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The Executive Forum, comprised of senior leaders of chapters and organizational affiliates of The Arc of Illinois, holds an annual Leadership Conference. Its purpose is to bring together executive directors, key organizational personnel, and other thought leaders to facilitate discussions related to contemporary issues faced by the IDD service sector. The Arc of Illinois Executive Forum Leadership Conference will be an in-person two-day event with speakers and networking opportunities.
- CEUs: Nursing Home Administrators, Social Workers and QIDPs presenting their license on the day of the event are entitled to CEUs.
- Notice of any accommodations is required two weeks prior to the event. Contact The Arc of Illinois at 815-464-1832.
- Groups of more than 3 from one agency may take a 10% discount. Enter code on Summary page before checking out.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
10:30 - 11:00 am
11:00 am
11:05 am - 12:00 pm
12:00 - 1:15 pm
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Registration, Check In
Welcome with Dan Strick, President and CEO of New Star, Vice-Chair, Executive Forum
DDD Update - Sarah Myerscough-Mueller, Interim Director of Developmental Disabilities
Networking Lunch
“How Natural Language Processing Can Be Applied in Human Services” presented by Edgar Mihelic, MA, MA, MBA, Director, Data Analytics, CSS; Mandy Carlino, Associate Director of Client Projects, MediSked
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a plot device in the movies. Natural language processing (NLP) is the use of software to process, analyze, and understand written data – much like the plans and notes we collect on the people we support. This form of AI is the future of what can be harnessed in home and community-based services to extract and quantify written words and study subjective information. This will be the trend of the future, but by the end of our session today, attendees can expect to:
- Understand the basics of sentiment analysis and natural language processing and how it can be applied to the human services field
- Explore real use cases from a provider agency
- Understand how to improve lives and outcomes through futuristic technologies
- Learn about opportunities to use NLP to address health equity measures
2:30 - 3:00 pm
Federal Legislative Update - David Goldfarb, JD, Director of Long-Term Supports and Services Policy at The Arc US - Presenting virtually
3:30 - 5:00 pm
IL DHS/DDD and ICDD Housing Navigator Year One Pilot Update Presentation and Panel
Panel: Kimberly Mercer-Schleider, ICDD, Meg Cooch, DHS/DDD
This session will provide an update on the successes and challenges of the first Housing Navigator Pilot. In addition, the audience will be introduced to the policy issues uncovered along the way and hear ways that we can work together to address them. The panel portion of the session will include perspectives from the individual, the provider, the housing navigator, the housing developer, and the State agencies supporting.
5:00 - 5:45 pm
6:00 pm
Hospitality
Dinner at Maggiano's, Naperville, IL - Separate Ticket
Friday, June 9, 2023
8:00 - 9:00 am
9:00 - 9:15 am
9:15 - 10:15 am
Continental Breakfast and Registration
Welcome, Amie Lulinski, PhD, Executive Director, The Arc of Illinois
"Starting Your Organization's DEI Journey" presented by Courtney Littlejohn, VP of Equity and Inclusion, AID
In this session, the Speaker will walk through the steps AID took in implementing DEI into the operations. Participants will learn practical strategies for introducing and implementing DEI initiatives in their organization. Areas covered will include:
- Getting Leaders on Board
- Staff Experiences
- Developing an Equity and Inclusion Statement
- Leadership development
- Engagement
- Resources
10:15 - 10:45 am
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
State Legislative Update - Phil Milsk, JD
Creating innovative, accessible, affordable, and integrated housing for people with developmental disabilities is one of the cornerstones for them to be living a person-centered and fulfilling life in the community. Join the panel to discuss unique options amongst the changing landscape of housing for people with developmental disabilities in Illinois.
12:15 - 12:45 pm
"When the Cabin Loses its Pressure” presented by Kathryn Lavin, MSW, President and Executive Director of Gateway to Learning
Listen to Kathryn discuss how her life as a mother of an adult daughter with IDD inspires her work as a CEO. Discover what strategies she uses to lead with compassion and support her family, all while “putting her oxygen mask on first”.
12:45 - 2:15 pm
Lunch and Departure
S U P P O R T U S
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If financial restrictions prevent you from paying full registration, you may contact the Consumer Involvement Program at () for a consumer stipend application for self-advocates and families.
Groups of more than 3 from one agency may take a 10% discount. Please contact The Arc of Illinois for the 10% discount code. This code is entered during the summary page, before checking out.
If you have any special needs, please contact Becca Schroeder at . Notice of any special accommodations are required TWO WEEKS prior to the event. Please indicate on the registration form if you need a special accommodation.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS Participants canceling their registration 72 hours in advance will be entitled to a credit or refund, less a $50.00 administrative cost. No refund or credit will be given for cancellation less than 72 hours before the conference.
W A Y S TO S U P P O R T
Love our events? Help us keep them going all year round by donating. Click the button below!