Informational Webinars
IPMG has been offering professional development training opportunities to our employees since 2006. In 2014, we opened our webinars to others in the community who might benefit from the information presented. Our Informational Webinars are designed to be useful to a diverse audience that includes:
- Case Managers
- Care Managers
- Wraparound Facilitators
- Other professionals
- Individuals receiving services
- Family members
Topics are typically related to Indiana’s Home and Community Based Services programs, or to the needs of individuals who participate in those programs. Participants may attend the live webinar and participate in the Q&A session or view the recorded presentation and materials after the webinar has taken place. Informational Webinars are typically held on the third Friday of select months throughout the year.
Trainings are offered online, in a one hour webinar format. Please register ahead of time for the trainings. Once registered, participants will receive an email invitation. On the day of the webinar, use the link within the email to join the training. Please plan to log in about 15 minutes early to ensure that you have time to download GoToWebinar if needed. All training materials will be posted on the IPMG web site and on our YouTube channel subsequent to the presentation.
Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive announcements about our upcoming Informational Webinars!
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On November 8, 2024, IPMG hosted a free webinar on Bullying Prevention for Parents. This session, led by Sherri Cripe, Assistant Director of MESA and the MESA School Bullying Prevention Director at Purdue University, was designed to equip parents with critical tools and insights to safeguard their children's well-being.
In this webinar, viewers will learn:
- How to recognize the warning signs that your child may be experiencing bullying.
- Effective strategies to support and guide your child through bullying concerns.
- Practical approaches to understanding and addressing the growing issue of cyberbullying.
- Tips for establishing healthy screen time limits to create a balanced digital environment at home.
This educational session empowers parents with knowledge and strategies to help protect their children and foster a positive, supportive environment.
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Webinar: The Request for Authorization Process
On May 10th, IPMG hosted a free webinar on the Request for Authorization Process. This educational session was designed to help individuals and families understand and navigate the RFA process, which is crucial for accessing various supports through the Family Supports and Community Integration and Habilitation home and community-based waivers.
In this webinar, viewers will learn:• The basics of the Request for Authorization (RFA) process.
• Detailed explanations of what the RFA process entails for environmental modifications, vehicle modifications, and specialized medical equipment.
• Examples of each type of support and how they apply to real-life scenarios.
• An overview of lifetime caps associated with these supports.
• Information on additional community resources that may be beneficial.
About the Speaker
The webinar is presented by Lori Crossley, a dedicated IPMG Field Support Coordinator. Lori graduated from Ball State University with initial plans to teach, but her career path shifted dramatically following the birth of her son, who has multiple disabilities. Her personal journey turned her into a passionate advocate for individuals receiving waiver services and their families across Indiana. Lori has been with IPMG since 2011 and has served in various roles, providing invaluable support and insights to the community. Her experience and commitment to advocacy and person-centered thinking have made her a knowledgeable and empathetic resource in the field.
This video is an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand the RFA process better and make informed decisions about the available supports. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or need a refresher on the process, Lori’s insights will guide you through every step of the way. -
Understanding the intricacies of Medicaid and Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waivers can be daunting for families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. This upcoming webinar aims to demystify the process, offering clear answers to pressing questions and providing guidance on navigating the system effectively.
What to expect in the webinar:
- Clarification on Medicaid vs. Waiver Approval: Learn why approval for a CIH waiver does not automatically mean approval for Medicaid, and discover the specific criteria required for each.
- Transition from Managed Care to Traditional Medicaid: Gain insights into the seamless transition process for those approved for the waiver, including steps to take if services are interrupted during the transition.
- Understanding Resources and Income: Get detailed information on how resources like 529 college savings plans, child support, IRAs, trusts, and ABLE accounts affect Medicaid eligibility. This section is crucial for planning and managing assets effectively.
- Impact of Income and Marital Status: Uncover how income, including that of a non-applicant spouse, influences Medicaid eligibility and what resources are counted towards the limit.
- Social Security Requirements: Find out why individuals with an active Medicaid waiver are required to apply for Social Security benefits once they turn 18, and how this impacts long-term eligibility.
- Dealing with Medicaid Communication Issues: Learn strategies for addressing late notices and ensuring timely compliance with Medicaid's requirements to avoid lapses in coverage.
