2026 Annual Conference Sessions

Cultivating Leaders: Today's Supervisors, Tomorrow's Leaders

About This Session

Today's frontline supervisors have often entered their role with little to no supervisory experience, are promoted after demonstrating excellence in direct support, and enter their new role as a leader with little to no training or support. How do we provide the support, training, and experiences necessary for new supervisors to thrive and support the teams they lead today, and engage and inspire them as the next generation of leaders? Tomorrow's leaders will reshape how services are provided and will build on the work of those who came before them. This session will include a brief case study of an effective blended learning training program for supervisors and include small group discussion and shared learning focused on strategies for providing informal and formal professional development opportunities that can build leadership experiences and engage leaders at all levels in building tomorrow.

Speaker: Megan Sanders

Applicant Screening Assessments

About This Session

This session will provide an overview of tools utilized to effectively screen applicants for the Direct Support Professional position. With advancement in technology, it is imperative that the employee have digital literacy to log their hours worked, document completed programing, and be able to chart medication administration. Employes must also have the passion to support those in need which can be assessed through customizable personality assessments.

Speakers: Rachel Gustofson and Lisa Nicholas

Building Solid Systems in Minnesota

About This Session

In this breakout, we’re laying out the foundations of quality in disability services. From protecting rights, to promoting respect, addressing abuse, improving natural supports, and other areas – attendees will learn the building blocks for organizational excellence. Then, we’ll share tips, techniques, and action steps for creating quality services, evaluating effectiveness, and ensuring it’s benefitting the people you support.

Speaker: Courtney Kelly Chapman

Navigating Difficult Conversations

About This Session

When teams come together to support someone in shaping their path, it’s natural for disagreements to arise. It’s easy to delay difficult discussions, hoping time will smooth things over. Real progress comes when we lean in with courage, conviction, and compassion. With a commitment to truly hearing each other, conflict turns into collaboration. Discover how purposeful conversations unlock unity, inspire progress, and move us forward—together.

Speakers: Christina Kurchner and Erin Martin

The First 90 Days That Matter: Helping DSPs Stay and Grow

About This Session

The first 90 days matter most for DSP retention. Join this engaging session to explore creative, practical strategies that help new staff build confidence, connection, and purpose early in their roles. From mentorship and competency-based training to leadership support and culture-building, discover ways organizations can move beyond orientation and create a strong start that keeps DSPs committed for the long haul.

Speaker: Claire Benway

Licensing Trends 2025

About This Session

In this training, we will look back at 2025 licensing trends and review the top three violations as identified in 245D correction orders. We all want to provide the best services possible and that includes understanding licensing requirements to ensure that we are compliant with the rules and regulations. Whether you are brand new to the field and want to set yourself up for success by avoiding common mistakes, or you are a current provider who wants to ensure your current practices are matching what licensors are looking for, we hope you join us for this informative class. For this course, we will discuss:

  • The top 3 licensing violations including their applicable citations
  • Honorable mentions of licensing violations
  • Methods to recognize these potential violations in your own documentation
  • Tips to remain compliant to 245D and the Positive Supports Rule (PSR)

Don't let, "I didn't know that!" be a barrier on your next licensing visit. Empower your organization and confidently say, "I know it and I've got it!"

Speaker: Brittney Zeller

Breaking the Forgetting Curve: Five Strategies for Training that Sticks

About This Session

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I just trained my team on that—why aren’t they doing it?” Despite ongoing training efforts, many professionals struggle to retain and apply what they’ve learned. Traditional training methods often fail to engage learners in a way that leads to lasting knowledge and meaningful behavior change. In this dynamic and interactive session, we’ll explore the Forgetting Curve, learning and retention barriers, and uncover five proven strategies to make training more effective, engaging, and memorable. Attendees will leave with practical tools to enhance learning retention, boost competence, and foster a culture of continuous improvement in their teams.

Speakers: Sarah Stein

Life Sharing

About This Session

Update on current application and guidance for Life sharing. Life Sharing is a relationship‑based HCBS residential model. This session provides an overview of the Life Sharing service as provided today and into the future highlighting how shared daily life, natural relationships, and person‑centered practices support stability, community integration, and individualized outcomes. Attendees will learn how Life Sharing functions as a regulated alternative to traditional group living within HCBS systems and future planed waiver amendments to make Life Sharing its own service.

Speaker: Ric Nelson, Larua Vogel, Jen Eleraas, Scott Schifsky (DHS), other members of the DHS Coalition Work Group on Life Sharing

Beyond Compliance: What Providers Need to Hear (But Don’t Always Get to Hear)

About This Session

A candid discussion examining how well-intentioned systems can unintentionally create harm or silence disabled voices, and what accountability, shared leadership, and culture shift can look like in practice.

Speaker: Lexi Dunn

Partnering with Lived Experience: Practical Strategies for Authentic Collaboration

About This Session

A constructive, solution-focused session exploring how providers can move beyond consultation toward meaningful partnership — strengthening person-centered practice while reducing unintended systemic barriers.

Speaker: Lexi Dunn

And more to be announced soon!

Conference Registration