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Save the Date for the 2023 Annual Symposium

October 18–20, 2023

Details coming soon!

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors!

Be a Symposium Sponsor! Learn more.

Join Us

Join us October 19–21, 2022 for the 11th First Place Global Leadership Institute Symposium with the option to attend in person in Phoenix, Arizona and/or via webinar. 

Benefit from decades of research and community-building know-how, along with experiences and strategies for navigating today’s opportunities and challenges inherent in the development of homes and inclusive communities. 

Take advantage of our powerful, in-depth three-day program—and build momentum for your supportive community, vision and outcomes.

Be inspired by and engage with others from the private, public and charitable sectors—and work with us to help change the world for those we serve.

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Agenda & Details

Wednesday, October 19
2:00–8:30 p.m. PDT (In Person Only)

2–5 p.m. (PDT)

In Person Only

Setting the Stage: Property & Community Experiences

  • Behind the Scenes of Daily Operations at First Place–Phoenix
  • Multi-Generational Properties & Collaboration with Foundation for Senior Living
  • Continued Development of the Most Autism-Friendly City in the World

  • 6–8:30 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Casual Reception, Dinner & Networking, Southwest Margarita-Style 

    Thursday, October 20, 2022
    8:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. PDT (In Person) / 11:30 a.m.– 6:45 p.m. EDT (Online)

    8:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Promising & Innovative Models: One First Leads to the Next

  • Strategies for Fueling a Marketplace of Options
  • Snapshots from Across the Country

  • Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ ;
    Co-Founder, SARRC and Matt’s Mom

    brad herron-valenzuela

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Center for Education, Training & Employment

    9:20 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Defining the Marketplace: Segmentation & Integration

  • The Guiding Narrative
  • Aligning Diagnosis with Needs, Wants & Funding
  • Capitalize on Current Robust Markets, Complementary Needs & Shared Interests

  • 10:15 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Break

    10:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Housing Policy & Approaches: Focused on Marginalized Populations

  • Housing Is Health Care (H2O), Arizona’s Medicaid Innovation Waiver
  • American Rescue Plan Act Opportunities, Seizing the Moment
  • Home Matters® to Arizona: Tri-Sector Collaboration & Leverage

  • 11:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Changing Life Course Outcomes: Traditional & Innovative Practices

  • Future of Care & Clinical Research; Highlights from Jan. 2022 Lancet Commission Report
  • Translational Research Consortium: Individual, Community & Economic Impact
  • Compelling Data Points for Measuring Program & Property Results

  • Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ and Matt’s Mom

    Maureen Casey

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Centers for Applied Research & Public Policy; Coordinator, Creighton Medical School Elective

    12:15 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Catered Lunch Break

    1:00 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Knocking Down Barriers at the State & Federal Levels 

  • Obstacles in Our Way
  • Promising Federal Policy Opportunity
  • Disruptive Approaches: First Place Twins Study & Supportive Housing Stipend Pilot

  • Linda J. Walder

    Founder, President & Executive Director, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation

    Maureen Casey

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Centers for Applied Research & Public Policy; Coordinator, Creighton Medical School Elective

    Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ and Matt’s Mom

    2:00 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Understanding & Responding to Your Market's Needs

  • Greater Phoenix Housing Market Analysis
  • Greater Denver Housing Market Analysis
  • Aims & Impact of Market Demand Studies

  • Maureen Casey

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Centers for Applied Research & Public Policy; Coordinator, Creighton Medical School Elective

    Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ and Matt’s Mom

    2:45 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Advocating for Broad & Diverse Needs: Respectful & Persuasive Approaches 

  • Partial Advocacy: Respectful Approach for All
  • Challenging Situations: Strategies for Moving Forward
  • Panel Discussion

  • Dr. Thomas Insel

    Co-Founder & Executive Chair, Vanna Health

    Dr. Stephen Shore

    Author; Board Member, Autism Speaks; Professional Advisory Board Member, Autism Society; Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University

    3:45 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Break

    5:30–8:30 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Evening of Expression, Exploration & Engagement
    Reception, Dinner & Keynote Speaker

    Healthier Outcomes: People, Places & Purpose – Keynote Speaker Dr. Thomas Insel, Former NIMH Director and Author of Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health.

    In addressing today's mental health crisis, Dr. Insel concludes that what the world needs now is not another pharmaceutical intervention but the three Ps: people, places and purpose.

    Enjoy a specially curated art exhibit by Calvin Shin, First Place Transition Academy graduate, along with a facilitated panel with Drs. Thomas Insel, Stephen Shore and Raun Melmed. The panel will discuss that co-occurring conditions for autistic people and those with Down syndrome and other intellectual/developmental disabilities are not uncommon and frequently manifest during adolescence and adulthood.

    Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85004

    Friday October 21, 2022
    8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. PDT (In Person) / 11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. EDT (Online)

    8:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Making Life Less Complicated: Current Tools & Data

  • Learn4Independence® Curriculum
  • 360 Health & Wellness® Curriculum
  • Kiip Digital Data Locker

  • brad herron-valenzuela

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Center for Education, Training & Employment

    Maureen Casey

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Centers for Applied Research & Public Policy; Coordinator, Creighton Medical School Elective

    9:15 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Jobs Matter: Getting to Work & Succeeding

  • Employment & Business Outcomes
  • Individual & Economic Outcomes
  • Essential Soft Skills for Workplace Success

  • Dr. Stephen Shore

    Author; Board Member, Autism Speaks; Professional Advisory Board Member, Autism Society; Professor of Special Education, Adelphi University

    10:15 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Community Development Impacting Everyone: Fundamental Approaches

  • Building Supportive Cities
  • Creating Value Through Planned Community Developments
  • Q&A

  • Marc Garcia

    President and CEO, Visit Mesa

    Alison Brooks

    Director of Destination Experience and Advocacy, Visit Mesa

    Todd Hornback

    Partner & Chief Advancement Officer, Cohere Life, Inc.

    11:00 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Break

    11:15 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Activating Your Community by Cultivating Treasures in Your Own Backyard 

  • Compelling Storytelling
  • Home & Community Navigation
  • Strategies & Tools for Engaging Your Community

  • 12:15–2:00 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Working Lunch: Rolling Up Our Sleeves

  • Asset Mapping Exercise
  • Networking
  • Stronger & Better Together

  • Additional Information for In-Person Attendance

    Included

    • Wednesday property & supportive community tour
    • Thursday evening reception, dinner & keynote speaker
    • Friday afternoon workshop
    • Networking
    • Meals

    Not Included

    • Airfare and airport ground transportation
    • Hotel

    We suggest Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown North. Use our group rate (good through Friday, Sept. 30) and enjoy their complimentary breakfast.

    Speakers