This webinar is designed for anyone struggling to navigate the complexities of Medicaid and CIH waivers. Whether you're a caregiver, a family member, or a professional working with individuals with disabilities, this session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and ensure continuous care for those you support.
By addressing common questions and providing practical advice, this webinar aims to alleviate the stress associated with Medicaid and waiver applications, making it easier for families to access the services and support their loved ones need.
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About the Webinar:
We are probably very familiar with stress and how it feels because it is part of our everyday lives. It’s not possible to separate life and stress completely because the very process of living is stressful! Stress isn’t just a mental issue, it affects our bodies and brains down to our very DNA. On top of that, stress levels are reportedly on the rise with 42% of adults rating higher levels of stress than five years ago, and teens reporting stress rivaling adult levels.
We can learn to manage stress and build our resiliency to it. In this presentation, you will learn what stress looks like and its negative effects on our bodies. We will discuss stress management techniques and how they help. Lastly, you will learn what stress resilience is and ways to increase your resiliency through movement, mindfulness, connection, and finding your purpose.Presenter:
Laura Dieter has worked in the nursing field for going on 20 years, first working as a nursing assistant, and then graduating to become a nurse in 2005. She has experience in Medical-Surgical, Cardiac critical care, emergency room, and primary care nursing, as well as hospital administration. Laura has worked with IPMG as their Nurse Consultant for almost 5 years now, consulting with Case Managers, Care Managers, and Wraparound Facilitators. Laura also assists in running IPMG's health and wellness program.
As part of IPMG, Laura has worked hard to educate and advocate for a healthy lifestyle and assist both IPMG employee-owners and the individuals IPMG serves. Laura lives in Lafayette, IN with her two sons and husband. When she isn’t working for IPMG, she can be found with her family or in her studio, where she is a comprehensive Pilates instructor.Resources
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Webinar Information:
This training focuses on the FINDER program - a free online resource designed to collect and organize contact and service information from providers about disability-related services, programs, equipment, training, events, and advocacy opportunities available across Indiana. During this interactive demonstration, you will learn what FINDER is all about, how it works, and the many ways it can support individuals, families, and professionals seeking resources.
Meet the Presenter:
Vicki Lee Johnson is Director of System Navigation at AWS Foundation, one of Northeast Indiana’s largest public foundations. She directs the Foundation’s navigation initiative and development of the Indiana Disability Resource FINDER program. In addition, she co-leads the Foundation’s early diagnosis initiative. Vicki understands how vital timely and accurate information is to support the needs, health, and well‐being of individuals of all abilities. Advocating for a comprehensive, state-side system that will transform how individuals across Indiana locate, access, and share community supports to engage in all aspects of community life is an exciting challenge. Vicki has a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master’s in Management & Leadership, and is a certified project manager along with other professional designations. She relishes every opportunity to share AWS Foundation’s mission and works to drive awareness, and advocacy, and to create a more welcoming community for individuals of all abilities. Previously Vicki was the Vice President of Marketing and Retail Banking for Tower Bank. For 21 years prior, she worked in the health insurance industry as a director of marketing and new product development. As a community leader and volunteer, Vicki Lee serves on several non-profit boards, is a past Rolfsen Stewardship Award Nominee, and a Fort Wayne Women of Achievement Nominee
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Webinar Information:
This training will focus on background information on hoarding disorder, the mental health and public safety issues related to hoarding behaviors, and ways to assess, followed by how to conduct a home visit and treatment options. Hoarding behavior is a unique psychiatric condition that has long been misunderstood, undiagnosed, and untreated. People who hoard most often do not reach out for help. Over time, they may become socially isolated and lose their ability to function in daily life. Their unwillingness to part with possessions, even those perceived by others as having no value, can try the patience of friends and family members. Frustration also abounds in neighborhoods and communities forced to deal with a hoarding problem.
Meet the Presenter:
Leslie Shapiro, MA is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Washington State. At the clinical practice as a mental health therapist for THP Consulting and Northwest Relationships in Tacoma, Washington, Leslie works with people who struggle with Hoarding Disorder. Prior to completing her Master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy at Antioch University Seattle, she worked as a residential organizer and coach. This experience whetted her appetite to better understand clients and acquire the skills necessary to become a therapist. For the past four years, Leslie has been lead educator and staff consultant at THP Consulting statewide. Leslie facilitates support groups for individuals who hoard and friends and family members of people who hoard. Leslie also has served as a member of the King/Pierce County Hoarding Task Force.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker and IU School of Social Work Assistant Professor, Dr. Susan Glassburn, presents on grief and how to help grieving people.
