This conference is named in loving memory of Jody Acford -- dedicated parent and AANE community & board member.
AANE's renowned Jody Acford Conference presents comprehensive information on the public and private benefits, services, and supports available to adults on the spectrum in Massachusetts and New York and is available to the entire community: individuals with Asperger/autism profiles, family, friends, and professionals.
This year's conference topics include financial planning and guardianship alternatives, healthcare, housing, post-secondary education and vocational supports, social security, and more!
Presentation recordings will be available until May 30, 2022
COST: AANE Non-Member $50 / AANE Member $40 (contact development@aane.org
Thank You to Our Platinum and Gold Conference Sponsors! Learn more about all our sponsors here.
MASSACHUSETTS EDITION: MARCH 5 + 6
Conference Agenda
MA Edition: Saturday, March 5
Click the titles below to learn more about each presentation.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE
Overview of Public & Private Benefits for Adults with Aspergers/Autism in Massachusetts
Betty Hallenbeck, PhD, Special Educator, Trainer
Adults on the spectrum can take advantage of many public, federal, and state benefits programs, and they can tap into a number of private services as well. This session gives adults and their families an overview of what’s available; the high-priority services for common scenarios, and a roadmap for navigating to the conference sessions that will best meet their needs.
Betty Hallenbeck holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Virginia. She has taught preschool through graduate school for over 35 years. Betty has worked as a LifeMap coach and coach supervisor. She provides preservice and in-service training to teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators. She also serves as an advocate for families needing additional support negotiating the special education process. She is the parent of two young adults: one with Asperger's and one with complex medical issues. Her interests include watercolor painting, gardening, pen and ink art, reading, fitness, and gluten-free cooking. Betty lives in southern Maine with human and furry family members.
Overview of Social Security Income Subsidies
Dr. Kathryn Collins-Wooley, Massachusetts Disability Determination Services Medical Consultant, Psychologist
When competitive employment is not an option, most will turn to Social Security for disability benefits -- either supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This session will summarize these benefits and cover the adult Social Security application process.
Kathryn Collins-Wooley, PhD is a psychologist in private practice in Hingham. She has been a medical consultant to Disability Determination Services for the past 22 years. Kate has spoken widely about benefits for adults with disabilities and has written several articles for AANE on this topic. Kate currently sits on the Program/Conference Committee as well as the Strategic Planning Committee at AANE. She is the parent of an adult with ASD.
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Adult Autism Services from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Lea Hill, Autism Program Coordinator, DDS- Northeast Region & Maria Stefano, Autism Program Coordinator, DDS- Metro Region; and Maria Stefano, Autism Program Coordinator, DDS - Metro Region
This session will discuss Department of Developmental Services (DDS) eligibility criteria as well as services available for adults with autism spectrum profiles through the DDS.
Lea Hill is the Autism Program Coordinator for the DDS Northeast Region. The position was created in response to the 2014 Autism Omnibus Law which expanded DDS eligibility to include adults with autism regardless of intellectual disability. The role was created to provide support, training, and guidance for the ASD Service Coordinators, Supervisors, and Area Directors for the newly eligible population. Lea also works closely with providers and direct support staff on their training needs, issues, and challenges they are facing while serving adults with autism, and celebrating success along the way.
Maria Stefano, as Autism Program Coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Development Services Metro Region, helps to support adults with autism. In working with DDS area, regional, and central offices, she maintains and shares information and resources, conducts presentations, collaborates on the design and implementation of new autism services, arranges training opportunities, and serves as a liaison to schools, service providers, and other state agencies.
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LifeMAP
Nataliya Poto, Director of LifeMAP Coaching Programs, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
This workshop is a presentation of AANE's coaching programs called LifeMAP. LifeMAP consists of eight subprograms: LifeMAP for Teens, CollegeMAP, InterviewPREP, Practice Interview, WorkMAP, LifeMAP over 50, LifeMAP in Spanish, LifeMAP Foundation. All LifeMAP programs are intensive, practical, highly individualized life coaching programs for individuals with Asperger/autism profiles. LifeMAP is staffed by trained Master and Doctoral level professionals with expertise in Asperger/autism profiles. Coaches help clients use their strengths to identify and overcome the particular barriers they face. The ultimate goal of LifeMAP is for clients to improve their quality of life, increase their independence, and progress toward reaching their full potential.
