Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change.
Monday 4/14
8am - 9:30am / SPADD Board of Directors Meeting
Boardroom
SPADD Board convenes.
8:30am
Check-in Desk Opens
Grand Ballroom Foyer
Guests check-in and receive bags and name badges.
Exhibitors open in Grand Ballroom Foyer & Veranda Ballroom. Continental breakfast items available 9am to 10:30am.
10am - 10:15am
General Membership Meeting
Grand Ballroom
Conference welcome by SPADD President Ryan Whitmire. Overview of SPADD’s event and general SPADD membership business.
10:15am - 11:30am / Opening Plenary
Step Into Your Greatness
Grand Ballroom
Join International Keynote Speaker, 2-time Hall of Fame Recipient, Musician, Actor, and Author, Alvin Law, as we start this year’s conference with a highly motivational keynote speech. Alvin will challenge you to break free from the limiting labels others have placed on you. Drawing from his own experiences of overcoming obstacles as “a guy who has no arms”, Alvin will encourage you to see beyond what's missing and embrace the endless possibilities within your reach. This engaging session will empower you to change your mindset, value every person and circumstance, and unlock your greatest potential. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired, entertained, and challenged to create a new future for yourself and your team. Are you ready to take that first step into your greatness?
11:45am - 12:45pm
Lunch Break
Grand Ballroom Foyer (Boxed Lunches will be served.)
Lunch & Learn A in Blue Ridge Ballroom A: Sponsor The BI Collaborative presents a Lunch & Learn session. The BI Collaborative exclusively serves Human Services Providers, helping them turn data into actionable information to create efficiencies, optimize quality, and drive cost and revenue improvements.
Lunch & Learn B in Grand Ballroom: Sponsor Georgia Uplift presents a Lunch & Learn session. As a critical SPADD initiative, Georgia Uplift connects Direct Support Professionals with a wealth of resources for greater stability, support and success in every area of life.
1pm - 2:30pm / Breakout Session 1A
Appeals: Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) and Tier Errors
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
What are your options when you encounter errors on the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) for people you support? What if someone you support is placed in the wrong Tier? Special Needs & Estate Planning Attorney, DJ Jeyaram, will explain the options available to you and the steps you can take in an appeals process. Join DJ to empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively for those you support.
1pm - 2:30pm / Breakout Session 1B
Supported Decision Making
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
Discover the empowering world of Supported Decision-Making! Dive into the dynamic process of using trusted supporters to navigate and communicate crucial life choices. Join us for an engaging session with Dana Lloyd, Program Director at the Georgia Advocacy Office, as she talks about the risks and impacts of guardianship. Explore exciting alternatives that help people with IDD develop the skills to confidently direct and manage their own lives with the right support. Don't miss this opportunity to transform lives and champion independence!
2:30pm - 2:45pm / Afternoon Break
Snacks & Beverages
Veranda Exhibitor Hall
2:45pm - 5pm / Team Forum
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Leadership
Grand Ballroom
State of the State updates from DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Director of Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Ron Wakefield, and Division staff. An Interactive Q&A session with Director Wakefield and the Division team follows.
5:30pm - 7:30pm / Reception
Networking Over Cocktails & Appetizers
Game Changer Arcade + Bar of Lanier Islands
This is your chance to unwind, mingle, and make meaningful connections with fellow attendees and sponsors in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy a delightful selection of cocktails and appetizers while taking on exciting activities like Axe Throwing, an Escape Room, Virtual Sports and Duckpin Bowling! Shuttle service is available or you can make the short drive to Game Changer on your own.
7:30pm Day 1 Concludes / Dinner On Your Own
Tuesday 4/15
7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast Buffet
Grand Ballroom Foyer
8:30am - 9:45am / Breakout Session 1A
Employment Law Updates
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Employment law expert Jonathan Martin returns with his popular annual update on legal trends impacting the I/DD workforce.
8:30am - 9:45am / Breakout Session 1B
DSP Advocacy Council Forum
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
Deborah Conway with the Georgia DSP Advocacy Council leads this informative session. The mission of the Council is to collaborate with supporters and allies to influence social and policy change that enhances the DSP profession across Georgia. This session will provide an overview of the work of the DSP Advocacy Council. DSP Advocacy Council members will share about their work, advocacy, new learning and experiences.
10am - 11:15am / Breakout Session 2A
Waiver News + Open Mic
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Join us for an informative session on the latest developments in Georgia's New Options Waiver (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver (COMP) programs. This session will be led by Ashleigh Caseman, Director of the Office of Medicaid Coordination and Health Systems Innovation at DBHDD Georgia, and Alex Fontana, Medicaid Program Manager for DBHDD Georgia. There will be a dedicated time for questions and answers following the presentation.
10am - 11:15am / Breakout Session 2B
Enabling Technology 101
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
Join Patrick Lane, Education Manager with SHIFT, for an insightful overview of the evolution of the Technology First Movement and outline what a Technology First approach to service entails. There are key tenets of a Technology First Approach – four of which will be covered in this presentation. What are “Best Practices” for a Technology First Approach? What are challenges when adopting a Technology First Approach and - if technology is indeed so beneficial - why haven’t all organizations adopted this model of service delivery? All these questions and more will be covered in this session.
10am - 11:15am / Breakout Session 3A
Leading the Unstoppable Mission – You Can Do It!
Blue Ridge Ballroom A
Leading your team to greatness begins with YOU. In this fascinating session with Trainer, Coach & Author, Wynn Godbold, you’ll become empowered to lead the most difficult person you’ll ever work with. You’ll discover what influences them to rise to greatness or fall to self-sabotage. You’ll gain the insights to remove barriers, focus teams on the mission, and change lives in new and deeper ways. John Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less.” Join Wynn to uncover and use the secrets of intentional influence to improve your leadership. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, this session will equip you with the tools to break through obstacles, inspire accountability, and drive meaningful change. Walk away with actionable steps to elevate your leadership and create a culture of unstoppable momentum.
10am - 11:15am / Breakout Session 3B
Enhancing Access to Health Care and Resources through the Georgia Statewide Disability & Health Program
Blue Ridge Ballroom C
In this presentation, Dr. Erin Vinoski Thomas will provide an overview of health equity data for adults with disabilities in Georgia; describe Georgia State University's CDC-funded Georgia Statewide Disability & Health Program; and describe partnership opportunities for service providers and organizations. Join us to explore how we can collectively advance health equity for adults with disabilities in Georgia, and discover impactful partnership opportunities that can help build healthier futures.
12:30pm / Keynote
Alvin Law’s Conference Conclusion
Grand Ballroom
As we conclude this year's conference, join us once again for an inspiring closing speech by Alvin Law. Alvin will reflect on the compelling journey we've made together, highlighting the power of resilience and the importance of embracing our unique strengths.
12:45pm - 2pm / Luncheon
Annual Awards Ceremony
Grand Ballroom
We close our time together by celebrating SPADD Members and association partners who have done pivotal, influential work over the past year.