Tracks
Learn More About the Tracks
Tracks are on November 4 at 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Each registrant selects one track.
1. Strengthening Accountability: Advancing Autonomy, Choice, and Program Integrity
State I/DD systems are continually working to strengthen accountability while expanding individual choice, autonomy, and self-direction. This track will explore practical approaches that enhance transparency, program integrity, quality oversight, and responsible stewardship of public resources without creating unnecessary barriers to independence and community participation. Sessions will examine person-centered planning, safeguards, risk management, and data-informed oversight that help states reinforce accountability while supporting people to direct their own lives in the community.
2. Prevent, Target, Support: Building Systems for Complex Support Needs
This track spotlights state strategies to build a full continuum of preventative, targeted, and crisis supports for people with I/DD and co-occurring conditions. Recognizing that this requires both innovative system strategies and effective direct practices, sessions will showcase how I/DD agencies can drive cross-system engagement. Attendees will explore actionable approaches for strengthening interagency collaboration, expanding workforce capacity, and designing flexible, person-centered supports. Together, we will examine how aligning policy and practice empowers individuals with complex behavioral health needs to access effective treatment, stay safe, and thrive in their homes and communities.
3. Essential Building Blocks for Modern I/DD Systems: Workforce, Technology, and Infrastructure
Modernizing state intellectual and developmental disabilities systems requires a strong direct support professional workforce, reliable infrastructure, and thoughtful use of technology. This session will explore how states can focus on the foundation of strong systems by strengthening the workforce and building the infrastructure needed to support quality and efficiency. Presenters will address best practices in addressing the workforce crisis. Attendees will also discuss key technology needs for state systems, including data readiness, interoperability, accessibility, AI use, procurement, and training. Attendees will gain practical ideas for connecting workforce strategy, technology, and infrastructure to build sustainable systems.
Afternoon Tracks (2:30-4:30 pm):
Workshop: Navigating High Stakes Communications
When the stakes are high, the right message—and the right response—can make all the difference. This exclusive workshop offers conference attendees a rare opportunity to spend dedicated time with Red Banyan, one of the nation’s leading strategic communications and crisis management firms. Designed specifically for conference participants, this highly interactive session will provide an inside look at how communications experts navigate challenging, fast-moving, and highly visible situations. Through real-world scenarios and practical guidance, attendees will explore how to prepare for difficult questions, manage reputational risk, communicate effectively with key stakeholders and the media, and respond with clarity and confidence when pressure is at its highest. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from Red Banyan’s experts, ask questions, test strategies, and gain practical tools that can be put to work immediately—an experience available exclusively to conference attendees.
OR
The Insight Exchange Bundle
This dynamic two-part session bundle puts real-world experience at the center of learning. First, the State Innovation One-Slide Challenge will feature a fast-paced showcase of states sharing innovative practices, creative solutions, and lessons learned from across I/DD systems—using just one slide and a few minutes to make their impact. Then, Ask the Expert will shift the spotlight to people with lived experience of disability, creating an opportunity for attendees to hear directly from individuals whose perspectives should help shape policy, programs, and system change. Through candid conversation and audience questions, participants will gain valuable insight into what is working, what needs to change, and what truly matters from the perspective of the people our systems are designed to support. Together, these sessions offer a powerful mix of state innovation and lived expertise—bringing fresh ideas, authentic perspectives, and practical lessons directly to conference attendees.