SESSION TOPICS

Accessibility: Become an Information Access Champion! The importance of using plain language to empower accessibility.

Part 1 of a 2-part Accessibility Series



Plain language principles improve accessibility for everyone - people who are stressed or busy, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and even your colleagues. As Information Access Champions, we will discuss how accessibility is best addressed alongside inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement to improve your flyers, letters, emails, and more. 

Session Leader(s): Teri Morgan, Linh Thi Nguyen

When: May 5th at 1:45 PM

Where: Salon 4

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Beyond the Basics: Operational Alignment Between AAAs and NWD

Part 2 of a 2-part AAA Series

This presentation explores how AAA programs and operations intersect with the four pillars of the No Wrong Door (NWD) system. It examines opportunities for coordination, shared goals, and practical strategies for integrating person centered access, referrals, and supports across the network.



Session Leader(s): Jodi Winship and Nick Slentz

When: May 6th at 10:00 AM

Where: Salon 5

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Beyond Transit: Transforming Travel with DRPT’s Mobility Hub Concept

DRPT promotes shared mobility services to make transportation more convenient, accessible, and efficient across Virginia. Building on this foundation, DRPT is in early phases of a Mobility Hub as a model that will guide future expansion across Virginia and modernize commuting for older adults and individuals with disabilities.



Session Leader(s): Jess Maffey

When: May 6th at 9:00 AM

Where: Salon 4

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Building a Dementia Capable Virginia (Part 1): Dementia Friends Certification

Part 1 of a 2-part Dementia Series

This session will take participants through the Dementia Friends certification. Dementia Friends certification allows individuals to complete training to better understand dementia and support people living with it.

Session Leader(s): George Worthington

When: May 7th at 9:00 AM

Where: Ballroom

Building a Dementia Capable Virginia (Part 2): Supporting Cognitive Health Across the Lifespan

Part 2 of a 2-part Dementia Series

This session will examine a number of new initiatives at the state level that support people living with dementia and their caregivers, improve early detection and diagnosis of dementia, and raise awareness about brain health and dementia prevention. These include Dementia Friendly Virginia, which aims to raise awareness and understanding of dementia and reduce the stigma around it, the No Wrong Door Dementia Capability project that supports Area Agencies on Aging and others to better identify and support people living with dementia and their caregivers, and the Dementia Capable Virginia effort which includes new and updated resources and a brand new website. 

Session Leader(s): George Worthington

When: May 7th at 10:00 AM

Where: Ballroom

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Caring for the Care Workforce: Supporting and Retaining Frontline Staff

Organizations across aging services are rethinking how they support frontline staff. Drawing on lessons from a 3-year demonstration project and ongoing workforce initiatives, this session highlights creative strategies, from flexible benefits and transportation assistance to recognition and connection, that help reduce burnout and strengthen retention.

Session Leader(s): Jenn Case

When: May 5th at 3:00 PM

Where: Salon 5

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Data: Leveraging PeerPlace Tools for Meaningful and Essential Data 

(Part 2 of a 2-part Data Series)

Best practices and tools for continuous improvement for data collection, entry and analysis, including the importance of tracking demographics as part of Area Plan requirements, accurately entering unmet needs and waitlist, brief and simple use case for Dashboards+ 

Session Leader(s): David Baker, Christy Miller

When: May 7th at 10:00 AM

Where: Salon 4

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Data With Dignity: An Equity-Centered Approach for Supporting Older Adults

(Part 1 of a 2-part Data Series)

As aging services increasingly rely on data to guide programs and decision making, it is essential that the ways we collect, manage, and use data honor the dignity, rights, and lived experiences of older adults. Data with Dignity introduces a framework for human centered, equitable data practices that prioritize respect, transparency, and empowerment, particularly for older adults who may face systemic barriers, digital inequities, or historical reasons for mistrust. 

Session Leader(s): Rachel Coates

When: May 7th at 9:00 AM

Where: Salon 4

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Elder Justice Shelter Innovation: Lessons in Communication, Collaboration, and Cooperation

Double Feature: This session will be offered twice!

This session will share how the Greater Richmond Elder Justice Shelter initiative is improving access to housing and supportive services for adults experiencing homelessness using creative technology solutions to improve referral pathways. 



Session Leader(s): Gigi Amateau, Jen Johnson, and Choice Eric East

When: May 6th at 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM

Where: Ballroom

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Finding Resources in the Community: Aligning Tools and Teams to Help Virginians Find the Right Resources

This panel discussion will focus on how No Wrong Door Virginia, VirginiaNavigator, and 211 Virginia work together to ensure every person has equitable access to accurate community resource information. The session will explore how shared systems and coordinated search processes reduce reliance on informal knowledge and support consistent high-quality guidance for individuals across the Commonwealth. Learn how these partnerships strengthen service delivery and make it easier for staff and community members to find the right resources, right when they need it.

Panelists: Kim Tarantino, Amanda Holcomb, Erika Okonsky

Moderator: Sarah Arnold

When: May 6th at 9:00 AM

Where: Ballroom

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Foundations of the Older Americans Act and the Aging Services Network

Part 1 of a 2-part AAA Series

This session provides an overview of the Older Americans Act and the structure of state aging services. It introduces the roles of the State Unit on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), highlights the major types of OAA Aging Services programs, and explains how these entities work together to support older adults and caregivers across the Commonwealth.