Participants will:
1) Learn about uncomplicated grief (the normal, but awful feelings)
2) Understand the factors involved in complicated grief (suicide grief, violent death, unexpected death)
3) Receive concrete ideas about how to help those with uncomplicated grief, and differentiate and refer those with complicated grief
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Aging well depends on your genes, lifestyle choices, and environment. Even if you’re healthy, brain changes as you age may lead to increased challenges with multitasking, paying attention, and recalling words. However, most of us—at any age—can learn new things and improve skills, which can be important for maintaining our independence.
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The Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI) is a postsecondary vocational training program that provides training in hospitality, food service, and healthcare environment. Its mission is to provide opportunities for postsecondary vocational training for people with disabilities that empower and lead to meaningful employment. Housed within the Courtyard by Marriott in Muncie, Indiana, EGTI provides an intensive 10- to 13-week training program within a specific vocation chosen by the student. In addition to hands-on training, students have the opportunity to reside within the hotel for the duration of their training which allows growth for both vocational and independent living skills. In this webinar, EGTI staff reviews details of its programming along with data from the five years of operation.
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This webinar, presented by Lynzee Grooms, Certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) for the Northern and Central Indiana WIPA project, Aspire Indiana Works, is designed to provide answers to the many questions you, and the families you serve, have regarding how benefits will be impacted when an individual goes to work. An overview will be provided of the types of Social Security and other entitlement programs, important numbers for 2021 and where to find updates. In addition, participants will be provided a list of resources to assist them and those they serve in the employment journey, including a list of Federal (SSA), State, and local work incentives available to beneficiaries, plus some NEW resources!
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In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked in countries across the world every October, IPMG’s RN Consultant, Laura Dieter, will provide information that will increase attention and support for breast cancer awareness, early detection and treatment as well as special consideration for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and for those that are aging. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. IPMG believes that it is important to be proactive about your health and the health of individuals that you support. By increasing awareness, it is hoped that both women and men become more attentive to the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and increase the chances of detecting breast cancer in its early stages.
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Supported Decision Making is a tool that allows people with disabilities to retain their decision making rights by identifying supporters to help make decisions in lieu of legal guardianship.
In this webinar, Melissa Keyes, Executive Director for Indiana Disability Rights, provides an overview of decision-making supports including supported decision-making, with a specific focus on Indiana law. Topics discussed include:
- Options for decision-making in adulthood
- Least restrictive alternatives
- Supported Decision-Making Agreements
- Resources to obtain more information
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Susan Campbell, Community Liaison with Premier Hospice, provides information on ways in which Medicaid Waiver and hospice services can collaborate to provide holistic, interdisciplinary end-of-life care and services to Medicaid Waiver recipients and their families.
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Cathy Boswell, Regional Program Specialist with IN*SOURCE, provides an informative training designed to help parents feel more comfortable in the role of advocating for their child at school. Participants will learn what advocacy means, how to improve their advocacy skills, learn to use six skills for effective advocacy, and learn the importance of being organized and using clear and effective communication.
The mission of IN*SOURCE is to provide parents, families, individuals and service providers in the state of Indiana the information and training necessary to help assure effective educational programs and appropriate services for individuals with disabilities.
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Dr. Mary Rita Weller, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, at Kutztown University, shares information that will support Case Managers, and other service providers, who engage daily with individuals that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ), that may find themselves at a loss for understanding specific needs and demonstrating respect and acceptance. This workshop addresses concurrent identities related to being a sexual minority (LGBTQ) and having an intellectual disability.
Workshop Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe several therapeutic interventions for supporting individuals that have an intellectual disability and identity as LGBTQ.
- State evidence-based practices related to supporting individuals that have an intellectual disability and identify as LGBTQ.
- Identify community resources to meet the needs of LGBTQ individuals that have an intellectual disability
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Please join IPMG for this informative workshop focusing on Geriatric Depression, which is the most common mental health disorder among adults 65 and older. Guest speaker Cherie Warriner, Geriatric Counselor with St. Vincent Medical Group Center for Health Aging Geriatric, will share information on signs and symptoms of Depression and how those are different in older adults, common forms of Depression in older adults, risk factors and forms of treatment.
