2012 Paralympic Leadership Conference Schedule(subject to change)

Thursday, April 26All activities take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Arrivals and Conference Registration Main Lobby

Friday, April 27All activities take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Arrivals and Conference Registration Main Lobby

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. VA Working Session (Invite only) Fountain Creek/Cripple Creek Rooms

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PSC Working Session (Invite only) Park/Pueblo/Teller Rooms

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Opening Reception (All Attendees)Douglas/El Paso/Fremont Rooms

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Opening General Session No One Climbs a Mountain AlonePark/Pueblo/Teller RoomsFeatured Speaker: Chris Waddell, ParalympianDescription: Chris Waddell is arguably one of the best athletes in the world. He has won 13 Paralympic medals and is one of the pioneering athletes challenging the limited perceptions of disabled sports. His attempt to climb Mount Kilamanjaro in a hand-crank wheelchair will be his crowning athletic achievement, an undeniably incredible, yet seemingly impossible, accomplishment.  One Revolution cinematically captures Chris Waddell’s very human journey to dare greatly and ultimately to live fully. This film chronicles the heart and spirit behind an extraordinary achievement as it documents the first almost entirely unassisted paraplegic ascent of 19,340-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro. One Revolution is Waddell’s motto for this expedition, and his life. “One revolution means so many things to me. One revolution of the handcycle, one revolution of the earth, one lifetime, one moment, one chance to make a difference.”  

Saturday, April 28All activities take place at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC)

6:00 a.m. Breakfast on Own

7:00 a.m. Bus Transportation from DoubleTree to OTC(Last bus leaves at 7:20 a.m.)

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Opening General Session Gym 8, Sports Center IIPhilanthropic Trends TodayFeatured Speakers: Kevin D. White, Managing Director, Spring Hill Capital Partners, LLC, Trustee, USOC;George Puskar, Director i-Star Financial, Paralympic Advisory Committee Moderated by: Steve Whisnant, U.S. Olympic Committee/ U.S. ParalympicsDescription: What are the key factors that draw donors to your organization and programs? A discussion with two philanthropic leaders around how they make smart decisions to invest in organizations.  Reviews of practices that will help build an organization’s philanthropic brand, and grow and expand their network of stakeholders.

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Move to Workshop Sessions

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Let’s Play – Sitting VolleyballGym 7, Sports Center II Presenters: Katie Holloway, Paralympian Sitting Volleyball; John Kessel, USA VolleyballDescription: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics and play Sitting Volleyball

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Community Based Warrior Transition Unit and the

Paralympic Sport Club ConnectionWest Wing Conference CenterPresenters: Annie Desalernos, Paralympic Sport Club Sacramento/City of Sacramento; Chad Dessarno, CBWTU-California; Jamie Hoffman, VA Long Beach Healthcare SystemDescription: Attendees will learn best practices on hosting a successful adaptive sports day for soldiers from a Community Based Warrior Transition Unit. They will learn how to gain support from the Commander and

community partners, as well as select the proper sports and recruit volunteers to support the event.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. How to Brand Your Program with Social MediaRay B. Essick Conference RoomPresenter: Hajj Flemings, Brand Camp University Description: Learn strategies to effectively market and manage your organizational brand online. We will discuss how to build an online brand and community organically, authentically and cost effectively. Topics include: How to integrate your values into your marketing program, how to organically build your online community, social media strategies for organizational branding, online reputation management strategies, developing a content creation strategy; and social media best practices.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Maximizing Your Board's Fullest PotentialDirks Conference RoomPresenter: Cherisee Young, Adaptive Sports FoundationDescription: This seminar will address board structure. Topics include: structuring a board that works for your organization by defining members’ fiduciary responsibilities and their roles in the management of the organization; maximizing a board’s fundraising potential; and highlighting common pitfalls an organization should avoid in management and development.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Effective Assessment Techniques for Successful Athlete, Team and Program DevelopmentRoom 006 AquaticsPresenter: Doug Garner, University of Texas at Arlington Description: This session will help adaptive sport coaches and program directors understand the importance of assessment as a tool to enhance athlete development, team success and program growth. Simple, effective assessment tools help create program participants who are engaged in and focused on program goals.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Beyond the Event: Developing a Sport IdentityVisitor Center TheaterPresenters: Jennifer Piatt, Mary Wells, Indiana UniversityDescription: Research has shown that sport engagement helps promote a healthy identity among adolescents, both with and without disabilities. This interactive session will present the current research on sport, identity and

adolescents to help Paralympic sport clubs justify their services to community members, collaborators and potential funders. Future research within the area of sport and identity will also be discussed.