Session Leader(s): Jodi Winship and Nick Slentz

When: May 6th at 9:00 AM

Where: Salon 5

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From Systems to People: Implementing Person-Centered Approaches Across HHS

Plenary Session

This panel will highlight how agencies across health, aging, and rehabilitative services are advancing person-centered approaches that meet individuals where they are. Panelists will share how their organizations are redesigning service delivery, strengthening cross-system collaboration, and empowering staff to respond to individual needs, goals, and circumstances. The discussion will explore practical strategies, lessons learned, and opportunities for continued innovation to ensure services are responsive, coordinated, and centered on the people they serve.

Panelists: John Stewart, Adyam Redae, Nickie Bradenburger

Moderator: Melissa Armstead

When: May 6th at 3:45 PM

Where: Ballroom

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General Assembly 101 and 2026 Aging-Related Legislation Update

Want to hear more about the 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session? Join this session to learn about the progress made in aging services throughout the 2026 General Assembly Session.



Session Leader(s): Sara Stowe

When: May 7th at 10:00 AM

Where: Salon 5

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How Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) is Strengthening Language Access and Disability Inclusion Across Services and Community Life

Part 2 of a 2-part Accessibility Series

Navigating life changes is never simple especially when they involve hearing loss, vision loss, or both. This session explores why resources, support, practical skills, and knowledge are essential for maintaining confidence and independence. You will leave with meaningful strategies and benefits that can strengthen your daily living.

Session Leader(s): Karen Rhoads

When: May 5th at 3:00 PM

Where: Salon 4

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Improving Access for Virginia: Implementing a No Wrong Door Framework

Plenary Session

A strategic priority of the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) is to advance independence and community living by connecting people to the services they need. This session will connect the dots between local level organizations and the federal vision for expanded access to services through a coordinated and streamlined No Wrong Door system.

Session Leader(s): Lauren Solkowski, Christina Neill Bowen

When: May 7th at 11:15 AM

Where: Ballroom

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Introduction to Trauma Informed Care

This session explores how trauma shapes behavior, health, and engagement, offering insights that help service providers better understand the lived experiences of older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers. It introduces practical trauma informed and sensory responsive strategies that strengthen safety, trust, and connection across diverse service settings. Participants will also learn approaches to prevent compassion fatigue and create environments that promote resilience and healing for both those they serve and themselves.

Session Leader(s): Melissa Armstead

When: May 6th at 10:00

Where: Ballroom

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The National Family Caregiver Support Programs: Exploring Programs that Help the Helper

Discover how the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) supports the essential role of caregivers assisting older adults and individuals with disabilities. This session outlines eligibility requirements, including caregivers of older adults, individuals with dementia, and older relatives caring for children, or adults with disabilities and programs available through the Older Americans Act Title III-E that can assist them. Participants will gain a clear understanding of who may be served and how these supports strengthen families and communities.



Session Leader(s): Kim Vivaldi

When: May 5th at 1:45

Where: Salon 5

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One DARS: How the NWD initiative both leverages and strengthens Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

Plenary Session

Based in mission, this session will provide an overview of the agency and resources across one’s lifespan, highlighting the intersections supported by the NWD initiative.

Session Leader(s): Kiersten Ware

When: May 5th at 1:00 PM

Where: Ballroom

Opening the Door Isn't Enough: Building Tables That Include Everyone

Part 2 of a 2-part Partner Series

Access is step one—shared power is the goal. This session provides actionable tools for embedding people with disabilities into advisory councils, boards, and governance structures so decisions are guided by lived experience, not just professional expertise. 

Session Leader(s): Gayl Brunk

When: May 5th at 3:00 PM

Where: Ballroom

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View the Accessible Meetings handout

View the Accessible Events handout

Stronger Together: State Agencies Driving Cross‑System Alignment for NWD

Plenary Session

RAC members share successes, alignment opportunities, and the collaborative steps shaping a more connected NWD system. Bring your questions for our RAC leaders, this session will include time for attendee Q&A!

Panelists: Eric Williams, Teri Morgan, Katie Morris

Facilitator: Felencia McGee

When: May 6th at 11:15 AM

Where: Ballroom

The PATH of No Wrong Door Virginia

Join us for a guided tour of No Wrong Door’s journey in Virginia. We’ll begin with an overview of the initiative, explore key milestones that have shaped its progress, and highlight current strategies and priorities. To round out the session, we’ll share a preview of our PATH plan—showcasing how we aim to reach our North Star: ensuring easy access to services and supports for all Virginians.

Session Leader(s): Val Murphy

When: May 6th at 10:00 AM

Where: Salon 4

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Tools and Best Practices to Apply for and Manage Funds

2-part Funding Series

This session will provide practical guidance on navigating the grant application process and implementing best practices for financial stewardship.

Session Leader(s): Devin Bowers, John Carpenter

When: May 6th at 1:15 PM and 2:30 PM

Where: Salon 5

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View the slide deck for this session - Part 2

Working Together, For Real: Creating Stronger Partnerships and Meaningful Collaboration

Part 1 of a 2-part Partner Series

In this session, we’ll talk about simple, real world ways to connect with stakeholders and community partners through the Greater RVA No Wrong Door Advisory Council Meeting. You’ll learn how to build shared purpose, strengthen trust, and create engagement opportunities that feel genuine—not forced. Through stories, examples, and open conversation, we’ll explore how to move from “showing up” to truly working together as partners.

Session Leader(s): Colleen Wilhelm

When: May 5th at 1:45

Where: Salon Ballroom

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Veteran Directed Care: Promoting Independence through Self-Direction

Join our session to learn more about the Veteran Directed Care program and how veterans benefit from having choice and control over their healthcare decisions. 

Session Leader(s): Jennifer Beck, Melissa Blake

When: May 7th at 9:00

Where: Salon 5

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