TRC holds fourth annual Educational Conference

Keynote speaker Yvonne Conte wears a clown nose to convey a point about the importance of humor.

In its ongoing commitment to provide lifelong learning opportunities to its staff and the people it supports, The Resource Center held its fourth annual Educational Conference, titled “Times Are Changing.”

The event took place September 13-14 at the Chautauqua Suites Meeting and Expo Center in Mayville. 

The purpose of the two-day event was to provide lifelong learning to TRC staff, people with disabling conditions and their families, and area professionals in the disability field.  The goal was to provide food for thought on the changing times and the opportunities for practical application of theories and therapeutic practices for individuals with disabilities. 

“We want people to walk away with new ideas, new colleagues to call on to help build programs and supports for people in the future,” said Michele Albaugh, TRC’s Assistant Director for Staff Training and Development. 

To help build those programs and supports, TRC invited a number of its own employees as well as external experts to be part of the event.  The first day’s keynote speaker was motivational humorist Yvonne Conte, an author who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Humor Advantage, Inc. 

During her presentation, “The Positive Power of Humor,” Ms Conte talked about using laughter on a daily basis and how it can help relieve a stressful situation and heal the trials and tribulations of everyday life.  She peppered her talk with personal anecdotes and real-life experiences, describing for attendees the specific humor tools they should have.  She linked the power of laughter to thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and she shared with those on hand how those tools can affect work performance, relationships and personal success. 

“This is a great tool for those who work at TRC as well, to use the humor tool with the people they help.” said Ms. Conte.  “So it’s twofold – it helps them deal with the stresses in their life, and it helps them to teach others as well.”

An accomplished author, Ms Conte has a new book out, titled, “Remarkable Women of Faith,” and following her speech, she took time to autograph copies of it. 

After that, the group broke into three, more informal morning sessions.  Speakers included Dr. Kathleen Gradel, a Professor in the College of Education at Fredonia State who also serves on TRC’s Board of Directors, who led a discussion about students with disabilities and addressing challenges to and solutions for group instruction.

From left, TRC employees Nancy Ingram, Mary Jo Hamilton, Jocelyn Jones, and Dr. Robert Ellis wait to get keynote speaker Yvonne Conte’s autograph.

Later, Heather Brown, the Director of Individualized Services, Article 16 Clinic Services and New Vision Services, presented a discussion about creating a life, not a program, by adopting a more individualized, customized approach to the people TRC supports.

Then, David Mack-Hardiman, Training Director at People Inc., led a group discussion on how to restore dignity to the final resting places of the many people in Western New York who lived and died in institutions, and were buried with only a number as a remembrance of their lives.

Following a wonderful lunch, the second half of Day One consisted of six more individual sessions.  The first three included F. Paul Lounsbury, Training Coordinator at People Inc., leading a discussion about how the perceptions and knowledge of developmental disabilities have evolved and grown over the years.  Kathy Ralabate Doody, an Instructor in special education at Buffalo State, led a discussion about the various treatment options available for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Attorneys H. Jeffrey Marcus and Kyle Costello talked about special education laws for children with disabilities and the services they require and are entitled to receive under the law.

The next three sessions included a presentation on yoga for children with autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, led by Tess Kerzner, TRC’s Children’s Services Coordinator, with an emphasis on how the basics of a mind/body connection applies to working with children.  Kristy Lauer, Manager of TRC’s Gateways Personalized Recovery Oriented Services Program, led a group on stress management and compassion fatigue, arming those in attendance with the tools to deal with the big and little stresses that arise.  Lisa Goodell, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Blind Association, and Judi Goerke, Patient Development Director at Chautauqua Physical Therapy, led a discussion on ways to decrease the risk of falling.  Both women participate in the Chautauqua County Falls Prevention Coalition.

Day Two shifted topics, literally, as one of the nation’s leading advocates addressed the group about exploring the elements of culture and community in thinking about change and leadership.  Keynote speaker Dr. Al Condeluci makes a return appearance to present “Cultural Shifting: Understanding Community and Social Change.”

