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

Constructing the New Paradigm:
Responding to Demographic and Economic Realities

PRELIMINARY Schedule
HOTEL Information
TRANSPORTATION Information
EXHIBIT Information
REGISTRATION Information

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

Organization of the Conference

"Constructing the New Paradigm" is organized around two of the seven goals in NASDDDS' strategic plan:

Goal 1. Assist states in developing effective systems of services that support people living with their families or alternative family/community options; and

Goal 4. Assist states in responding to initiatives to restructure long-term care service systems.

Break-out sessions relating to Goal 1 will feature states with creative programs to serve adults living with their families. Presenters will also look at state-funded community supports for people who are not eligible for Medicaid programs, those whose needs are not being met by Medicaid programs and therefore need supplementation, and others such as immigrant populations and refugees.

In fulfillment of Goal 4, the conference will include a plenary session with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' representatives providing an overview of organizational options in Medicaid-funded services and states that have effectively restructured their systems.

Leaders from state and federal agencies along with well-known political commentators, self-advocates and their families will give us insights and strategies to shape our dynamic future. Please join us.

HOTEL Information

The 2008 Annual Conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Old Town Alexandria located in the heart of Alexandria, convenient to Old Town Alexandria and Washington,D.C. The hotel near the Potomac River is eight blocks from shops and historic homes on Old Alexandria's revitalized waterfront. Numerous Old Town historic attractions are within walking distance or a short bus ride away including; Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate, Alexandria Black History Museum, and the Fort Ward Museum.

A special group rate has been reserved for a limited time at the hotel, but only until all group rooms have been allocated or until the group cut-off date, whichever comes first. The rate is $169 for a standard room plus applicable taxes. Deadline for reservations at the meeting discount rate is October 19, 2008. We suggest booking your reservations early by calling the hotel at 1-800-972-3159. Be sure to mention that you are attending the NASDDDS Annual Conference when making your reservation.

You can make your reservation online at
Crowne Plaza Hotel Old Town Alexandria
Enter Group Code: DDS to receive the conference rate

TRANSPORTATION Information (from hotel website)

Driving Directions: I-95 N to Exit 177B, continue North toward Alexandria to US I - 1.3 miles.
Turn right onto Pendleton street - 0.4 miles, turn left onto North Fairfax Street.

Custom Driving Directions are available via the hotel website.

EXHIBIT Information

If you are interested in having a tabletop exhibit at the NASDDDS Annual Conference, please contact Kara LeBeau at klebeau@nasddds.org or call (703) 683-4202.

REGISTRATION Information

The Conference registration fee for member state agency staff is $295 and $395 all other (non-member) attendees. The Conference registration fee includes: all meeting materials, sessions, morning and afternoon refreshments, a Wednesday night reception, and Thursday afternoon lunch. The registration fee does not include your hotel reservation or transportation to the conference.

The Directors' Forum ($95) and State DD Attorneys' Meeting ($95) registration fees includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch, and the Wednesday night reception.

Click HERE to Register

You will be invoiced for the registration fee after you complete and submit the registration form to the email address provided in your registration submission.

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