Nataliya S. Poto, M.A.is the Director of LifeMAP Coaching Programs and Asperger/Autism Professional Coaching Association (AAPCA) at AANE. She began as an intern at AANE back in 2008 and her first project was to develop and evaluate the LifeMAP coaching program. Over the last 14 years, the LifeMAP programs have served more than 3,000 clients. As a LifeMAP Coach, Mrs. Poto successfully assists clients with their goals in the areas of higher education, career development, employment, personal growth, relationship-building, independent living, and more. She and her team also conceptualized LifeMAP’s unique coaching approaches into the AsperCoach curriculum, a Certification program offered annually at AANE. Prior to joining AANE, Mrs.Poto taught Psychology at UMASS Lowell and conducted applied research evaluating employment and music intervention programs for youth with ASD. She is the co-author of several research articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Her research has been presented at national and international conferences. A native of Ukraine, Mrs. Poto for the last 20 years has been residing in Northern MA with her husband and her son. Mrs. Poto enjoys traveling, skiing, gardening, and spending time with her family.
LifeNet Independent Living Support Program
Jay O’Brien, MPA, Director, LifeNet, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
This workshop is a presentation on AANE’s case management program, LifeNet. It is a private pay, independent living support program for adults with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum profiles. LifeNet is designed to offer peace of mind that an adult on the spectrum will be supported as they navigate adulthood by a devoted team from the trusted AANE non-profit organization.
Jay O’Brien, MPA oversees the design, development, and sustainability of the LifeNet program, and is responsible for operations, human resources, marketing, technology, legal, budgeting/finance, and quality assurance. Prior to leading LifeNet, Jay was co-founder and director of a nonprofit information provider for families of individuals with autism and other developmental differences. Jay received an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a Harvard Alumni Public Service Fellow, and a BA from Holy Cross College.
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Health Insurance for Adults with Autism
Amy Weinstock, Director, Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health, UMass Chan Medical School
This presentation discusses health care coverage for adults on the spectrum. It also includes information about private Insurance, keeping a dependent on a parent’s policy, public health insurance such as Medicaid and Medicare, and how Social Security affects health insurance coverage.
Amy Weinstock is the Director of the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health at the UMass Chan Medical School’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, and an instructor in the medical school’s Department of Psychiatry. She has an extensive background on insurance issues related to autism and has played a key role in passing several significant pieces of autism insurance legislation in Massachusetts, including the groundbreaking 2010 law requiring health insurance to cover medically necessary treatment for autism.
Transportation Assistance Programs & Resources
Linda Shepard Salzer, Travel Trainer, Paratransit
Knowing your transportation options and how to use them increases access to vocational, educational, recreational and social opportunities. This session provides an overview of transportation resources available in Massachusetts for people with disabilities, such as travel training, fare discount programs, adaptive driving programs, paratransit services, and how to find which resources are available in your area.
Linda Shepard Salzer has served as a Travel Trainer in the Greater Boston area since 2013, and previously in Sacramento. Her other work in social services has included early intervention, vocational, residential, in-home, and community-based case management for children and adults with autism and sensory, physical, and cognitive disabilities. She has worked in Denver, Tulsa, Sacramento, the Seattle area, and the Boston area. She has also worked with individuals with chronic mental health issues and chronic homelessness. Linda is English/Spanish bilingual, has experience writing social stories, and created a tactile map of the T.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE
MA Edition: Sunday, March 6
Click the titles below to learn more about each presentation.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) Employment & Other Support Services for Adults with Autism
Sonya Alexander, Director MRC Connect ; Sheryl Cruz, Supervisor MRC Connect; and Kaitlin Morrissette, Supervisor MRC Connect
This session is an orientation to MRC Connect, a single application process and integrated support team that guides individuals with disabilities through the process of applying for and utilizing vocational, home care assistance, supported living, and traumatic brain injury services.
