Real Voices – Real Choices virtual conference schedule

Join us August 30 – August 31, 2021 for the Real Voices – Real Choices consumer conference celebrating Freedom Through Support, Advocacy, Empowerment, Awareness, Connection and Recovery.

View the digital event program

Monday, August 30

Welcome8:00–8:15am
Keynote Presentation
Road to Resilience
Family & Youth
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation will outline the tools and skills needed to achieve resilience. The speaker will include information on planning, keeping the end goal in sight, tips for getting started, building strong support systems, and dealing with setbacks along the road to resilience.
8:15–9:15am
Schizophrenia & Me
Mental Illness
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation is about schizophrenia. Information will be given on causes and symptoms of schizophrenia, treatment options, and living with this condition will be discussed.
9:20–10:20am
Al-Anon Family Groups Help and Hope for Families of Alcoholics
Family & Youth
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

The presenters will share an overview and history of Al-Anon Family Groups, followed by personal stories about recovery in Al-Anon Family Groups.
10:25–11:25am
Addressing Gaps in Healthcare: Using Specialized Telemedicine
Developmental Disabilities
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

Attendees will learn how specialized telemedicine can be different from traditional options, and what that means for the individuals and those that care for them.
11:30–12:30pm
Kickoff Comedy Hour
General

Sit back and enjoy an hour of laughter presented by Comedian Paul May.
1:05–2:05pm
Cultivate, Sowing the Seeds of Change to Break the Cycle
Substance Use Disorders
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation will give a general overview of Narcotics Anonymous, how to find a meeting, what is involved in a meeting, and some personal experience.
2:10–3:10pm
Neurodiversity: What Is It?
Developmental Disabilities
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

Despite being a term coined in the early 90’s, neurodiversity is still a relatively new concept; what is it, and how does it apply to self-advocates and others? In this presentation, the history, concepts, definitions, and application of the neurodiversity paradigm will be explained. Recent historical events pertaining to the Autism Rights Movement will also be discussed, as well as a brief overview of the Kansas City League of Autistics and their own advocacy efforts surrounding neurodiversity.
3:15–4:15pm
Help! I Was Appointed A Public Administrator, Now What?
General
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation will explain the process of appointments of Public Administrators as guardians and\or conservators of individuals as well as guidance for those individuals for whom a public administrator is appointed.
4:20–5:20pm

Tuesday, August 31

Morning Welcome8:00–8:05am
What Can I Say?
General
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

When we have persevered through mental illness, substance use, and developmental disabilities, we have an inspiring story to share. But where do we start? This presentation will help attendees prepare to share their testimony by learning the basics of public speaking. Throughout the presentation, individuals will create a step-by-step plan for their first presentation.
8:05–9:05am
What Are Natural Supports?
Family & Youth
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

Natural supports are important in meeting the needs of a child/youth and their family. Learn about the different kinds of natural supports and how they can be a part of your plan to reach your goals. You will leave the presentation with a process to identify your child/youth and family’s natural supports and how they are measurable.
9:10–10:10am
Missouri Respect Institute Panel
Mental Illness
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This will be a presentation about lived experience from four individuals who live with a mental illness. The presenters will all share their personal stories regarding their diagnoses and the journeys they have taken to overcome obstacles and persevere. All four presenters have overcome incredible adversity and are now thriving. You will not want to miss this powerful presentation!
10:15–11:15am
What’s In It For Me? Empowering Your Finances, Preserving Your Benefits
Developmental Disabilities
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation covers topics that apply to any person living with a disability and their family. Information will be shared on public benefits, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and the charitable grant program.
11:20am–12:20pm
OCD and Me: A Social Worker’s Lived Experience
Mental Illness
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation will discuss the development of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It will include the diagnosis, symptoms, the cultures and core beliefs that keep individuals from seeking help. Learn how to find help and treatment options. The presenter will also talk about how her lived experience made her become a social worker and how we can change the way people with mental illness are treated and viewed in society.
12:55–1:55pm
Mentoring: How to be a Good Mentor or Mentee!
General
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

Overview on mentoring and being a mentee.
2:00–3:00pm
#I Am Remarkable
Developmental Disabilities
CEU Eligible 1.00 Hour

This presentation will increase understanding of underrepresented groups and diversity and teach how those issues impact persons with disabilities. The presenter will also outline the efforts to improve self-promotion, motivation, and open communication for persons with disabilities.
3:05–4:05pm
Recovery Capital
Substance Use Disorders

This presentation will provide an overview of what recovery capital is and the four types (personal, family/social, community, and cultural). The presenter will also help attendees identify which area of recovery capital they need to increase and how to do that effectively.
4:10–5:10pm
Closing Remarks & Grand Prize Drawing

During this presentation, there will be a brief summary of the conference, door prizes, and concluding remarks. Prizes will be mailed to winners following the conference.
5:15–6:15pm

Live closed captioning will be available for all presentations and full transcripts will be available following the event in the video library.