2025 INNOVATION SUMMIT: A PATH FOR MAINE
May 19-20, 2025 | Portland, Maine
Advancing Services & Supports for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism
Presented by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Office of Aging and Disability Services
Monday, May 19th, 2025
7:30 AM
Registration Opens
8:30 AM
Welcoming Remarks
8:45 AM
Keynote: Choosing the Leading Edge of Innovation
Mattingly Edge has transformed itself into an agency supporting people to live their best lives based on a person’s goals and support needs - without a building. Hope will provide concrete examples of how her organization accomplishes this and will share the positive benefits that have been derived from their practice – for the people they support, for the people working at the agency, and for the community.
9:45 AM
Break
10:00 AM
Panel Discussion: Innovation and Advocacy in Connecting to Communities in Maine
Moderated by Lisa Sturtevant and Lisa Mills
Panelists: Kristin Overton, Lisa Cline, Roland Paulette, Brett Bulmer, Stephanie Desrochers
A Maine panel of individuals who have developed and managed Innovation Pilot projects which focused on building connections to community, strengthening advocacy, and strategies to access employment options.
11:00 AM
Break
11:15 AM
Breakout 1
Bridging Access to Urgent Care for Adults with Disabilities in Maine
This presentation highlights the success of the Health Connect grant, which provided 150 adults with disabilities under MaineCare Section 21 access to StationMD’s telemedicine services. By delivering real-time urgent care, the program improved health outcomes and reduced ER visits. Participants will gain insights into the challenges and successes experienced during this initiative.
Developing, Growing, and Nurturing Relationships with Public Safety and Corrections
In early 2023, GBC partnered with Lisa Bird to create a Law Enforcement Liaison role, fostering relationships between law enforcement and programs serving individuals with ID. Initially focused on local police collaboration, the role has expanded to include fire and rescue, jails, emergency departments, the DA’s office, probation, dispatchers, and the Criminal Justice Academy. It has also helped bridge cultural and language barriers among staff.
Effects of Delivery of the PEERS® Curriculum via Telehealth as Part of Pre ETS Provided by a Rural State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Sarah Howorth, Libby Stone-Sterling
This study examined the effectiveness of the school-based Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) as a pre-employment transition service for teens and young adults with ASD. Delivered weekly via telehealth by vocational rehabilitation counselors, the program improved social competence, reduced ASD-related social communication challenges, and increased peer interactions.
PANEL: Amplifying Youth Voice for All
Transition Maine and the Executive Student Transition (EST) Committee will share their work on amplifying youth voices to access employment, educational, and independent living opportunities beyond 21 years old.
Social Role Valorization
Social Role Valorization (SRV) is a powerful set of ideas useful in addressing the marginalization of people in society by supporting them to have access to the same good things in life many citizens take for granted. SRV provides us with a framework to weigh options regarding HOW we do high quality work that results in substantial outcomes. This breakout will introduce a few of the most powerful concepts embedded in SRV, with a focus on the application of the theory in practice. Stories highlighting the impact of SRV in the lives of people with IDD will be shared.
Technology Advancements to Enhance the Delivery of Self-Directed Services
This presentation highlights the benefits of Self-Directing services and the crucial role of advanced technology. As Self-Direction evolves, partnering with Fiscal Intermediaries offering state-of-the-art, scalable solutions is essential.
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Tech Expo in the Casco Bay Hall opens for the day. Please take a few minutes to visit the vendors and attend a Tech Demo
1:30 PM
Breakout 2
PANEL: Fluid Service Delivery Through Integrated Software Solutions - Lifespan Waiver Pilot
Panelists: LyAnn Grogan, Michaela York
This panel will review the Lifespan Waiver pilot results, highlighting the integration of technology to enhance service delivery for individuals with I/DD. The pilot leveraged software solutions to improve coordination, data tracking, and service management. Key outcomes include streamlined goal tracking, mobile-friendly service delivery, real-time caregiver communication, and improved documentation.
Helping Outpatient Practitioners Improve Quality of Care
Community outpatient practitioners often struggle to address sensory needs, cognitive deficits, and behaviors, leading to misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and unnecessary service discharges. This presentation explores strategies to enhance care, align with the Federal Home & Community-Based Services Rule, and improve lifelong community services for individuals with disabilities.
Partnering with Schools: Ideas for Successfully Supporting Youth in Transition
Maine’s proposed Lifespan waiver expands access to transition-aged youth by lowering the minimum enrollment age to 14 years. Schools are critical partners in supporting and preparing youth for positive outcomes after high school, but the secondary transition process is intentionally designed to be collaborative. This session will explore how partners can connect with local education agencies (LEAs) to help youth with disabilities achieve their post-school goals and dreams.