Sheryl Cruz Garcia, M.A., MRC Connect Supervisor: Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Puerto Rico, has worked for Vocational Rehabilitation, MRC in Springfield since 2013 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, became a supervisor in 2015 for the Springfield Vocational Rehabilitation office before joining the MRC Connect team as a supervisor in July 2020.
Kaitlin Morrissette, M.A., C.R.C., MRC Connect Supervisor: Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College, has worked for MRC since 2014 as a vocational rehabilitation counselor before joining the MRC Connect team as a supervisor in February 2021.
Sonya Alexander, MRC Connect Director has worked for MRC for 18 years. During this time she has worked as a Vocational Disability Examiner and Medical Relation Officer for MRC Disability Determination Services , she joined the MRC Connect Team as a Director in July of 2021.
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10:15-10:35 AM - Barbara Bissonette, Principal & Certified Coach, Forward Motion Coaching
This presentation will review the innovative and successful coaching program, Forward Motion Coaching, in helping adults with autism profiles obtain and sustain employment.
Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach and the Principle of Forward Motion Coaching. She specializes in career development coaching for individuals with Asperger’s/Autism. She is the author of the award-winning Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome; the Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide; and Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get & Stay Hired. Barbara also offers consultations to parents, professionals and employers. Training includes the Asperger’s/Autism Employment Coach Certification for professionals and Employment Success for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum for vocational rehabilitation specialists. Prior to coaching, Barbara spent more than 20 years in business, most recently as Vice President of Marketing and Sales. In addition to first-hand experience hiring and managing people at all levels, she understands the challenges of Asperger’s/Autism and focuses on practical strategies for employment success. Barbara earned a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (now Williams James College) and is certified by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
10:35-10:55 AM - Jack Lewis, MEd, Associate Program Manager, Aspire Works
This presentation will review the innovative and successful programs of Aspire Works, MGH and how these programs help adults with autism profiles obtain and sustain employment.
Jack Lewis oversees the internship program for young adults and adults with high cognitive autism and related profiles. Jack began his career in education by working with individuals on the autism spectrum at Weston High School. His four years at Weston allowed him to gain a deeper insight into the unique strengths and challenges of this population. Jack managed the day-to-day lives of students while utilizing a strengths-based approach to ensure their individual growth. Jack helped to develop a transition planning curriculum for the students in an inclusion program to support their transition to life after high school. Jack has overseen and supported students with Weston’s senior internship program throughout his years. During his time at Weston High School, Jack was the head diving coach for Boston College. Jack was able to incorporate the leadership skills gained from coaching into his job with Weston. He feels strongly that having an adult who creates an inclusive environment and safe space for all enhances their potential for personal and professional growth. Jack completed his master’s degree in special education for moderate disabilities from Lesley University and his undergraduate degree in recreation management from Springfield College.
10:55 -11:15 AM - Micah Fleisig, Senior Manager, Disability Services, Jewish Vocational Service(JVS)
This presentation will review JVS's Transitions to Work, the innovative and successful training, coaching, and job placement program. Transitions to Work enables adults with autism profiles to obtain and sustain employment.
Micah Fleisig is Manager of Disability Services at JVS in Boston. Transitions to Work provides internship training and job placement with major employer partners like CVS, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Whole Foods, Beth Israel Deaconess, and Boston Children's Hospital. The program has placed 63% of its interns in paid, permanent positions with more than 83% of those retaining their jobs at least three months. Any individual with a disability is eligible who has a desire to work and is between 16-35 years. Micah has been working with Transitions to Work since its start in November 2011. In addition to Transitions to Work, Micah helps lead JVS’s Career Coaching services for individuals who are funded by the Department of Developmental Services and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Micah holds a Master’s in Education (MEd) and has spent more than 20 years supporting individuals in a variety of settings.
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Housing 101
Cathy Boyle, Autism Housing Pathways
This presentation is “Housing 101”. Thinking about Housing introduces families and individuals to the range of state and federal funds available to pay for housing and supportive services. Some examples are given of how these can be combined with private funding to create housing opportunities.
