Registration is OPEN!
To submit an award nomination click the link below. To view the details and award descriptions visit the Awards tab.
General Conference Questions?
Contact Melissa Fannon, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships: mfannon@opra.org
Hotel
Venue: Hilton Columbus/Polaris
A reservation link will be provided once you complete your registration.
Parking is complimentary.
Schedule
Sessions
| 2025 OPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - DAY 1 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025 |
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| Thurs. 10/23 9:00am - 9:15am |
WELCOME - Peter Moore, OPRA President | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 9:15am - 10:00am |
KEYNOTE SESSION - Embrace the Challenge: Finding Purpose, Power, and Partnership - Zach Anner | |||
| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 Sponsored Sessions 10:15am - 11:15am |
GIV. | GLADEGY | THS REMOTE SUPPORT SERVICES | TBD |
| Sponsored Session 1 | Sponsored Session 2 | Sponsored Session 3 | Sponsored Session 4 | |
| How Leveraging Data is Transforming Industries, Innovation, and Everyday Life | Stop the Spin: Coaching to Transform Turnover into Tenure | Future-Proofing In-Home Care: Leveraging Technology to Overcome Workforce Shortages | ||
| Danny Laneri & Alec Fowler Giv. |
Stacy Sufka Gladegy Consulting |
David Ilg THS Remote Support Services |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 Breakout Sessions 11:30am - 12:30pm |
LEADERSHIP | HUMAN RESOURCES | ICF | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
| Breakout Session 1 | Breakout Session 2 | Breakout Session 3 | Breakout Session 4 | |
| Designing for Sustainability: Acuity-Based Rates, Selective Contracting, and the Future of HCBS | Giving Feedback With Confidence: Learn the Feedback Formula That Works | Strong Enough to Withstand the Storm: Training DSPs who Have to Do It All | Bridging the Gap: Partnering Effectively with Mental and Behavioral Health Providers | |
| Lilia Teninty Burns & Associates |
Andrea Applegate Applegate Talent Strategies |
Brad Wyner Milestones Autism Resources |
Nathan Henniger & Lauri Livingston-Roberts I Am Boundless |
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| Thurs. 10/23 12:30pm - 1:30pm |
ATTENDEE & EXHIBITOR LUNCH | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 Breakout Sessions 1:30pm - 2:30pm |
LEADERSHIP | HUMAN RESOURCES | ICF | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
| Breakout Session 5 | Breakout Session 6 | Breakout Session 7 | Breakout Session 8 | |
| Provider-Driven Innovation: New Models for Financing and Managing HCBS | Unshakeable: Inner Strength and Mental Agility for Leaders | ICF Reimbursement Update & Benchmarking Trends | Comprehensive Assessment for Complex Needs: Reducing Placement Disruptions through Meaningful Planning | |
| Mary Pat Ambrosino, CTF Illinois & Shane Spotts, DEON Health |
Shyam Suchak Anne Grady Services |
TJ Ely & Denise Leonard Plante Moran |
Ashleigh Putney and Allison Hamrick, Lifeworks Autism Services & Teresa Kobelt, OPRA |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 Breakout Sessions 2:45pm - 3:45pm |
LEADERSHIP | HUMAN RESOURCES | ICF | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
| Breakout Session 9 | Breakout Session 10 | Breakout Session 11 | Breakout Session 12 | |
| The Walk Away Warrior | Thriving While Surviving | Immigration and Employment Law Update | How to Have Difficult Discussions and Productive Disagreements | Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Strategies for People with Co-occurring MI/DD | |
| Julia Hage The HageCo., LLC & Anne Grady Services |
Bob Harris Vorys |
Tom Speaks The Impact Group |
Joe Smith, Victoria Broxholm and Ashleigh Watson Lifeworks Autism Services |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Thurs. 10/23 4:00pm - 5:00pm |
LEGISLATIVE & STATE BUDGET UPDATES | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 5:00pm - 6:00pm |
EXHIBITOR HAPPY HOUR | |||
| Thurs. 10/23 7:00pm - 10:00pm |
OPRA CASINO NIGHT | |||
| 2025 OPRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - DAY 2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 |
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| Fri. 10/24 Breakout Sessions 9:00am - 10:00am |
DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES | HEALTHCARE | RESIDENTIAL WAIVER | MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT |
| Breakout Session 13 | Breakout Session 14 | Breakout Session 15 | Breakout Session 16 | |
| Empowered Expression: Reimagining Support Through Innovation and Art | The Autistic Brain and Pain | So You Think You Can HR? What Every Non-HR Leader Needs to Know | Grantin’ Ain’t Bland: Creative Funding for EPIC Impact | |
| Tiffany Martin Goodwill Columbus |
Dr. Michelle Failla, PhD The Ohio State University’s College of Nursing |
Stacy Sufka Gladegy Consulting |
Shawn Valentine Sup Gurl |
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| 15 Min. Break | ||||
| Fri. 10/24 Breakout Sessions 10:15am - 11:15am |
DAY & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES | HEALTHCARE | RESIDENTIAL WAIVER | MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT |
| Breakout Session 17 | Breakout Session 18 | Breakout Session 19 | Breakout Session 20 | |
| Person-Centered Pathways: Tools for Supporting Transitions in Every Stage of Life | The Ins and Outs of Waiver Nursing Billing | Electronic Visit Verification and Claims Validation in DODD Waivers | Make an Impact with Your Presentations | |
| Jenna Allen & Alissa Otani-Cole OCALI |
Kristi Black Nineteen Services |
Brandi Nicholson Ohio Department of Medicaid |
Beth Whelley Fahlgren Mortine |
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| 30 Min. Break | ||||
| Fri. 10/24 11:45am - 1:30pm |
OPRA ANNUAL AWARDS LUNCHEON | |||
Exhibitor & Sponsors
Join us October 23–24, 2025, at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio for our premier annual event bringing together providers, leaders, and innovators from across the state.
Whether you're looking to expand your brand visibility, connect with Ohio’s provider community, or support the work of disability service professionals, we have a sponsorship opportunity to fit your goals.
Keynote Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
OPRA Annual Fall Awards
The purpose of the OPRA Annual Awards is to honor dedicated service professionals, groups and volunteers who have made outstanding contributions in the I/DD Field.
The OPRA awards represent more than just trophies or titles - they are symbols of the hard work, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence to make a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Each award winner has left a lasting impact inspiring those around them and we have the pleasure of celebrating their success.
We are now accepting (2) nominations for each award category per member organization. Please take a moment to review the OPRA Awards Descriptions and coordinate with your staff before submitting your nominations.
All nominations must include the following information:
- Nominator’s name, title, organization, address, phone number, and email.
- Nominee’s name, title, organization and email (if known).
- Reason for nomination not to exceed 750 words.
Questions? Contact Sonya Summers
