December 8th Extended Session
Rinne Miller and Donna Carpenter, of the Kentucky DeafBlind Project, present:
Wait…DeafBlind People Can Do THAT?! – Breaking Barriers, Building Access & Rethinking What’s Possible
Let’s kick off the conference by shaking up what we think we know. DeafBlind job seekers are often underestimated, over-supported, or steered away from opportunities — not because of lack of skill, but because of misconceptions and hidden barriers.
In this interactive session, we’ll explore what helps DeafBlind individuals succeed at work — from communication and environmental factors (yes, lighting matters!) to whether the process or the end result is what really counts. We’ll challenge assumptions, share practical tools, and try out small shifts that make a big difference in access and autonomy.
Expect a mix of reflection, hands-on activities, and real talk as we reframe the question from “Can they do it?” to “How do we create conditions where they can thrive?”
December 9th – Closing Keynote
Amanda Owen will close our conference with:
“You Can’t Change the World, But You Can Shape It” How Showing Up with Purpose Builds the Inclusive Communities We Dream Of
In the ever-evolving landscape of disability services and employment support, it’s easy to feel weighed down by policy changes, billing systems, and barriers that make progress seem impossible. But transformation doesn’t begin with systems — it begins with people.
In this motivating closing keynote, Amanda Owen will challenge and uplift attendees to realign with their purpose, reignite their passion, and reclaim their influence. Through reflection, storytelling, and humor, she’ll remind us that real inclusion is shaped not by what we do, but by how we show up. Because while we may not be able to change the world overnight, we can shape communities — one moment, one mindset, one person at a time.
December 9th Concurrent Sessions will include:
-Guardianship: what does it mean (& not mean) for employment?
-Engaging with workforce systems and navigating justice involvement
-Supported education
-Pre ETS services & what they mean in MY life
-Supported employment & what it means in MY life
-Providing supported employment through Medicaid waivers
-Supported employment logistics, organization, and what’s billable through OVR
-Supporting employment specialists – avoiding burnout & energizing our teams
-More details to come!