Cathy Boyle is the president of Autism Housing Pathways, a non-profit organization that works with people with developmental disabilities and their families to identify housing options. A commissioner of the Winchester Housing Authority, and a member of the Winchester Housing Partnership Board, she has successfully completed 60 hours of HUD housing counseling training. Cathy holds a certificate of graduate studies from UMass Boston in adapting curriculum.
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1:30 PM -1:50 PM - Eric Endlich, Ph.D., Founder, Top College Consultants
Autistic students can thrive in college given the proper supports and services, but not all colleges provide them. Come to this workshop to learn how families can optimize the college search process and ensure that students are college-ready. Your questions are welcome!
Eric Endlich, Ph.D., founder of Top College Consultants®, helps autistic students worldwide transition to college. His extensive list of autism-friendly colleges is popular among families and education professionals alike. An experienced clinical psychologist, Dr. Endlich serves on the clinical advisory board of AANE, helped found AANE's Neurodiverse Couples Institute and has co-written the AAPC book, Older Autistic Adults, In Their Own Words. He co-manages a large Facebook group, Parents of College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and ASD.
1:50 PM -2:10 PM - Mary Sokolowski, Ph.D., Admissions Coordinator, College Internship Program (CIP)
This presentation will cover the services offered by CIP as one of the most comprehensive programs in the world for assisting young adults with learning differences to succeed in college, employment, and independent living.
Mary E. Sokolowski, PhD. Before joining the CIP Berkshire center as Admissions Coordinator, Mary Sokolowski has worked in the field of post-secondary education as an instructor and administrator for over twenty years. Most recently she served as adjunct faculty at Anne Arundel Community College in Annapolis, Maryland as well as at a number of colleges and universities in Rhode Island. Dr. Sokolowski previously worked as Director of Federal Relations at SUNYBinghamton and Director of Community and Government Relations at Salve Regina University. Mary has a passion for working with students with learning differences. In the classroom, she engages in student-centered and multimodal teaching and learning. As an administrator, Mary seeks to build bridges between various constituencies and to be able to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM - Gina Apicella, MS, BCBA, LBA, Vice President of Autism Services at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is a nationally accredited transitional living program and approved private special education school with a mission of empowering adults (18+) with developmental and social disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. Our comprehensive, individualized REACH and Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition (ASAT) residential programs located in New Haven, CT provide learning in practical academics, life skills, apartment living, job development, social communicative competence, recreation and help with college. Students may then transition into a community apartment with lifelong support services and a continuing education component. We also offer virtual learning and social events through Chapel Haven Online, structured day programs, recreation programs, vocational training and a host of other options, both for graduates of our residential programs and for those outside of the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center community who are seeking services.
Gina Apicella, MS, BCBA, LBA. As the Vice President of Autism Services at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Gina oversees programming for the Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition (ASAT) Program and ASAT Community Outreach Services. Gina has been helping adults achieve independence in the human service field since 2008 and joined the Chapel Haven family in 2012. She has a special interest in behavioral interventions and pedagogy specific to adults with autism and how to make it most functional in applied settings, such as the workplace, independent living, and the community.
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Legal Planning and Alternatives to Guardianship
Ken Shulman, Attorney, Day Pitney, LLC; and Barbara Jackins, Attorney Legal Planning for Special Needs
This workshop will focus on estate planning, which is important to ensure an adult child of long-term financial security and to make sure that financial systems are in place to protect both assets and any benefits an adult may be receiving. The workshop will also discuss alternatives to guardianship that are appropriate for adults with Asperger profiles.
