June 5 Summit
2025 Innovation Summit – Hurry! Registration Closes May 27!
9:30 am - 4:00 pm | Thursday, June 5, 2025 | Quest Conference Center, Westerville, OH
Join your peers and colleagues from across Ohio at the 2025 Innovation Summit. This year’s theme— “Innovation Means Partnership”—focuses on how meaningful partnerships can drive real change. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of innovation through partnership. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and make a lasting impact.
Learning Objectives:
- Empower Yourself: Discover strategies to advocate for your needs, take charge of your decisions, and explore leadership opportunities to shape your future.
- Build Stronger Teams: Gain practical tools to foster positive, productive relationships with your team and enhance collaboration.
- Inspire Change Through Partnerships: Hear powerful stories from individuals who’ve successfully partnered with community organizations to create inclusive opportunities and deepen community connections.
- Prioritize Your Well-Being: Learn actionable ways to nurture your physical, emotional, social, and creative health so you can be the best version of yourself.
Agenda:
| Time | Topic | Description | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30am-9:30am | Registration & Networking | Check in at the registration desk when you arrive to pick up your credentials and Summit materials. Then enjoy morning coffee/refreshments while you connect with your peers and colleagues from across Ohio. | Edison 1 and 2 |
| 9:30am-10:30am | Welcome to the Summit | We set the stage for the day. | Edison 1 and 2 |
| 10:30am-10:45am | Break | Grab another cup and/or introduce yourself to someone it seems like you should know. | Edison 1 and 2 |
| 10:45am-11:45am | Breakout Sessions 1 | Various | |
| 11:45am-1:00pm | Lunch | Continue networking with your peers and colleagues over the provided buffet lunch. Or take a break from all the action and step outside for a bit of fresh air before more great sessions and conversations follow in the afternoon. | Edison 1 & 2 |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | Breakout Sessions 2 | Various | |
| 2:00pm-2:15pm | Break | Wow, what a day! Enjoy a mid-afternoon stretch before rounding out the day on a high note. | Edison 1 & 2 |
| 2:15pm-3:15pm | Breakout Sessions 3 | Various | |
| 3:15pm-4:00pm | Wrap Up | Let's synthesize and reflect on the day. What are our takeaways and next steps? | Edison 1 & 2 |
Breakout Sessions
Note: Breakout session schedule will be finalized later in May.
Building Relationships with Your DSP
Advocates will discuss how to supervise and manage their DSPs or staff while understanding the role of the provider, SSA, and function of the OhioISP. This session will address what to do when things "go wrong."
County Board of Developmental Disabilities Leading Community Partnerships
County boards across Ohio are partnering with local organizations to create more inclusive and accessible communities. Learn strategies and resources to support your community in this session.
Dungeons, Dragons and Decisions
A choose-your-own-adventure style game focused on supported decision-making.
Partnerships for Inclusion in Rural Counties
Learn about the supports available to help people with disabilities enter into the farming or agriculture industries as well as county fair accessibility.
Pitch Perfect: Finding Your Voice with Your SSA
People served by the developmental disability system often have several Service and Support Administrators (SSA) over the years. Whether supported by a veteran or new SSA, learn tips for clear and respectful communication, trust building, navigating barriers, and understanding the difference between an SSA and a miracle worker! Hear directly from advocates, "everything I wish my team knew!"
Report Out on Quillo: A Charting the LifeCourse App
A new app has been on trial for people supported by Ohio's developmental disability system. The app is based on Charting the LifeCourse and allows people to connect directly with their team to plan for a good life. Hear an update on how this project has been going and what comes next.
Supported Decision Making as the Preferred Alternative to Guardianship
Learn about a resource toolkit to help advocates, families, and professionals use Supported Decision Making.
Supportive Technology: A Key Tool for Ohio's DD System
This session will discuss how technology can be used across the lifespan to increase independence, choice, and control in the lives of people with disabilities. We will hear from two of our Tech Hubs in Ohio and discuss the new Health Assessment waiver service.
Training the Future Board Member
Learn about The Guiding Voices in County Board Governance, a guide for people interested in being a member of their local county board of developmental disabilities.
Transportation is a Journey, Not a Destination
This session will include a panel discussion of statewide transportation resources as well as an interactive activity with transportation mapping tools to grow personal networks and expand options.
Wellness in Action: iDance
In this interactive session, participants will use creative expression in the performing arts. iDance offers a diverse curriculum for students of all ages and abilities.
Wellness in Action: We Thrive Together
Join this interactive session to learn about creating art and music with technology including the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Wellness in Action: The Wellness Project
The Wellness Project is a collection of resources and practices to support and enhance your individual and organizational wellness and resilience.
What Does Being Independent Really Mean?
When you hear the word ‘independent,’ what comes to mind? Doing things on your own? Living without help? In this session, we’re challenging that idea and redefining independence. Whether it’s friends, family, tech, paid supports, or coworkers- we all rely on a variety of help to get through the day, reach our goals, and overcome challenges.
What are Community Connections?
Identify your community connections by understanding what "community" means to you and the people you support.