Webinar series: Spring 2025
Credentials, Convening, and Collaborations!
May 6, 2025, from 2 P.M. – 3 P.M.
Facilitators: Doug Crandell and Dr. Rackensperger, IHDD, Advancing Employment
Speakers: Christine Gudgin, DBHDD, Ariel Edwards, GCDD, GVRA Guest
Acronyms such as ACRE, GAME and CBTAC can be confusing, and so can APSE and NDEAM. Join us for information about the collaborative work within the state regarding training, convening, and credentialing. Attendees will hear from state agencies about upcoming opportunities for training and attending in-person and virtual staff development initiatives. A focus on fidelity and evidence-based practices will be shared. This is a must for organizations in the midst of transformative change. Plus, we will play a couple rounds of name that acronym!
Rhode Island’s Workforce Development Initiative
May 13, 2025, from 2 P.M. – 3 P.M.
Facilitators: Doug Crandell, and Dr. Rackensperger, IHDD, Advancing Employment
Speakers: Matthew D. Weldon, Director, Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT)
Rory Carmody, Director, AccessPoint RI, Director, Project SEARCH at Bally’s Twin River Casino
Sue Babin, RI Developmental Disabilities Council, Director, RI’s Self-Employment Business Incubator Project
Aimee Fernandes, Service Coordinator, Looking Upwards, Inc., Personal Care Assistant Training
Join us for an overview of how one state is re-writing the collaborative approach to labor shortages and building workforce solutions from funding provided by the State Department of Labor and Training under their Real Jobs RI initiatives. Director Weldon will share information on Real Jobs RI, target populations and their commitment to both strengthening RI’s workforce and increasing incomes for working Rhode Islanders. From focusing on training individuals as PCA’s, varied industries through Project SEARCH, and Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship, the panel will discuss the components of their programs. This is a unique opportunity for workforce development personnel as well as ID/DD agencies to hear about cross-walking core missions to achieve fuller employment, ideas for recruitment and hiring, and how creative braided funding initiatives can foster economic development across sectors as diverse as small business development, hospitality and entertainment, and human services.
Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey and Employment
May 20, 2025, from 2 P.M. - 3 P.M.
Facilitators: Doug Crandell, and Dr. Rackensperger, IHDD, Advancing Employment
Speakers: Maria Pinkleton, Public Relations Director, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Stacey Ramirez, Disability Consultant, Partner Crimminz & Associates
Join us as we travel through Georgia history to pay tribute to the struggle, progress, and outcomes related to citizens with disabilities in the great Peach State! We will hear about the Olmstead Supreme Court decision, the Department of Justice settlement, and policy changes through the lens of employment, jobs, and fair pay. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the EMBRACING POSSIBILITY: Georgia’s Disability Justice Journey Exhibit at the Tubman African American Museum running from May 16-June 16, 2025.