Ken Shulman is an attorney at the firm of Day Pitney, LLC. His general estate planning practice includes estate planning and related issues for elders and for families who have disabled children. He is a former board member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Ken regularly speaks to consumer groups, professionals in the field, and others interested in issues related to aging, disability, advocacy, financial planning, and the preservation of government entitlements. He has served as a board member for several human service agencies, including the Greater Boston ARC, and has also served as a consultant to the Massachusetts Office of Handicapped Affairs, the Massachusetts Disability Law Center, and the Massachusetts Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee. He is past chair of the Elder and Disability Planning Committee of the Boston Bar Association, He is a past member of the Board of AANE and currently a member of the Executive Advisory Committee. He also served on the Combined Jewish Philanthropies Committee on Disabilities and on its Committee on Caring and Social Justice. Ken frequently represents clients in guardianship matters and often serves as a trustee for families. Ken is the co-author of Managing a Special Needs Trust: A Guide for Trustees (DisAbilitiesBooksPress, LLP., 2019). Ken is a graduate, with distinction of Northwestern University and earned his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
Barbara Jackins is an attorney in Lexington, MA. For over 40 years, she has been assisting people with disabilities and their families with guardianship, housing, special needs trusts, and public benefits. She has written several books on disability-related topics, most recently Legal Planning for Special Needs in Massachusetts: A Family Guide to SSI, Guardianship, and Estate Planning (2017); Managing a Special Needs Trust: A Guide for Trustees (co-author with Ken W. Shulman and Richard S. Blank, 2020), and Moving Out: A Family Guide to Residential Planning for Adults with Disabilities (co-author with Dafna Krouk-Gordon, 2013). Barbara is the parent of an adult son with special needs.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE
NEW YORK EDITION: MARCH 26 + 27
Conference Agenda
NY Edition: Saturday, March 26
Click the titles below to learn more about each presentation.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE
Overview of Public & Private Benefits for Adults with Aspergers/Autism in New York State
Leslie Feinberg, NY Resource & Referral Specialist, AANE & Pat Schissel, LMSW, NY Director, AANE
Adults on the spectrum can take advantage of many public, federal, and New York state benefits programs, and they can tap into a number of private services as well. This session gives adults and their families an overview of what’s available, the high-priority services for common scenarios, and a roadmap for navigating to the conference sessions that will best meet their needs.
Leslie Feinberg is the NY Resource & Referral Specialist at AANE and founded Supporting Our Young Adults Network (SOYAN) which she created to meet the needs of parents in the community whose children utilize NYS self-directed services so they may lead a self-determined life.
Patricia Schissel, LMSW is the NY Director and a senior clinician at AANE. Her experience includes adjunct faculty at Adelphi University and at the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. She has served on numerous national committees and boards and has also played an instrumental role in the founding of innovative new programs that have achieved national renown, including the Westbrook Preparatory School.
Overview Social Security Income Subsidies
Dr. Kathryn Collins-Wooley, Massachusetts Disability Determination Services Medical Consultant, Psychologist
When competitive employment is not an option, most will turn to Social Security for disability benefits -- either supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This session will summarize these benefits and cover the adult Social Security application process.
Kathryn Collins-Wooley, PhD is a psychologist in private practice in Hingham. She has been a medical consultant to Disability Determination Services for the past 22 years. Kate has spoken widely about benefits for adults with disabilities and has written several articles for AANE on this topic. Kate currently sits on the Program/Conference Committee as well as the Strategic Planning Committee at AANE. She is the parent of an adult with ASD.
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Applying for and Accessing OPWDD Services
Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) 2:
Vickie Fergus, LCSW-R, Social Work Supervisor- Regional Front Door Lead
Dr. Brian Walder, Licensed Psychologist- Eligibility Department Lead
Michelle Langdon, LMSW, Developmental Disabilities Program Specialist- Regional Waiver Department Lead
This presentation provides a brief overview of how to access services from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. We will discuss the Front Door Process, eligibility review steps, and supports/services.
Vickie Fergus, LCSW-R, oversees the day-to-day operations of the New York State OPWDD Region 2 Front Door Department which includes oversite of Front Door process, Care Coordination Support, Children’s Waiver, and LEAN activities. Previously she was a Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) Supervisor and also was formerly a Medicaid Service Coordinator specifically for the Willowbrook Class. Prior to employment with OPWDD, Mrs. Fergus was a Supervisor at a local outpatient Substance Use Disorders Clinic as well as a Habilitation Specialist at a Not-for-profit agency. Mrs. Fergus previously owned and operated a Private Practice in her hometown of Greene, NY. In 2000 she received her master’s degree in Social Work from Marywood University.