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Let’s Play – Sitting VolleyballGym 7, Sports Center II Presenter: Katie Holloway, Paralympian Sitting Volleyball; John Kessel, USA VolleyballDescription: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics and play Sitting Volleyball

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Building your Case for Grant SupportWest Wing Conference CenterPresenter: Camille Cain, Deloitte Consulting, LLPDescription: In this session, you will learn how to build your case for grant funding support by developing a body of knowledge that will help you to respond to requests for applications quickly, nimbly and strategically. We will talk about how to collect compelling anecdotal and performance data, consider your potential funders, understand the value of using a compliance matrix, logical structuring and storyboarding and best practices.  You will also learn to build a catalog of relevant potential problem statements, objectives, approaches and activities, and performance measures. 

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. The Physiological Benefits of Sport and Recreation for Injured Service MembersRay B. Essick Conference RoomPresenter: Cynthia Cuppernell, SUNY Oswego UniversityDescription: It is often difficult to get the injured service member involved in sports, but once involved their healing really begins. This session will present the physiological benefits of sport and recreation for both the injured service members and their families.

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Get on CampusDirks Conference RoomPresenter: Jamie Hoffman, VA Long Beach Healthcare SystemDescription: In this session, attendees will learn strategies for engaging in collaboration with university campus recreation programs. Attendees will be introduced to the National Intramural Recreation Sports Association

(NIRSA), the governing body for campus recreation. The session will provide detailed information about the opportunities for collaboration and introduce attendees to campus service groups, as well as academic requirements for students relating to practicum or internship hours.

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. The Paralympic Sport Science Research Consortium, Mission, Membership and PlansRoom 006 AquaticsPresenters: Matt Cramer, Katrina Shaklee, Jeff Underwood, Paralympic Sport Science Research ConsortiumDescription: The PSSRC was formed in 2009 with the mission to “conduct, promote and support Paralympic research and sport science through collaborative study.” The group has now developed an organizational structure, a membership component and a process to promote its mission. This panel session will provide an update on the work of the PSSRC and also serve as a meeting of the membership.

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Active for Life: Utilizing Proper Strategies to Ensure Life-Long Physical Activity and Systematic Athlete DevelopmentVisitor Center TheatrePresenter: Jeff Jones, BlazeSports AmericaDescription: For people with a physical disability, acquiring physical literacy can often be the barrier to leading a healthy, active lifestyle.  This session will describe a step-by-step process to help people with physical disabilities develop the physical literacy needed for independent and active living, as well as provide a system for long term athlete development. It will introduce the Canadian Sport for Life model, which is a research proven process to encourage physical activity and skill development from birth to adulthood.

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Move to Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch Gym 8, Sports Center II

2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Move to Split Sessions

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Split Sessions - (Please choose one)

Engaging Your Athletes as Ambassadors West Wing Conference CenterPresenters: Susan Katz, World Sport Chicago; John Register, U.S. Olympic Committee/U.S. ParalympicsSpecial Guests: Katie Holloway, Paralympic Ambassador; Jon Lujan, Paralympic AmbassadorDescription: Your athletes can play an important role in helping share your organization’s message with key audiences, such as potential recruits, donors, parents and board members. Engaging your athletes as ambassadors can have a positive impact not just on your organization, but your community as a whole. This session will help you understand the benefits of creating a formal ambassador program and a few simple steps to getting your program started.

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Total Force Fitness: The Importance of Physical, Psychological, and Social Health to Recovering WarriorsVisitor Center TheatreFeatured Speaker: Captain Paul Hammer, United States Navy Description: This session will explore Total Force Fitness and its eight domains with a primary focus on the physical, psychological, and social domains as they apply to the recovery of wounded warriors along the continuum of care.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Let’s Play – Wheelchair BasketballGym 7, Sports Center II OTC Presenters: Wendy Gumbert, Lone Star Paralysis Foundation/U.S. Paralympics Regional Program; Doug Garner, University of Texas ArlingtonDescription: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics and play Wheelchair Basketball

