AIRS Conference 2009: by Time

AIRS Conference 2009: By Time

This is the current list of workshops as of April 10th 2009. Note there may be slight changes to this schedule before the Conference.

Intensives

I-1 The ABC's of I&R

Sunday, May 31, 9am-4.15pm

Faed Hendry, Findhelp Information Services, Toronto, Canada

Shye Louise, 2-1-1/LIFELINE, Rochester, New York

This workshop is designed to assist new I&R Specialists more fully understand the theory and practice that leads to I&R excellence. This intensive is also an invaluable refresher for more experienced I&R staff, especially those who may be taking a CIRS or CIRS-A exam over the course of the year. The workshop will present an overview of I&R, its philosophy and components, techniques for problem assessment and communication, giving information and making referrals, dealing with difficult callers, and the role of advocacy and empowerment. The session includes an exploration into personal and professional growth, strategies for taking a certification exam, role playing, problem solving and group activities.

I-2 The I&R Supervisor's Toolkit

Sunday, May 31, 9am-4.15pm

Sandra Ray, United Way of Greater Houston, Texas

The I&R Supervisor's Toolkit ... Are you an I&R supervisor? Or are you ready to prepare for that eventual promotion?! This intensive will outline the knowledge and techniques that will help make you a better supervisor. Quality assurance, team building, skills coaching and the basics of human resource management are among some topics to be covered. Participants will be able to identify some of the challenges and requirements of the transition from being a good I&R practitioner to being a good I&R supervisor.

I-3 Resource Specialist 101

Sunday, May 31, 9am-4.15pm

Dick Manikowski, Detroit Public Library (retired), Detroit, Michigan

Jennifer Pollak, 2-1-1 Central Michigan, Jackson, Michigan

This workshop is designed to assist Resource Specialists more fully understand the practices that leads to I&R excellence. It will be particularly useful to new staff and staff from "one-person" Resource Specialist departments. This intensive may be also an invaluable refresher for more experienced I&R staff, especially those who may be taking a CRS exam over the course of the year. The workshop will present an overview of the role of the Resource Specialist, inclusion/exclusion, creating and maintaining a database record, coping with the Taxonomy, writing and editing, updating records, and all the other challenges of the profession.

Monday, June 1, 10am-11.30am

A-1National Initiatives, Trends and Resources in Aging and Disability I&R

Sherri Clark, Aging Program Specialist, Office of Communications, U. S. Administration on

Aging, Washington, DC

Helen Eltzeroth, Deputy Director, Programs and Communications, National Association of Area

Agencies on Aging, Washington, DC

Sandra Reynolds, Manager, Eldercare Locator, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging,

Washington, DC

Bernice Hutchinson, Senior Policy Advisor, National Association of State Units on Aging, Washington, DC

This session will provide an overview of federal initiatives, along with national and local trends of interest to aging information and referral service delivery systems and ADRCs. Representatives from the U.S. Administration on Aging, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the National Association of State Units on Aging will discuss new directions for the Eldercare Locator, current federal projects and their implication for aging I&R/As. Participants will hear about training and technical assistance resources designed to enhance the quality of service delivery and foster professionalism of aging and disability information and referral through the National I&R Support Center.

A-2Digital TV: Keeping Seniors Connected: What I&R/As and ADRCs Need to Know

Theresa N. Lambert, Director, DTV: Keeping Seniors Connected Campaign, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Washington, DC

On June 12, 2009, television broadcasting is converting from analog to digital transmission. With funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the DTV: Keeping Seniors Connected Campaign is helping ensure that seniors are ready for the conversion. As gateways to the service delivery system, aging I&R/As & ADRCs serve in a variety of critical roles in on-the-ground implementation of the campaign. This session will provide an overview of the campaign, discuss the range of responsibilities of I&R/As & ADRCs, examine models for integrating new messages, and discuss the potential impact of the June 12 transition and strategies I&R/As & ADRCs can use to be prepared.

B-1Taking the Test! Strategies for preparing for the CIRS and CIRS-A examinations

Sharon Doner-Feldman, Training for You, Bethesda, Maryland

Are you stressed out about taking the AIRS certification exam? Come and relieve some of that stress by enhancing your test taking skills. This workshop will review the materials that test questions are taken from. We will answer some practice questions and write some of our own!

D-1Surviving the chaos of disaster-related I&R: 2-1-1 data collection and dissemination best practices

Jonathan Padgett, VIA LINK, New Orleans, Louisiana

Using 2-1-1 disaster experience as our guide, we’ll discuss why existing I&R software products are practically unusable during the acute phase of a disaster, we’ll explore specific community needs throughout recent disasters, and provide workshop participants with the knowledge and means to effectively capture and disseminate information during future disasters.

E-1Financial sustainability – how to be innovative in tough economic times

John Ohanian, 211 San Diego, California

Mona Freels, 211 San Diego, California

In these tough economic times, we are all looking for sustainable funding. Come discuss innovative ways I&Rs can ensure sustainable funding to continue to provide this vital service to the community.

