Annual Conference

     Highlights from OPRA 2009 Fall Conference and
Technology Workshops
October 27 -28th, 2009

 OPRA’s 2009 Fall Conference was a huge success thanks to over 400 attendees, including our sponsors and exhibitors.  The fall conference, held at the Embassy Suites in Dublin, brought together providers to hear information about the latest technology and other changes in the field of disabilities.  The keynote speaker for the first day was Greg Wellems, Director of Innovation Programs, Imagine! in Colorado.  Mr. Wellems discussed the Colorado “smart home” which is on the cutting edge of technology and remote monitoring and shows promise to help find efficiencies in serving individuals with developmental disabilities.  A fundraiser and party to benefit OPRA’s PAC capped the first day of informational and motivational presentations.  Attendees of the OPRA party found their inner “Rock Star”, as they made music videos. The second day’s keynote address came from John Martin, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.  Director Martin updated attendees on the current status of work and the goals for the department in the coming months. 

As is traditional at OPRA’s fall conference, 33 individuals were given awards for outstanding service in a variety of capacities in the field of developmental disabilities.  Over 100 individuals were nominated this year, and all were deserving of recognition.  To read more about OPRA’s annual award program and award recipients, CLICK HERE.  To see the full photo gallery and place an order, CLICK HERE.

Overall, the conference featured six separate tracks, ranging in topics for CEOs, direct support professionals, human resources, and IT professionals.  With 51 sessions, this fall conference was packed with more information than ever.  Much gratitude goes out to the many presenters who informed attendees on topics ranging from special needs trusts and H1N1 Pandemic preparedness to grassroots lobbying and the use of social media, as well as to our faithful sponsors, vendors and advertisers.

We had a record number of exhibitors and sponsors, including a number of new participants, and fantastic raffle prizes donated by our exhibitors and sponsors. The OPRA conference provides a fantastic time for vendors to network with existing and potential clients.

OPRA Fall Conference Presentations:

• Click Here for slides presented at the OPRA Technology Workshops
• Click Here for Interactions Between Housing Corporation...by Steve McPeake & Panel 

Mark your Calendar now for OPRA's Spring Conference scheduled for
March 23 -24, 2010 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, in Dublin, Ohio.

 PopNoggins Party Picture at OPRA PAC Silent Auction