Brian Walder is a Licensed Psychologist within New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). He serves as the First Step Supervisor as well as the Eligibility Lead for the Broome District of the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) 2. Dr. Walder formerly served as the Forensic Liaison in the Broome District of DDRO 2. Prior to working at the DDRO, he served as an Associate Psychologist for Broome Developmental Disabilities State Operations as well as with the Office of Mental Health. In addition to his Eligibility expertise, he has experience providing clinical services in forensic settings, inpatient settings, and outpatient crisis clinics. Dr. Walder received his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Cornell University in 1985 and his PsyD in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant University.
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NY ABLE Accounts
Jenna McClosky, Outreach Coordinator/Administrative Analyst, NY ABLE and 529 College Savings Program, Office of the State Comptroller
The NY ABLE Program is a tax-advantaged savings program for individuals with disabilities and their families to save for their current or long-term needs while maintaining their ability to benefit from federal benefits programs such as SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. This program offers multiple investment options, including a checking account and debit card option, allowing individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and have quick and easy access to their own money. The NY ABLE team from OSC and Ascensus will be discussing program highlights such as:
- Who is eligible for NY ABLE
- How you can save and grow or grow your money with a NY ABLE account
- What Qualified Disability Expense is
- How to sign up
Jenna McClosky, Outreach Coordinator for NY ABLE and has been with the program for two and a half years. Jenna started with NY State in 2015 and was working in the non-profit field for several years prior to that.
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LifeMAP Coaching Programs
Nataliya Poto, Director of LifeMAP Coaching Programs, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
This workshop is a presentation of AANE's coaching programs called LifeMAP. LifeMAP consists of eight subprograms: LifeMAP for Teens, CollegeMAP, InterviewPREP, Practice Interview, WorkMAP, LifeMAP over 50, LifeMAP in Spanish, LifeMAP Foundation. All LifeMAP programs are intensive, practical, highly individualized life coaching programs for individuals with Asperger/autism profiles. LifeMAP is staffed by trained Master and Doctoral level professionals with expertise in Asperger/autism profiles. Coaches help clients use their strengths to identify and overcome the particular barriers they face. The ultimate goal of LifeMAP is for clients to improve their quality of life, increase their independence, and progress toward reaching their full potential.
Nataliya S. Poto, M.A.is the Director of LifeMAP Coaching Programs and Asperger/Autism Professional Coaching Association at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE). She began as an intern at AANE back in 2008 and her first project was to develop and evaluate the LifeMAP coaching program. Over the last 14 years, the LifeMAP programs have served more than 3,000 clients. As a LifeMAP Coach, Mrs. Poto successfully assists clients with their goals in the areas of higher education, career development, employment, personal growth, relationship-building, independent living and more. She and her team also conceptualized LifeMAP’s unique coaching approaches into the AsperCoach curriculum, a Certification program offered annually at AANE. Prior to joining AANE, Mrs.Poto taught Psychology at UMASS Lowell and conducted applied research evaluating employment and music intervention programs for youth with ASD. She is the co-author of several research articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Her research has been presented at national and international conferences. A native of Ukraine, Mrs. Poto for the last 20 years has been residing in Northern MA with her husband and her son. Mrs. Poto enjoys traveling, skiing, gardening, and spending time with her family.
LifeNet Independent Living Support Program
Jay O’Brien, MPA, Director, LifeNet, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE)
This workshop is a presentation on AANE’s case management program, LifeNet. It is a private pay, independent living support program for adults with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum profiles. LifeNet is designed to offer peace of mind that an adult on the spectrum will be supported as they navigate adulthood by a devoted team from the trusted AANE non-profit organization.
Jay O’Brien, MPA oversees the design, development, and sustainability of the LifeNet program, and is responsible for operations, human resources, marketing, technology, legal, budgeting/finance, and quality assurance. Prior to leading LifeNet, Jay was co-founder and director of a nonprofit information provider for families of individuals with autism and other developmental differences. Jay received an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, where he was a Harvard Alumni Public Service Fellow, and a BA from Holy Cross College.
