Stronger Together: 2022 State Leadership Conference with the National Deaf Center

November 15, 16, 17

11am-4pm CST

About

Welcome to the National Deaf Center’s Stronger Together: 2022 State Leadership Virtual Conference. This conference will share strategies that can be used to improve postsecondary outcomes for deaf people in your state. Topics addressed include trauma-informed recovery, systems transformation frameworks, effective collaboration, using data to address inequities, and increasing deaf representation in improvement activities. Regardless of where your state team is on their journey towards #DeafSuccess, this event will help you build capacity to initiate or strengthen interagency collaboration within and across states.

Here are a few of the features and what you can expect:

  • No travel required – enjoy this event from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Watch live (or on-demand) presentations on a range of topics
  • Download valuable resources
  • Connect and network with deaf services state agency partners across the country
  • Consult with NDC staff who are ready to support your program planning and data needs.

State agency leaders in deaf services, vocational rehabilitation, and special education are encouraged to attend.

Agenda

Agenda

15 November, 2022 11:00 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Louise Tripoli
Ph.D., Education Program Specialist, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Carrie Lou Bloom, (She/her/hers)
Co-Director, National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
Tia Ivanko (She/her/hers)
Co-Director, National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
15 November, 2022 11:30 am

Opening Keynote

Malibu Barron (she/her)

The long-term impacts of post-COVID19 in our society shifted wellness and norms in education, the workplace, and everyday life. This keynote will enhance our ability to have more intentional conversations about reconnecting, relearning, and reestablishing essential ways to connect. We will also be having dialogues about creating opportunities to transform our workplace and education systems into a positive and healthy climate for everyone, starting with ourselves.

15 November, 2022 01:00 pm

Systems Transformation

Carrie Lou Bloom (She/her/hers)

Tia Ivanko (She/her/hers)

While efforts to increase access to education and training opportunities have resulted in some change, true equity for deaf people requires a different approach. This session will ask participants to recognize that equity work requires a willingness to transform the systems which we navigate. A systems perspective encourages us to examine our structures, relationships, and attitudes to identify systemic changes that can be sustainable over longer periods of time.

15 November, 2022 02:30 pm

Building a State Team - The Basics

Lore Kinast (She/her/hers)

It takes a team to develop transition activities, programs, and services to prepare deaf youth for plans after high school. Working in teams can increase collaborations, produce more traction, and improve call-to-action opportunities. This session will offer an overview of building a cross-agency state team, establishing realistic and achievable goals, and recognizing ways teams can leverage local and state resources.

16 November, 2022 11:00 am

Using Data to Build #DeafSuccess Programs

Jeffrey Palmer (He/his)

In this session participants will get a first-look at NDC’s new data dashboard. The dashboard is an interactive online tool with the most current data on employment and education trends for deaf people. You will get hands-on experience using the data dashboard, and we will review ways that collaborators have used this data to understand state-level issues and secure funding.

16 November, 2022 12:00 pm

Break

16 November, 2022 12:30 pm

Deaf People Leading the Way

Diego Guerra (They/them/theirs)

Centering deaf people in decision-making and systemic change lead to meaningful impact on educational and employment opportunities. This session is part of NDC’s work on diversity, equity, and inclusion, discussing the importance of working on self and how we can push for more deaf people in representation, decision-making, and engagement. Without their experiences and knowledge, we cannot do our best!

16 November, 2022 01:30 pm

Break

16 November, 2022 02:00 pm

The Power of Partnerships

Jen Higgins (She/her/hers)

During this session participants will learn about the importance of partnerships, you will see several state model partnership programs spotlighted, and finally state partnership opportunities going forward will be presented.

16 November, 2022 03:00 pm

Join us for a Virtual Networking Event!

Calvin Kennebrew Jr. (He/him)

The goal of this session is to meet new people, have conversations, and build strong connections.  Discussing your work with new and former connections offers a unique perspective!

There will be two groups you can choose from to participate: 

  1. First Time Participants

  2. Bridging Professional Gaps

17 November, 2022 11:00 am

State Team Meetings

We encourage state teams to use this time to meet and develop some action items for the next few months.  If your team needs support with access or a virtual meeting space, contact 

17 November, 2022 11:00 am

Consultations with NDC Staff

November 17, 2022 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM (CST)

If your state team would like to meet with NDC staff for support with your state goals (e.g., you need assistance with data for a document, feedback on draft plans, strategies to implement action items), contact Jennifer@nationaldeafcenter.org.  Please provide meeting participants' names and email addresses and a brief description of what kind of support you are seeking. We will schedule your state team for a 20-minute Zoom session with NDC staff, first come-first serve, submit your email request now!

17 November, 2022 01:30 pm

Break

17 November, 2022 02:00 pm

Breakout Group #1/2/3

Reconnect with members, meet new members, and network with everyone in these designated cohort groups! Participants will have the opportunity to engage, share information, and discuss current topics of interest with other job alike professionals.

 

State Education Professionals:

Intended Participants: State Educational Leaders.

 

Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals:

Intended Participants: Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisors/Leads.

 

National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) Professionals:

Intended Participants: Directors with state agencies serving deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Participation will be beneficial for state partners who currently work with NDC and other state leaders in vocational rehabilitation, deaf services, or special education.
Captioning and Interpreters will be available for all sessions.
Yes, you must register to attend and access the platform. There is no deadline to register.
Click on the registration link here.
Access to the platform will be available 10am eastern time on Tuesday, November 15th, 2022.
You will receive an email after you register with credentials and a link to login.
Anyone who registers will have access to the recorded sessions until December 15, 2022.
The Stronger Together: 2022 State Leadership Conference with the National Deaf Center will be held on an innovative, customized virtual platform. Guests will begin in the lobby and will “enter” a virtual auditorium. By clicking on the screen in the Main Stage and selecting the appropriate event, a Zoom-based event will “pop-out” for participants to watch the event.
The event is comprised of: live virtual sessions, pre-recorded sessions, breakout rooms, networking opportunities, access to resources, networking with peers, and the ability to schedule state team time with NDC staff to seek data consultations or program development support.
No, you can decide which sessions you would like to attend.
No, you will only need to register for the event. No additional installations or software is needed.
Yes, but it is recommended that you use a desktop or computer screen that will provide a better user experience.