G-1Getting the most out of your training for Resource Specialists

Faed Hendry, Findhelp Information Services, Toronto, Canada

Cathleen Kelly, Consultant, Cortlandt Manor, New York

This interactive session will address the key elements of developing and delivering training for Resource Specialists. The workshop will address ten criteria for skills retention or “stickiness” of training as well as explore the particular requirements of training Resource Specialists.

H-1Beating the odds: a successful model for funding 2-1-1

Jeri Shumate, 211info, Portland, Oregon

Why gamble? Using a time-proven standard of cost for 2-1-1 service and applying a simple equation to secure support from diverse sectors, your 2-1-1 can increase its financial health and stability. The model allows for growth, assures you’re supported for availability (not just activity), and builds strong partnerships among funders.

K-1“How do they do that!?” Using digital media (photography, video and music) to enhance your PowerPoint presentations. (Part 1)

Francesca Kranzberg, Jewish Information & Referral Service, Rockville, Maryland

In this two-part workshop (the first session on Monday and the first session on Wednesday), you will learn how to use digital media (photography, video and music) to enhance your PowerPoint presentations. We will actually make a presentation of conference highlights to be shown at the closing luncheon. During the first session, we will work on the text and narrow down some music choices for our presentation. We will spend the next 1½ days taking digital pictures and/or video of the conference. At the second session, we will chose some photos/video and music to complete our story, and will present our finished product (no more than 3-5 minutes in length) at the closing luncheon. Please bring a digital camera. Computers with PowerPoint are recommended but not necessary.

K-2How collaborative GIS data-sharing revolutionizes I&R (for non-data experts!)

Josh Knauer, Rhiza Labs, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Today’s human service professionals must meet unlimited demand with scarce resources. With new mapping tools, non-GIS users can quickly analyze community assets to identify needs, improve service delivery and reduce duplication – while saving money. Join Rhiza Labs CEO Josh Knauer to learn how technology helps I&R managers overcome budget crunches.

K-3What change in Washington has to do with I&R

Bob Blancato, Matz Blancato & Associates, Washington, DC

This workshop will examine the changes in Washington DC after the 2008 election in terms of policy, advocacy and political climate. We will focus on the role of I&R programs in some of the major legislative initiatives that are expected to come up and explore new ways of thinking about I&R in public policy.

Monday, June 1, 1pm-2.30pm

A-3Leveraging I&R Resources to Improve Access to Public Benefits and Other Service Offerings

Marisa Scala-Foley, Director, National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, National Council on the Aging, Washington, DC

A new Administration and an ailing economy present the optimal time for profound changes in service delivery. It also creates a significant opportunity to work collaboratively towards a twenty-first century solution for streamlining benefits access and community-based services to improve peoples’ lives. Learn more about the National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment and join in provocative brainstorming about how policy, high-impact technology, and person-centered outreach through all information and referral sources can achieve this end.

A-4Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children: What’s New?

Kenneth R. Bryson, Director, National Center on Grandfamilies, Generations United, Washington, DC

Having current and accurate information as well as federal and state legislation affecting grandfamilies can make all the difference in effective service delivery. This workshop will introduce I&R specialist and state and local aging professionals to a range of information, resources, and priority issues affecting grandparents and other relatives raising children. Participants will learn what’s new in this arena, how to navigate key websites, and how to find reliable national and state data on state law and policies. Learn how to create strategic partnerships, enhance resource databases, and refine training in assessment, assistance, referrals and options counseling for grandfamilies.

B-2I&R for immigrants

Suzanne Klassen, Information Services Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the I&R process and strategies for providing practical I&R assistance to immigrants. By looking at the stages of the I&R process and at common issues faced by new residents (including the additional stresses faced by refugees), participants will be provided with a range of tools, skills and strategies for dealing with typical I&R interactions from people living in atypical situations.

C-1Suicide risk assessment and intervention for I&R specialists (Part 1)

John Plonski, Covenant House International, New York, New York

Janice M. Harris, 2-1-1 Helpline, Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa, Oklahoma

By definition, a suicidal person is someone faced with an intolerable life issue for which they are seeking a solution. Suicidal activity is both a means for resolving the issue and a means of communicating the intense feelings surrounding it. Research suggests that during a year more than 14 million people may have thoughts of suicide putting them at risk. Such a large number means that it is possible we may have interactions with persons at risk of suicide and not be aware of their danger. In this workshop you will learn how to identify the consumer who is at risk, establish a trusting relationship, and assess the suicidal potential. This workshop will provide a guide to using a suicide risk assessment and establishing a trusting relationship with the goal of formulating a plan and mobilizing resources. It will include a pre-class evaluation of suicide awareness, a written and customized on-screen example of a suicide risk assessment and audience participation.

