The Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch 15th Annual Family Advocacy Conference

The Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch 14th Annual Family Advocacy Conference

September 25, 2026

Registration Deadline is September 18, 2026

As we continue to build on the accomplishments of our previous conferences, this year’s conference continues with its goal to provide parents, siblings and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities current information in areas that affect those with special needs.

Parents, families, and caregivers, will become more informed and prepared in decision-making and planning for the future. The world of special needs is an ever changing, winding journey of joys and tears, and The Arc is here to provide as much support and information as possible.

Counselors, Social Workers, DD staff and other professionals will gain a better understanding of Ohio DD Waivers, DODD Updates, Changing Medicaid Landscape, Inter-RAI assessment tool, Federal Impact on services and how to better utilize this information when working with individuals with special needs and their families.

**The Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch would like to thank the following sponsors whose generosity helped make this event possible**

Event Sponsor

The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Gold Sponsors

The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities

The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Agenda

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Registration/Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:30 am

Welcome

Jennifer Bionci

Executive Director

The Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Changing Landscapes in National Medicaid

Director Scott Partika

Ohio Department of Medicaid

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

DODD Updates and Changes

Director Lyndsay Nash

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

The Inter-RAI

Deputy Director Allan Showalter

Development Administrator Janet Stephan

Division of Medicaid Development and Administration

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m.

Buffet Lunch

1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.

The Effect of Washington Decisions on Ohioans

from Special Education to Olmstead and Medicaid

Gary Tonks

President/Chief Executive Officer

David Lewis

Executive Vice president

The Arc of Ohio

2:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.

Matt O'Nesti's Uncomfortable

Matt O'Nesti

Outreach Coordinator

Western Reserve Independent Living

3:00p.m. Evaluations and Adjourn

Registration Information:

Counselors and Social Workers: This program is co-sponsored by Comprehensive Psychiatry Group, Inc. and approved by the State of Ohio Counselor and Social Worker Board, Marriage and Family Therapist Board for 4.5 Contact Hours. Comprehensive Psychiatry Group, Inc. is approved to provide counselor and social worker continuing education credits. (RSC051103)

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities CEU's approved for 4.5 Hours

**Professionals seeking CEU’s:

Successful completion of this program includes attendance at the entire event and submission of a completed evaluation form.**

**Certificates will be distributed at the end of the conference.**

Families, Parents/Caregivers, Siblings:

$30.00 per person

Counselors, Social Workers, DD staff,

Other Professionals:

$65.00 per person

Vendors:

$65.00 per person per table

Includes 6ft. skirted table and meals

Please complete the registration form and send along with non-refundable payment (can accept check, cash, or money order) payable to:

The Arc of Ohio Northeast Branch

3040 Center Rd. (Rt. 224)

Poland, Ohio 44514

(330) 707-1134