Condeluci is the Chief Executive Officer of UCP/CLASS of Pittsburgh, PA, a family of corporations dedicated to working toward a community in which each person belongs.  His group has grown to become the third-largest disability-specific agency in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  During his presentation, Condeuci outlined the history of how people with disabilities have been treated and how they create their social capital, or inner community.

He went on to say that people with disabilities want the same four things as those without disabilities: jobs, transportation, housing, and relationships. 

“They want a car, a job, a ride, and a friend.  You and I choose who we want to live with; people with disabilities don’t have that choice, so I see that as failure,” said Condeluci.  “Six percent of people with disabilities over 18 own their own home.  Seventy-six percent of people with disabilities don’t have jobs.  They don’t have the skills to operate a car, and they don’t have money to buy one.  But the biggest failure is helping those with disabilities build relationships.”

Most of his message centered on his cousin Carol, who has a disability, and how her family treated her, as opposed to how she’s treated by the rest of the community.  He went on to explain that the community at large needs to realize a developmental disability is not a sickness, it’s a condition.

“It’s no different than our eye color,” Condeluci said regarding a person’s disability.  “People always want to fix it, and it doesn’t need fixing.”

To further illustrate the need for a cultural shift in thinking, Condeluci noted the difference between micro and macro change.  He explained that micro change affects a person, while macro change affects a community. 

“It’s not the diagnosis that’s the problem, it’s the culture,” he said.  “The key to understanding macro is in people’s hearts.”

He also outlined the difference between culture and community and introduced the notion of interdependence and how it’s critical to a successful community.  He went on to discuss ways to create strategies to build better social capital.

After his address, Condeluci was one of several presenters who conducted smaller sessions to further explore social capital.  In addition to Condeluci’s workshop, Dr Robert Ellis, TRC’s Senior psychologist (known to all as “Dr. Bob”), presented a fascinating session called “Dancing with Autism: Teaching Imitation.”  During his talk, Ellis gave a quick overview of autism and imitation and how autism remains a puzzle to this day.

“We do not know what causes it or how to fix it,” remarked Dr. Bob.

The third morning presenter was Katie Knaak, who served as TRC’s Director of Social Services for many years.  In her session, “Person-Centered Planning: Helping People Create a Life with Meaning,” Katie discussed how staff at all levels can help a person recognize his or her gifts and become more connected with the community.

Following another wonderful luncheon break, five more afternoon speakers wrapped up the conference.  Terri Johnson, TRC’s Individualized Services Administrator, and Shannon Prince, Applied Behavioral Science Specialist, led a discussion on social skills groups for children; Joe Clem, Nurtured Heart Approach Advanced Trainer, discussed the nurtured heart approach as a simple, yet powerful tool for creating relationships; and Michelle Williams, TRC’s Director of Mental Health Services, discussed the art of change and engaging with others, with the use of effective communication skills and person-centered approaches to recovery.

The last two sessions included a presentation by Leanna Luka-Conley, TRC’s new Director of Social Services, and Victoria Patti, Youth Engagement Specialist with the Chautauqua Tapestry project, about workshops for siblings of children with special needs.  The workshops celebrate the contributions made by brothers and sisters of children’s with special needs.  The other presentation featured Dan Otterbein, a retired Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, discussed the benefits and applications in medical, mental and addiction rehab settings of tai chi as well as demonstrated its form.

Also as part of the event, several vendor tables were set up for those who wanted to learn more.  In addition, original works of art, created by those with disabilities as part of TRC’s “Creations” art program, were on display for sale.

Besides The Resource Center, TRC Foundation and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council sponsored the Educational Conference.

At the end of each presentation, those on hand had the opportunity to evaluate each session.  This will enable TRC to collect valuable comments and feedback for next year’s Educational Conference and help the agency keep up with the changing times.