Meetings/Conferences

Constructing the New Paradigm:
Responding to Demographic and Economic Realities

NASDDDS 2008 Annual Conference
Crowne Plaza Hotel Old Town Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia
November 12-14, 2008

Agenda and Registration

Press Release

On the heels of U.S. citizens having just chosen a new president, "Constructing the New Paradigm" features Judy Woodruff, senior correspondent for The News Hour with Jim Lehrer and mother of a child with a disability, along with Peter Harkness of Governing magazine who will share political commentary on what we should expect in the next four years and the impact on disability services.

In building the future for those we serve, we will explore how we are going to provide meaningful services for individuals increasingly living at home. Faced with rising demand for services, shrinking budgets, and a shortage of staff to run facility-based programs, state DD agencies are expanding in-home support services for people living with their families. The 2007 edition of the University of Minnesota's Residential Services for Persons with DD: Status and Trends Through 2006 reports that over 57% of people receiving services in 2006 lived with their families. In some states, the figure was as high as 80%.

We are witnessing a paradigm shift in the types of services people receive and where they receive them. To assure that our focus is not limited to caregiving but equally on achieving personal outcomes desired and determined by each individual, states must carefully design system infrastructure to be accountable and to also facilitate individuals to fulfill their life goals and potential.

This new service paradigm we build requires thoughtful attention to all aspects of state systems:

• Person-centered planning that begins with the person's perspective and goals but also factors in the needs of family members
• New service and support models
• The role of family members and friends as paid and non-paid support
• Training. training, training, with support and feedback
• Opportunities to build relationships throughout the community
• Health and welfare protections and monitoring quality
• Program standards and effective performance measures
• Financial reimbursement methods
• The role of case managers and the support they need to be effective

Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

JOB OPPORUNITY: Developmental Disabilities Systems Analyst & Planner

VTDDC seeks a creative professional to join our staff full-time as a Systems Analyst and Planner.
This position supports initiatives aimed at positive systems change and realizing our mission of bringing people with developmental disabilities into the heart of Vermont communities. We need you if you are skilled at social and policy research and analysis; can translate complex information to be understandable to diverse audiences; have the creativity to design new projects; the people skills to work with members, communicate with policymakers and build community partnerships to leverage funding; and can attend to details of federal reporting, contracting and grant management. The ideal candidate enjoys outreach and knows how to support and empower people with developmental disabilities and family members to be advocates and leaders.

APPLICATION DEADLINE 10-23-08
Full-Time; Excellent benefits package. Click here for a more complete description. You can apply on-line at www.vtstatejobs.info (reference #25049) or call (800) 640-1657 (voice) or 800-253-0191 (TTY/Relay Service).