Person-Centered Supports: Improving Outcomes for People with IDD and Autism and Mental Health Needs
Moderated by: Stacy Nonnemacher
Panelists: Elizabeth Grosso, Caitlyn Veenstra, Deborah Johnson
In 2023, OADS and NCSS began their collaboration with a goal to train 500 Case Managers/Care Coordinators and 1,000 DSPs in the practices and approaches of the START Model. This breakout session will discuss why this project was developed, what the START model is, our work together, nationwide best practices, success stories, and next steps.
Realizing the Role of Safety Net Providers: Development of a Statewide Evidence-Based Direct Care Staffing Management System
OPWDD State Operated Services provide a safety net for individuals with IDD and complex needs. Previously, staffing was managed independently across 13 districts. In 2022, OPWDD’s Division of State Operations began standardizing service delivery with an evidence-based staffing system. The project includes four phases: establishing a standardized FTE methodology, aligning staffing needs with supervision levels, validating accuracy using clinical data, and developing tools for staffing and recruitment.
Using AI with Charting the Life Course to Create Meaningful Service Implementation Plans
AI offers providers a powerful tool to enhance person-centered service delivery by integrating best practices while reducing reliance on an overburdened workforce. This session highlights how an Arkansas provider serving 400+ individuals developed an AI solution to align individual goals with clear service plans for DSPs, improving care, employee development, and documentation. The AI leverages best practices like CQL, NADSP, and Disability Justice principles to ensure meaningful, person-centered support.
2:15 PM
Break
2:30 PM
Breakout 3
Creative Budgeting for Change
This session will focus on strategies an organization can use to create financial stability during organizational change. This session will support organizations to walk away with tangible next steps for immediate implementation, 1-2 year implementation and long-term strategies for financial stability. Information that will be shared will include how an organization can manage a transition, what do with existing real estate, how do you pay for staff during transition, how to access other community resources, and how to braid and blend funding.
Opening the Door to Shared Living for People with Complex Behavioral Needs
Elizabeth Burgess, Amanda Parker
This pilot initiative provided support for individuals with exceptional behavioral needs to stay in or transition to less restrictive environments through self-advocacy and person-centered practices. The project implemented additional training, individualized support, clinical assessments, functional assessments, and positive support plans, all tailored to the person's needs.
Remote Monitoring Panel: Supporting Independence and Privacy with the Least Intrusive, Most Reliable Technology
Moderated by Lisa Mills
Panelists: Kyle Corbin, Michael Doucette, Becky Sharp & Melissa Combs
This panel will explain Remote Monitoring, differentiating it from telehealth, and discuss its importance for people with disabilities. Providers with over a decade of experience will share how they help individuals use remote monitoring technology to increase independence, reduce support costs, and redirect savings toward other goals. Attendees will learn about the technology, installation process, and training to maximize its benefits.
What Really Happens When You Decide To Become “Technology First?”
This session explores a provider’s journey to adopting a Technology First approach, focusing on outcomes rather than technology itself. Attendees will learn how Person-Centered Planning drives technology use as an alternative to direct staff support, key success metrics, and case studies of individuals gaining independence through technology.
Self-Employment for ME Pilot Project, Assisting People to Own Their Own Business
Self-Employment for ME is a pilot project through the Office of Aging and Disability Services to collaborate and create business curriculum, tools and resources to expand opportunities for people to become self employed. By utilizing current services Maine has developed a new proposed Self Employment Service for Lifespan that will create a more effective process for individuals to create, own, and operate their own small business.
Untangling Systems to Support Youth in Transition
IDEA, WIOA, ADA, E1st, HCBS, IEP, IPE, PCP… HELP! This session explores maximizing resources to support youth with disabilities in transitioning to community life after high school. With Maine’s proposed Lifespan Waiver lowering the enrollment age to 14, presenters will share a framework for aligning services, priorities, and outcomes. The session will also highlight evidence-based practices and legislative connections.
3:15 PM
Break
3:30 PM
Day 1 Closing Remarks & Reception Intro
4:00 PM
Reception in the Casco Bay Exhibit Hall
Tuesday, May 20th, 2025
7:30 AM
Registration Opens
8:30 AM
Welcoming Remarks
8:45 AM
Keynote: Innovation and Managing Change in Human Services:
Thriving Through Disruption
2025 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging years yet for human services leaders. Funding models are shifting, workforce shortages are intensifying, AI is transforming operations, and the push for provider consolidation is accelerating. In this high-energy session, we’ll break down the biggest trends reshaping the industry and tackle the tough question: How do leaders not just survive but "thrive" admidst constant change?
9:45 AM
Break
10:00 AM
Panel Discussion: Nothing About US Without US: Youth Self Advocacy Movement
Moderated by Kate Turpen
Panelists: Janeim Franklyn, Aydan Rudolph, Lynn Feely
With the Lifespan Waiver rolling out, equipping young Mainers with the knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for themselves and with their team will be imperative to their long term success and happiness. Hearing from advocates first-hand in classrooms and Community Support Programs, this presentation seeks to demystify relationship building with youth and to increase awareness of support gaps this demographic experiences.
