The 2021 RCPA Conference, Leading in 2021: Hope, Help, Heal, will tentatively be held as a hybrid event. As the COVID-19 pandemic permits, it will take place both at the Hershey Lodge as well as virtually. Since this is a premier statewide event, the Conference Committee is seeking workshop proposals for possible inclusion. The conference offers diverse educational opportunities, and submissions are needed in every area. A complete listing of focus tracks is available on the proposal form. Last year, many submissions were unable to be utilized due to the pandemic and the shift from an in-person to virtual format.

Presentations that assist providers in developing and maintaining quality, effective treatments, services, and agencies in an industry where change is constant are encouraged. The committee looks for presentations which:

• Highlight new policy, research, and treatment initiatives;
• Provide specific skills and information related to individual and organizational leadership development and enhancement;
• Address system changes that affect business practices such as value-based purchasing; and
• Offer concrete skills and tools to operate more efficient, effective agencies in a pandemic and post-pandemic arena.

Workshop ideas for 2021 include:

• Strategies for Effective Teleintervention;
• Assessing Abuse and Neglect in a Virtual Encounter;
• The Impact of the Pandemic on Child Welfare/Abuse/Neglect;
• Coping with Grief and Loss;
• Preventing/Mitigating Provider Burnout;
• Family and Caregiver Engagement;
• Strategies to Combat the Impact of Screen-Time Fatigue (Telework, Virtual School, Virtual Socialization);
• DEI Topics – Assessing Implicit Bias, Overcoming Implicit Bias, How to Develop a DEI Plan;
• The PH-BH Interface – Finding Common Ground to Treat the Whole Person;
• Ongoing Workforce Shortage Solutions;
• The Changing Health-Care Landscape During and Post Pandemic;
• Managing Human Capital/Resources Virtually;
• Integrated Care Strategies for Implementation and Reimbursement;
• Managed Care Models for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities;
• Remote Services/Use of Technology in all Types of Support Services for Individuals with IDD;
• Ethics Topics Across the Membership;
• Emergency Planning for Community Violence;
• Acquisitions/Mergers and Consolidations;
• Value-Based Purchasing; and
• Employing People with Disabilities.

The committee welcomes any proposal that addresses these and other topics essential to the rehabilitation, mental health, addiction, children’s, aging, intellectual and developmental disability, and physical disability communities. Members are encouraged to consider submitting proposals and to forward this opportunity to those who are exceptionally good speakers and who have state-of-the-art information to share.

The Call for Proposals and accompanying “Guidelines for Developing Educational Objectives” outline requirements for submissions. The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 22 at 5:00 pm. Proposals must be submitted electronically to Sarah Eyster on the form provided. Confirmation of receipt will be sent. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Proposals selected stand out by inclusion of solid learning objectives, information that a participant can use to enhance professional skills or methods, and ability to engage a diverse and advanced audience. If the proposal is accepted, individuals must be prepared to present on any day of the conference. Workshops are 60–75 minutes in length for a single session or 120–150 minutes in length for a double session. At the time of acceptance, presenters will be required to confirm the ability to submit workshop handouts electronically four weeks prior to the conference.

Individuals are welcome to submit multiple proposals. Notification of inclusion will be made via email by May 10. Questions may be directed to Sarah Eyster, Conference Coordinator.