NY Edition: Sunday, March 27
Click the titles below to learn more about each presentation.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE
Health Care Coverage for Adults with Autism
Amy Weinstock, Director, Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health, UMassChan Medical School
This presentation discusses health care coverage for adults on the spectrum. It also includes information about private Insurance, keeping a dependent on a parent’s policy, public health insurance such as Medicaid and Medicare, and how Social Security affects health insurance coverage.
Amy Weinstock is the Director of the Insurance Resource Center for Autism and Behavioral Health at the UMass Chan Medical School’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, and an instructor in the medical school’s Department of Psychiatry. She has an extensive background on insurance issues related to autism and has played a key role in passing several significant pieces of autism insurance legislation in Massachusetts, including the groundbreaking 2010 law requiring health insurance to cover medically necessary treatment for autism.
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10:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Barbara Bissonette, Principal & Certified Coach, Forward Motion Coaching
This presentation will review the innovative and successful coaching program, Forward Motion Coaching, in helping adults with autism profiles obtain and sustain employment.
Barbara Bissonnette is a certified coach and the Principle of Forward Motion Coaching. She specializes in career development coaching for individuals with Asperger’s/Autism. She is the author of the award-winning Complete Guide to Getting a Job for People with Asperger’s Syndrome; the Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide; and Helping Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Get & Stay Hired. Barbara also offers consultations to parents, professionals, and employers. Training includes the Asperger’s/Autism Employment Coach Certification for professionals and Employment Success for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum for vocational rehabilitation specialists. Prior to coaching, Barbara spent more than 20 years in business, most recently as Vice President of Marketing and Sales. In addition to first-hand experience hiring and managing people at all levels, she understands the challenges of Asperger’s/Autism and focuses on practical strategies for employment success. Barbara earned a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching from the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (now Williams James College) and is certified by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching.
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM - Debra Solomon, Spectrum Strategies
Why would someone on the autism spectrum use a private coach? Join this presentation and hear Spectrum Strategies Founder, Debra Solomon, discuss the many applications of coaching. Debra’s presentation will outline the different strategies she employs to help her clients, emphasizing the importance of coaching tailored to the needs of the particular individual, and building a relationship of trust with each client. Debra will share her own special approach to coaching and how her background and relationships are used to support her clients’ goals.
Debra K. Solomon, Founder of Spectrum Strategies, is a New York University-certified Life and Career Coach working with young adults with Asperger’s and other learning differences. As a parent of a young adult with Asperger’s, Debra is personally aware of the issues and challenges faced by her clients and shares what she has learned on her journey with her son with others. At Spectrum Strategies, Debra works with both the individual and the family to facilitate the transition from high school to college or the workplace. Through individual and group coaching, Debra provides the support and tools necessary for her clients to build a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling future in both their work and personal environments. Debra is on the Board of Directors of Yes She Can, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women with autism, as well as the Advisory Board of Autism Communities, a non-profit organization based in Long Island, New York that helps provide independent, safe and inclusive living environments for adults with autism. Debra was also chosen as one of the 2017 Long Island Business News Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business, an award that recognizes Long Island’s top women in the areas of business, education, government, and non-profit. Debra maintains offices in Manhattan and on Long Island. She also conducts coaching sessions remotely for clients throughout the country.
Recorded Presentation - Fredda Rosen, Executive Director, JobPath & Aimee Althoff, Associate Executive Director, JobPath
Customized Employment: Finding a Job That’s Right for You
It can be hard to find a job--and even harder to find one that really works for you. Customized employment provides tools to pinpoint the skills and talents that you can bring to the workforce and the conditions you need for success. The presenters will talk about how Job Path uses this strategy to work with employers to create jobs that work for the business and that are a good match for the job seeker.
Fredda Rosen has been a respected figure in the New York State disability advocacy community for more than forty years. Fredda came to Job Path in 1980 as the director of its Staten Island office and became Deputy Director and Director while the organization was a project of the Vera Institute of Justice. In 1999 she led Job Path’s spin-off from the Institute and established Job Path as an independent nonprofit. Fredda has served on numerous boards and advisory groups and presented Job Path’s work at conferences across the country. In 2018, she was honored by the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at their annual Disability Awareness Night at Yankee Stadium. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New York University.