11:00 AM
Break
11:15 AM
Breakout 4
Cultivating Leaders in Long-Term Services and Supports
Struggling with DSP turnover or succession planning? Join the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota to explore a blended learning supervisory training model aimed at improving supervisor skills, retaining employees, and developing future leaders. Learn from the program’s success and gain actionable steps to strengthen your own supervisory practices.
Creative Budgeting for Change Q&A
Julie Strenn will entertain your questions on provider budgeting for change.
Intercultural Competence
Liz Greason & Ian Teague
As many of us know firsthand, there is a workforce crisis in Maine and in this field. To meet this moment, we need to support our current workforce in the various ways they need support, including, but not limited to, adding tools to their leadership toolbox about effectively navigating the various types of differences we see in our workforce. We need to support our staff in helping them make their good intentions match their impact.
Person-Centered Planning - Taking it to The Next Level
This session will be an overview of Person-Centered Plan (PCP) process including person-centered tools. We will cover best practices in use to support people in the planning process and with reaching their goals.
The Importance of Financial Empowerment for the Disability Community
Why financial empowerment is important to the disability community. Will include an overview of the data, financial topics of importance to everyone, action items (opening a bank account, budgeting, checking your credit report, spotting scams and ID theft attempts) and valuable resources.
Technology and Home Community Based Services
States are expanding technology use for individuals with I/DD to enhance autonomy, community access, and engagement. This presentation will cover survey results from NASDDDS and Dr. Shea Tanis on technology solutions, funding for these tools, HCBS specifications, and benchmarking for systems change. It will also highlight strong state practices and discuss NASDDDS efforts to influence federal policy and advance technology through an enabling engagement network.
12:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Tech Expo in the Casco Bay Hall opens for the day. Please take a few minutes to visit the vendors and attend a Tech Demo
Achieving Operational Excellence in an Era of Technological Upheaval
This session explores the rapid technological advancements impacting healthcare and human services, including AI, smart sensing devices, robotics, and genomics. It will provide an in-depth look at AI's current use in human services and examine emerging technologies shaping the future of care delivery.
Empowering Independence Through Innovation: Leveraging Technology Solutions to Enhance Support for Adults with Disabilities
Independence Advocates of Maine will share findings from two innovation grant projects—Work Connect and Tech Connect. These projects explore how technology, including remote supports and assistive technology, can enhance client independence, address staffing shortages, and improve service delivery.
Empowering Financial Wellness and Independence with an ABLE Account
Learn how Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts can transform financial wellness. This session covers the benefits of ABLE account ownership, eligibility, its interaction with public benefits, contributions, distributions, and strategies to maximize savings for future stability.
Recruiting and Retaining Staff in Changing and Challenging Times
Disability service agencies aiming for empowerment and inclusion must prioritize their front-line staff, recognizing them as key to success. As agencies expand pathways to community living and integrated employment, redesigning recruitment, training, and retention strategies becomes essential. This session will explore strategies for redesigning job descriptions, recruiting and retaining staff, and building staff skills to provide high-quality, community-based services.
1:30 PM
Breakout 5
Use this breakout time to visit the vendors and the Tech Expo
2:15 PM
Break
Building Community So Everybody Wins
Waypoint will present its innovative approach to creating supportive and affordable housing for both members and employees, addressing the housing affordability gap. This session will explore the steps to assess community housing needs, increase affordable housing stock, and engage stakeholders, while discussing challenges like becoming a landlord and creating equitable access.
Creating a Technology Awakening with Smart Home Demonstration Sites
In March 2021, Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Services (OK-DDS) introduced enabling technology, but adoption was slow due to mistrust, fear, and lack of knowledge. To increase adoption, OK-DDS partnered with OK ABLE Tech and Bethany Children's Health Center to create smart home demonstration sites in existing service sites. This hands-on approach helped alleviate fears and mistrust for staff, and found that there were minimal changes needed to create a home-like environment.
Innovating Strategies to Bolster Direct Service Professional Jobs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma began two collaborate initiatives in 2024 to stabilize the direct care workforce by focusing on programs that increased awareness about direct support professional job opportunities across the state to recruit, retain and reward the direct support professionals. We will share our strategies, data and insights of both programs.
Securing the Future: Resources to Connect Financial Education, Employment, and a Good Life
This session introduces the "Secure Your Financial Future" toolkit, a user-friendly online resource designed to help individuals with disabilities navigate financial planning through various stages of their work-life cycle. LEAD Center presenters will demonstrate how the toolkit provides essential information on budgeting, managing benefits, opening an ABLE account, and more, addressing common challenges faced by job seekers. Attendees will learn how the toolkit can support individuals in achieving financial stability and planning for the future.
2:30 PM
Breakout 6
Use this breakout time to visit the vendors and the Tech Expo
3:15 PM
Closing Remarks
3:45 - 5:30 PM
Expo and Tech Demos