D-2AIRS/UWA National Disaster Response Team: what to expect when disaster strikes

Trisha Ferrell, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, Virginia

Larry Olness, Heart of Florida United Way, Orlando, Florida

Charlene Hipes, AIRS, Portland, Oregon

Disaster preparedness, response & recovery have become an important part of all of our jobs. As someone once said, “It’s not if a disaster will strike, it’s when.” Disaster can take many forms in our communities and as I&R services prepare disaster plans, they need to be knowledgeable about the AIRS/UWA Disaster Response Team, what this team can offer when called upon and the criteria for deployment.

E-2 Introduction to Quality Assurance, Customer Satisfaction and Follow-up: What’s the difference and why it matters with the new AIRS Standards.

Micki Thompson, 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares, Clearwater, Florida

James Luther, Luther Consulting, Indianapolis, Indiana

This presentation will present and overview of the types of evaluation appropriate for I&R services, and explain the differences between Quality Assurance, Customer Satisfaction, and Follow-up. We will discuss how these relate to the new AIRS Standards including the quality indicators. Practical considerations for implementing evaluation in different I&R settings will be discussed.

G-2Creating a training manual for the resource department

Vicki Carlson, United Way 2-1-1, St. Paul, Minnesota

A well-designed training manual is essential to the thorough and consistent training of resource staff. This workshop will explore elements that should be included in a resource training manual through lecture, sample training manuals and class participation.

H-2Eight 2-1-1 sites, one telephone network and one resource database

David Lantis, LAN Administrator, People for People/Greater Columbia 2-1-1, Yakima, Washington

Tom Page, Consultant, Seattle, Washington

Susan Gemmel, 2-1-1 Director, Crisis Clinic/King County 2-1-1, Seattle, Washington

Tom Milligan, InContact, Salt Lake City, Utah

Come and discover the challenges and ultimate benefits of implementing a shared 2-1-1 database and a single off-site, hosted phone system. Learn from those involved in Washington’s WIN 211 system, which has been operational since February 2006, and brings together eight unique regional locations into a single system.

H-3“Get Connected, Get Answers”: using 2-1-1 for a community engagement and protocol system

Maricela Alcala, United Way of Greater Toledo/United Way 2-1-1, Ohio

The “Get Connected, Get Answers” program trains the community on a “no wrong door” protocol designed to engage, direct and assure community gatekeepers about how 2-1-1 works and how to search the online database. This training is targeted to church secretaries, case workers, case managers, receptionists, or anyone that has direct contact with people in need, to teach them how to connect with resources in a timely manner without having to go in circles.

J-1 Is it time for your staff to roll out of bed, grab some breakfast and head to the office in pyjamas?

Amy Latzer, 211 LA County, California

Reduce costs while improving efficiency and growth, handle peak call periods as well as spikes, improve disaster response and going green are all advantages of staff working from home. This session will present technical and operational considerations for implementing telecommuting or work-at-home agents.

Monday, June 1, 3.15pm-4.45pm

A-5The Art of Options Counseling

Barbara Ettner, Senior Associate, The Lewin Group, Falls Church, VA

Gilbert Thompson, Senior Associate, The Lewin Group, Falls Church, VA

Sarah Lash, Research Analyst, The Lewin Group, Falls Church, VA

Options Counseling (OC) is a key service of ADRCs and supports informed long-term care decision-making by assisting individuals and families by increasing understanding of their strengths, needs, preferences, and unique situations, and translating this knowledge into support strategies and plans. This session, also offered as an on-line course, is intended for staff who directly receive and respond to inquiries about long-term care options from consumers and families. Although the context is the ADRC, other programs will benefit from the curriculum. The session defines options counseling, outlines key competencies needed to offer options counseling, and describes how it operates in different organizations. It demonstrates best practice through case scenarios and presenters discuss how to address challenges encountered. Finally, presenters will also discuss how OC fits within the Administration on Aging’s strategic priorities.

A-6Essential Services for Nevada Elders at Risk

Tina Gerber-Winn, Deputy Administrator – North, Nevada Division for Aging Services, Carson City, Nevada

Marilyn Wills, Deputy Administrator – South, Nevada Division for Aging Services, Las Vegas, Nevada

Teresa M. Sacks, Sanford Center for Aging, University of Nevada – Reno, Nevada

This session will provide background and current planning efforts for the State of Nevada to address the needs of seniors considered at risk of institutionalization given the economic hardship faced by the state. The session will describe the process initiated within Nevada’s State Unit on Aging when diminishing resources threatened the availability of home and community based services historically offered through three Medicaid Waiver Programs. How Nevada’s directives, service scope, priorities, revised statutes and expectations of the Older Americans Act translate into care of elders will be explored.The role of Nevada’s Aging Network partners in identifying elders at imminent risk for Medicaid spend down or nursing facility placement will be reviewed. I&Rs are an essential component to recognizing and referring elders at risk of nursing home facility placement and Medicaid spend down to an ADRC for planning. Participants will learn how to begin or enhance training I&R and professional staff to recognize and report at risk elders to appropriate referrals.

C-2Suicide risk assessment and intervention for I&R specialists (Part 2)

John Plonski, Covenant House International, New York, New York

Janice M. Harris, 2-1-1 Helpline, Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa, Oklahoma