
spirituality, education, service provision, person first approaches, community and municipalities
introduction, and advocacy. It will introduce progressive models that are currently funded in WNY and
active. It will provide the startup tools and information to advance the cause in their places of worship,
towns, public venues, schools, and businesses.
#14 TRAINING AND RETAINING GENERATION X – Y – Z STAFF
Robin Stevens, Stephanie Lester
Participants will be provided with information of the generational characteristics in today’s workplace, to
better prepare them for working with a mix of employees and coworkers. Acknowledging that each
generation possesses different values and goals, they also have different ways of getting things done and
communicating with peers, coworkers and supervisors. Participants will be encouraged to examine how
their approach may need to change when coaching, managing and leading employees of different
generations.
#15 ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Max Donatelli – Co-chair, DDAWNY Family Committee, Teresa Drum – Quality Improvement Manager,
Parent Network of WNY, Craig Donatelli – Self Advocate, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS
With the developmental disabilities’ systems changing at a alarming rate, now more than ever before
families and self-advocates need to become social and political forces. No longer can families rely solely on
the politicians and government officials to “do the right thing”. Participants will learn more about the
current political landscape, develop new skill sets/strategies, and receive feedback on becoming an
effective self-advocate or advocate for their loved one.
#16 YOUR MAMA DOESN’T WORK HERE
Susan Barlow
Teens and young adults… What do you need to be successful at work? This workshop will teach
participants to identify future goals, make a plan to meet your goals and learn the skills you need to get and
keep a job. (Geared towards individuals with disabilities)
#17 GET THE EDGE…THE RENTER’S EDGE
Melody Marchese, Belmont Housing
Are you looking to move into your own apartment? Come join us during this interactive and informative
workshop. You will learn about apartment options including subsidized housing, the Section 8 Rental
Assistance Program and Local Affordable Housing Opportunities. Apartment search tips and resources will
be explained. A section of this workshop will be dedicated to learning about Fair Housing and what to do if
you are a victim of housing discrimination, and how to do a personal home inspection of an apartment.
This workshop will also cover “Life as a Tenant.” Find out what to do if repairs are needed in your
apartment, how to communicate with your landlord and basic apartment maintenance. Come Join us and
get The Edge…The Renter’s Edge.
#18 THE INFLUENCE OF SELF-ADVOCACY; NATIONALLY AND LOCALLY
Janice Hamner-Baines, Hal Lewis, Janet Patterson, Donalyn Caudill
Narrative Description of the Presentation: Using presentation slides with pictures and worded information,
an issue from the past will be discussed and immediately following that discussion the progress (however
much) that has been made on those issues will be discussed. Issues from institutions to inclusion, lack of
transportation to independent living services, standard group activities to Self-Determination and more.
Also the importance of being politically involved, voting for the legislators you want and voting them out
also if necessary; e-mailing them, calling them and writing them to address the concerns of people with
developmental disabilities will be discussed.
#19 SELF DIRECTED SERVICES
Nancy Doyle, Parent Network
Learn what OPWDD funded self-directed services are and how they work. Individuals, families and
caregivers will develop a basic understanding of creating an initial service plan for the individual with a
developmental disability, identify what their responsibilities will be and who they will be working with
during this process. Key terms and functions regarding self-directed services
#20 THE POWER OF THE FEW
Thomas Hanover, LMSW MSC
Most people believe that change comes about slowly when in fact true change comes about very quickly
and it the discussion of change that is slow. This presentation will show how one person who can be
described as a “connector”, a “maven” or a “salesman” can help a person with a disability identify and
participate in a meaningful activity in their life that the person would like to try and to this point in time has
not been able to accomplish. The presenter will also show cost effective ways that this can be
accomplished using current resources available to everyone in the community and how this change can
lead to an “epidemic “of new ideas an engage others to make meaningful changes in their life.
Event Features
Cyber Café
The CYBER CAFE is a technological area designated to help individuals learn new and trending devices,
software, and other technological equipment. Individuals are given the opportunity to try the equipment
and ask questions.
Art Gallery
Come join us in the Cataract Room as agencies from around WNY highlight and display the many talents
and mediums their Art programs have to offer. The art programs and displays will be accessible
until 3:00 in the afternoon, so come in, relax and enjoy the finer things in life. As always the gallery will also
feature this year’s winning DDDay logo design along with the runner–ups. These designs can be found on
tee shirts and tote bags located at the DDDay Souvenir Shop on sale throughout the day.
Parent Corner
Please stop by to speak with professionals who will help you navigate the multiple and often times
confusing systems.
Performance Area
Various Performers including music, poetry and dance will entertain throughout the day.
Agency and Vendor Fair
A wide variety of agencies and vendors who serve people with developmental disabilities will be
on hand to provide information and linkage for everyone in attendance.
Concessions Menu
Throughout the day, a concessions stand will available with the following items:
Bagel
$2.25
Granola Bar
Muffin
$2.00
Whole Fruit
Hot Dog
$3.00
Pizza Slice
Cheeseburger
$4.00
Hot Pretzel with Cheese
Chips
$1.00
Candy
Juice
$2.00
Soda
Water
$2.00
Hot Dog or Pizza & Chips or Whole Fruit & Soda or Water or Juice
Cheeseburger & Chips or Whole Fruit & Soda or Water or Juice
$1.50
$1.00
$3.00
$3.50
$2.00
$2.00
$5.00
$6.00
DD Awareness Day Merchandise
A variety of items will be available for purchase to commemorate this event:
T-shirts
$10.00
Tote Bags
$10.00
Reception – 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm
Please stay for a reception with a cash bar featuring the hip sounds of Universal Mind. There will be free
pop and appetizers, along with a basket raffle.
We would like to thank our sponsors!
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