Focusing on self-directed services in Minnesota, the Self-direction Connection Conference is asking people with lived experience to share your knowledge with one another. In a first of its kind conference in Minnesota people with gather to discuss trends and their experience using Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG).

Meet other people using CDCS and CSG and connect with one other. Visit with old friends and make new ones.

Target audience: people using CDCS and CSG or interested in the programs, parents and families, caregivers and other people interested in making self-direction the best it can be in Minnesota. We also encourage case managers and support planners to attend this learning-filled day.

Cost is $40. Scholarships are available. Also, people using CDCS and CSG can use their budget for trainings, speak with your Support Planner or Case Manager for assistance.

This conference is a project of the National Center on Advancing Person-centered Practices and Systems (NCAPPS) through their Self-direction Learning Collaborative. Collaborating organizations: Best Care, Family Voices of Minnesota, Harry Meyering Center, Nicollet County.

Agenda

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Registration and Exhibits

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Sheletta Brundidge, Keynote Speaker

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Session 1 

Dare To Dream: The Past, Present and Future of Self Direction in Minnesota

Presenter: Department of Human Services

Staff Retention and Creative Solutions

Presenter: Christine Loose (Support Planner, Flex-Pac, Inc.) and Wally Boyer (father and owner of Jake’s Pizza)

Estate and Futures Planning

Presenters: Jeremy Meger and Roger Grumdahl (New York Life)  

Financial Management Service (FMS) Panel

Presenters: Julie Lux (Director of CDS, MRCI) and Tony Engesser (FMS Service Coordinator, Best Care) 

Your MN Choice Assessment and Community Support Plan  

Presenter: Joan Gabriel (Hennepin County Case Management Supervisor) 

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch Networking and Exhibits 

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Session 2  

Dare To Dream: The Past, Present and Future of Self Direction in Minnesota (repeat from AM)

Presenter: Department of Human Services

Multiple Perspectives of CDCS – Panel

Presenters: Pat Wright (caregiver and participant), Jerry Mellum (Hennepin County Case Management Supervisor), Shantel Jaszak (President, CDI)

Self-Advocacy and CDCS Support Planning

Presenters: Sarah Biddlecome (Executive Direction, MNDSA), Kayla Bertrand (Director of Finance, MNDSA), Misha Liang (speaker/panelist), Julia Biddlecome (speaker/panelist), Carrie Theisen (speaker/panelist) 

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM Snack Break

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM Wrap Up and Door Prizes

 

Sponsors

Connect Sponsor

Best Care

Cashe’ Software

Consumer Directions, Inc. (CDI)

Lifeworks

MRCI

Grow Sponsor

Accord

Harry Meyering Center

Learn Sponsor

Accra Home Care

Acumen

Alfa Care Services, LLC.

Flex-Pac, Inc.

GT Independence

PICS

Minnesota Disability Support Alternatives (MNDSA)

Support Sponsor

MN Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities  

SEIU

 

Sponsor Self-Direction Connection Conference

Connect Level: $2500

Exhibit booth, recognition on table place cards, swag item or flyer in bag (500 needed by October 1), logo on agenda, large logo on rotating power point, 4 free registrations.

 

Grow Level: $1000

Exhibit booth, recognition on table place cards, logo on agenda, small logo on rotating power point, 2 free registration.

 

Learn Level: $500

Exhibit booth, recognition on table place card, name on agenda, name on rotating power point with other sponsors, 1 free registration.

 

Support Level: $250

Exhibit booth, name on agenda.

 

Entrepreneur: $30

Self-advocate, business owners are encouraged to participate in the Self-direction Connection Conference to sell their products. If you own a business and have a disability we would love to give you space to sell your products. Comes with an exhibit booth and 1 free registration.

For any questions, please contact Jen Drganc, 507-387-8281 or jdrganc@harrymeyeringcenter.org