2024
Self-Direction Conference
The NJ Self-Direction Conference is designed to educate, promote and highlight self-advocacy.
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This year's theme of Back to the Future will showcase the lessons of self-direction's past and strategies to enhance self-direction for future generations.
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Get ready to fast-forward your future!
About 2024
Self-direction Conference
Location - Brower Student Center at The College of New Jersey, 2000 Pennington Rd, Ewing Township, NJ 08618 (in-person)
Day One - Thursday, October 31st, 2024; 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Social and Networking Event
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Day Two - Friday, November 1st, 2024; 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Conference and Workshops
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Need hotel accommodations nearby?
We have reserved rooms at the Marriott Courtyard Ewing Princeton for $149.
You can book your room here. Make sure to select the correct date of your stay!
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What to look forward to…
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Learning Opportunities from:
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The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities,
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DDD's Office of Education on Self-Directed Services,
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Self-Advocates with lived experience,
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Leaders in the disability community - including Paul Aronsohn, NJ's statewide Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, as well as Keynotes Ric Crowley, Deborah Prockner and Kevin G. Nuñez!
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Join us at the NJ Self-Direction Conference, where we blend the best of the past and the possibilities of tomorrow to empower you to take control of your journey.
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November 1st, 2024 Agenda
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9:00 am – 10:30 am
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Keynote Speaker – “Self-Direction: Back to the Future”
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Presenter: Ric Crowley
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Presenter Organization: Macrow Associates
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10:40 am – 11:40 am
Track 1: Self Direction 101
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Session Name: Using Charting the LifeCourse to Build Collaborative Relationships in Self-Directed Services
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Presenters: Colleen McLaughlin and Jaime Zahid
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Presenter Organization: The Boggs Center on Human Development
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10:40 – 11:40 am
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Track 2: Principles of Self Direction
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Session Name: Self-Direction Panel Discussion: Exploring Foundations, Current Practices, and Future Visions
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Facilitators: Patricia Brennan, Jessica Licona, Ashley Ritchey
Panelists: Stephen Gruzlovic, Michael Fondacaro, Grace Fondacaro, Ann Martinelli and Joe Martinelli
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Presenter Organizations: The NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities and Office of Education on Self-Directed Services
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11:50 am – 1:05 pm
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Session Name: Lunch and Learn- Policies and Procedures Surrounding Self-Direction
Presenters: Becky Thomas and Greg Motchnik
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Presenter Organization: Division of Developmental Disabilities
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1:10 pm – 2:25 pm
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Session Name: Subject Matter Experts, Olmstead at 25: Looking Back, Looking Forward
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Presenters: Paul Aronsohn, Josh Godown, with Carl Mobley, Brandon Mager and Barb Mannix, Self-Advocates
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Presenter Organizations: State of New Jersey, Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families & Bridges Supports Coordination, LLC
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2:35 pm – 3:35 pm
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Track 1: Self Direction 101
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Session Name: How to Eat the Elephant
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Presenter: Deborah Prockner
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Presenter Organization: Macrow Associates
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2:35 pm – 3:35 pm
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Track 2: Principles of Self Direction
Session Name: What's working for YOU in Self-Direction?
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Presenters: Patty Kowalchuk and Pam King
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Presenter Organization: Royal Community Support and Self-Advocate
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3:35 pm - 4:00 pm
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Closing Call to Action led by Ric Crowley and Deborah Prockner​​
the 2024 Nj self-direction conference
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