2024 OASIS Conference – Call for Session Proposals

The OASIS Conference Planning Committee is hard at work planning and organizing for the 2024 Annual OASIS Conference at the Caesars Windsor in Windsor, Ontario 24^th-26th April 2024.

As part of this process, the OASIS Conference Planning Committee is now accepting session proposals for the 2024 OASIS Conference “Bridging Possibilities. Navigating Change”.

This is an opportunity to showcase new and innovative ideas and best practices locally, provincially, nationally and internationally in the areas of:

• • supports and services to individuals with an intellectual disability and their families, and
  • governance, leadership and change management in service delivery agencies.

Sessions should fall within one of the following themes:

1. Present and Future

Explore where we currently stand and the future landscape of the developmental services sector. Dive into strategies for future-proofing organizations and support systems for individuals and families.

2. Individualized Supports

Move beyond individualized funding to explore comprehensive individualized support systems for people with developmental disabilities. Discuss innovative approaches and best practices in tailoring services to unique needs.

3. Inclusion

Examine the creation of inclusive environments within the developmental services sector. Prioritize ethical values, individual needs, and customer-focused approaches over profits. Explore self-advocates’ and individuals with developmental disabilities’ perspectives.

4. Governance, Management, and Workforce

Focus on the importance of strong governance in the developmental services sector. Address middle management development, succession planning, and leadership skills. Explore non-monetary compensation, hiring practices, resilience, and fostering a positive work environment.

5. The Developmental Services Eco-system and Stakeholders

Delve into collaborative efforts in government relations and advocacy to establish consistent messaging and strengthen the sector’s voice. Build confidence in the sector amid rapid changes and uncertainties, particularly for the younger generation.

6. IT, Innovation, and Disruption

Explore innovative approaches and the leveraging of technology to improve services and supports within the developmental services sector. Discuss how emerging technologies, including AI, can enhance outcomes.

7. Ethics, Justice, and Legal Issues

Address legal and ethical concerns related to bargaining, pay equity, and other legal aspects within the developmental services sector. Explore justice and equity in service delivery.

We do still encourage you to please submit a proposal even if your idea doesn’t necessarily fit exactly into one of these categories.

We would also request that you please share this information with anyone you know that would make a valuable contribution to our learning.

Interested parties can follow this Link to submit a proposal to the OASIS Planning Committee.

The deadline to submit a proposal has now been extended to Wednesday 10th January 2024 at 5PM.

If you have any questions, please contact Jonathan Bradshaw at jonathanbradshaw@contact.oasisonline.ca

Thank you for your interest in helping to contribute to this year’s event!