Recorded Presentation - Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
ACCES-VR Overview of Services and Application Procedure
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11:30 AM - 11:50 AM - Mary Sokolowski, Ph.D., Admissions Coordinator, College Internship Program (CIP)
This presentation will cover the services offered by CIP. CIP is one of the most comprehensive programs in the world for assisting young adults with learning differences to succeed in college, employment, and independent living.
Mary E. Sokolowski, Ph.D. is the Admissions Coordinator at CIP’s Berkshire center and has worked in the field of post-secondary education as an instructor and administrator for over twenty years. Most recently she served as adjunct faculty at Anne Arundel Community College in Annapolis, Maryland as well as at a number of colleges and universities in Rhode Island. Dr. Sokolowski previously worked as Director of Federal Relations at SUNYBinghamton and Director of Community and Government Relations at Salve Regina University. Mary has a passion for working with students with learning differences. In the classroom, she engages in student-centered and multimodal teaching and learning. As an administrator, Mary seeks to build bridges between various constituencies and to be able to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM - Eric Endlich, Ph.D., Founder, Top College Consultants
Autistic students can thrive in college given the proper supports and services, but not all colleges provide them. Come to this workshop to learn how families can optimize the college search process and ensure that students are college-ready. Your questions are welcome!
Eric Endlich, Ph.D., founder of Top College Consultants®, helps autistic students worldwide transition to college. His extensive list of autism-friendly colleges is popular among families and education professionals alike. An experienced clinical psychologist, Dr. Endlich serves on the clinical advisory board of AANE, helped found AANE's Neurodiverse Couples Institute and has co-written the AAPC book, Older Autistic Adults, In Their Own Words. He co-manages a large Facebook group, Parents of College Bound Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and ASD.
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM - Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo, Vice President of Admissions and Marketing at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is a nationally accredited transitional living program and approved private special education school with a mission of empowering adults (18+) with developmental and social disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. Our comprehensive, individualized REACH and Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition (ASAT) residential programs located in New Haven, CT provide learning in practical academics, life skills, apartment living, job development, social communicative competence, recreation and help with college. Students may then transition into a community apartment with lifelong support services and a continuing education component. We also offer virtual learning and social events through Chapel Haven Online, structured day programs, recreation programs, vocational training and a host of other options, both for graduates of our residential programs and for those outside of the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center community who are seeking services.
Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo. As Vice President of Admissions and Marketing at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Catherine oversees the admissions process for all programs at Chapel Haven. She also coordinates Chapel Haven’s communications and marketing components, including social media, conferences, presentations, and media coverage. Catherine serves as a board member of the Westville Village Renaissance Alliance to advocate for Chapel Haven in the local community and utilizes her 20+ years in the communications field as a board member of the Greater CT Public Relations Society of America.
Visit our virtual sponsor booths!
Looking to the Future: Housing Options for People with Developmental Disabilities
John Maltby, Co-Director of New York Housing Resource Center
The session will address why the certified group home system is no longer desirable or sustainable. It will outline the steps that a person with a developmental disability and their family might take in order to create a long-lasting, fulfilling, safe and healthy home. The session will also highlight ways in which people with developmental disabilities and their families can advocate for improved systems and broader housing opportunities.
John Maltby spent 36 years on Wall Street before leaving the industry in 2007. He graduated with an M.S. from the Columbia University School of Social Work in May 2009. He served as the Director of Community Supports and Services at Westchester Institute for Human Development in Valhalla, NY and as Assistant Professor, Institute of Public Health at New York Medical College. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University in both the Business school and the School of Social Work. John's particular focus for the last several years has been on providing housing options for people with developmental disabilities. He is the author of the "Housing Resource Guide", the "Report to the Housing Task Force" and "What Happens When I'm Gone". All three publications are designed to be accessible to people with developmental disabilities and their families, their advocates, professionals who provide support and to policymakers. John is the creator of the Housing Navigator training program and co-director of the newly created Housing Resource Center. John is an advocate for his son and for all people with disabilities and has served on local and national boards of provider and advocacy agencies for many years.
Janet Barbieri, Director of Programs, AANE