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IPMG Assistant Directors Carolyn Underwood and Heather Sorrells share information on Charting a Course to a Good Life, which will incorporate the Guiding Principles of the LifeCourse Framework. Objectives of the workshop include:
- An overview of the current status and emerging national trends in supporting families and individuals with ID/DD including the Community of Practice (CoP) Project.
- Looking at the trends in Indiana for waiver services by age groups and living arrangements.
- Learn about Indiana’s current needs within age groups.
- Explore the current conversation: “What does it really take to support families to have a good life?”
- Obtain further resources from the national movement “Supporting Families throughout the Lifespan.”
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Join IPMG in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging, on helping older adults make the most of their medical appointments. This workshop features tips on how to:
- Get ready for a doctor’s visit
- Effectively talk with a clinician about health concerns
- Make collaborative decisions about treatment
- Remember what was discussed following the appointment
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Easter Seals Crossroads has been providing assistive technology solutions in Indiana since 1979. In 2007, Easter Seals Crossroads partnered with the State of Indiana, Bureau of Rehabilitative Services to establish the Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Project. The INDATA Project is one of 56 similar, federally-funded projects designed to increase access and awareness of assistive technology. In this session, Brian Norton, Director of Assistive Technology at INDATA Project Easterseals Crossroads, discusses the core services provided by INDATA. These core services include Information and Referral, Funding Assistance, Public Awareness and Education, Device Demonstration, Device Loan, Re-utilized Computer and Equipment Re-utilization.
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Case conferences can be confusing and stressful for parents. Cathy Boswell, Regional Program Specialist with IN*Source, provides information that can help parents, and professionals supporting families, identify issues of concern, organize documents, prepare information, and communicate effectively during the case conference.
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Amy Penrod, Advocate Supervisor with Indiana Disability Rights (formerly known as Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services / IPAS) provides information on the role Indiana Disability Rights plays in advocacy for persons with disabilities in Indiana, as well as an overview of available resources and information. This video has closed captions available.
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Adults with disabilities are often viewed as being asexual. Individuals that display sexual interests are often chastised and labeled as deviant. Consequently, many adults with disabilities are often unprepared to engage in healthy intimate relationships. Dr. Mary Rita Weller, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, will share information and resources that will focus on how families, case managers, and others can support individuals' right to sexual knowledge. Webinar participants will be able to identify several resources that can help to guide the discussion regarding support for adults with disabilities to have healthy intimate relationships as well as to learn about activities that promote healthy intimate relationships for adults with disabilities.
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IPMG is pleased to feature Jonathan Martinis, Legal Director of Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities and the Project Director of the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making.
According to Mr. Martinis, “Study after study has shown that people with disabilities who have more self-determination – more control over their lives – are healthier, more independent, more likely to be employed at higher paying jobs, more integrated into their community, and safer. And yet, people with disabilities continue to be placed in overbroad and undue guardianships that take away their Right to Make Choices and limit their opportunities. This session will introduce Supported Decision-Making, a way people can stay in control of their own lives and make their own decisions, with the support of trusted friends, family members, and professionals. It will also discuss practical ways to access and use Supported Decision-Making to increase self-determination and improve life outcomes through the Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Medicaid Waiver systems.”
Don't miss this exciting and informative workshop!
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Dr. Angela Amado, of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, presents stories, slides, and successful strategies learned in “The Friends Project,” “Person Centered Agency Design Project,” and other efforts across the country which have been designed to support individual with developmental disabilities in having more friendships with non-disabled persons, being more fully part of their communities, and expanding the number and type of social roles they experience. This workshop covers basic approaches, specific strategies, and exercises directly applicable to participants’ work. It is appropriate for both direct care and administrative staff, as well as school staff, families and community members. The emphasis is on direct “how-to” methods.
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Cathy Boswell, Regional Program Specialist with IN*Source, explores the dynamics of bullying and gives suggestions and information on what can be done to help children address this issue. The workshop focuses on students with disabilities and includes a brief review of the applicable laws and available resources. Topics include: types of bullying, who are bullies, why children are bullies, the roles school play, law and policies, and bullying prevention strategies.
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