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Strategy 101West Wing Conference CenterPresenter: Chuck Steele, Deloitte Consulting, LLPDescription: This session will cover the framework needed to conduct strategic planning to drive action in your organization. It will describe the development of a mission statement, definition of a vision, and how the strategic planning structure incorporates goals, initiatives, business

planning. It will also show the impact of your marketing plan and the process to develop a business structure.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Combat and Operational Stress Control ProgramRay B. Essick Conference RoomPresenter: Patrick Nardulli, NCCOSC Military Outreach SpecialistDescription: This session provides practical and effective specialized training to Navy officers and enlisted personnel to help strengthen the psychological well-being of military members and their families.  Presentation focuses on how to reduce unnecessary stress, identify problems early, reduce stigma associated with psychological issues and ensure prompt treatment and the reintegration of military members.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sports Camps to Community Programs: Recruiting and Retaining Military Sport AthletesDirks Conference RoomPresenter: Diana Helt, Rehabilitative Institute of Chicago Sports Program Description: This session will provide community based services with ideas and best practices related to participant recruitment through the VA and other sources. It will showcase successful models for camps and one-time events. It will also describe how RIC has been able to transition from one-time camp programs into providing on-going programming for military personnel.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Before We RunRoom 006 AquaticsPresenter: Francois Van Der Watt, Ossur AmericasDescription: This session consists of the best practice ideas in early amputation rehabilitation. It will focus on strength and balance training techniques to advance an athlete with an amputation from walking to running activities.

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sharing ‘Secrets” to Better Coaching & CollaborationVisitor Center TheatrePresenter: John Kessel, USA Volleyball Description: Information, facts, science – not criticism, opinions or beliefs – will be shared in this session, along with methods founded on principles. We will focus on how to better coach and teach others to coach. We will share

ideas that have worked in collaboration between National Governing Bodies and Member Organizations.

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Reception U.S. Olympic Training Center Visitor’s Center

Sunday, April 29All activities take place at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC)

6:00 a.m. Breakfast on Own

7:00 a.m Bus Transportation from DoubleTree to OTC (Last bus leaves at 7:20 a.m.)

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Paracanoe: A New Paralympic SportGym 7, Sports Center IIPresenters: Debby Page, Janet Whitaker, Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana Inc.Description: USA Canoe/Kayak Paracanoe coaches will present an overview and status of this new Paralympic sport for athletes with amputation, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. Presentation includes information about competition, boats and paddles, stroke technique, boat set-up, ergometer training, adaptive equipment, classification categories and sprint race format.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. A Training Road Map to the Multi-Sport Finish Line”West Wing Conference CenterPresenters: Stacee Seay, Daniel Tun, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)Description: Coaching strategies and training plan preparation for all ranges of multi-sport athletes. We will discuss structuring a comprehensive plan tailored to the unique needs of youth and junior athletes as well as adults in paratriathlon, swimming, cycling and running.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Classification 101: Paralympic Classification Impact at the Grassroots LevelRay B. Essick Conference RoomPresenter: Julie O’Neill, U.S. Olympic Committee/U.S. ParalympicsDescription: Classification education is an ongoing function of the Paralympic Division – both the education and training of classifiers and sharing of information with coaches, athletes, program managers and the like. Coaches

and program managers who gain a better understanding of the general premises of Paralympic sport classification are often better equipped to coach, teach and support their athletes more effectively. This is because they have a greater understanding of the impairment, better knowledge of the overall classification process and procedures and ability to understand basic medical data to evaluate what the athlete can and cannot do in a sport setting.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. WTB & Community Collaboration: Programming On & Off PostDirks Conference RoomPresenters: Sarah Braun, Paralympic Sport Club Colorado Springs/City of Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreation Program; Mechelle Tuttle, Warrior Transition Battalion Fort CarsonDescription: Paralympic Sport Club Colorado Springs and the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson will discuss collaboration efforts to provide adaptive sports programs both on and off post. They will also discuss strategies on how to engage soldiers and cadre into participation and leadership roles.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Integrating Athletes with Intellectual Disability in Paralympic SportRoom 006 AquaticsPresenters: Barry Holman, Patrick Johnson, Athletes Without LimitsDescription: This session will provide an overview of the integration of athletes with intellectual disabilities into Paralympic sport. It will cover the eligibility process, athlete identification, athlete pipeline, partnership between Athletes Without Limits and U.S. Paralympics, and share the experiences of athletes with intellectual disabilities in INAS and Paralympic competition.

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m Community Programs: Do You Believe in the Power?Visitor Center TheatrePresenter: Ashley Thomas, Bridge II SportsDescription: Sustaining community programs is a tricky business. This session looks at some of the issues required for sustainability. We will discover creative ways to find space, learn how to develop partnerships and recruit both athletes and students, as well as discuss how to use

community resources to solve questions and explore why you became involved.

9:45 a.m. Bus Transportation to Colorado College

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. General SessionColorado College, Armstrong Theatre UndefeatedFeatured Speaker: Bill Courtney Description: Chances are you have never heard of Bill Courtney. And neither had most of Manassas High School when he volunteered to coach the underperforming football team at the inner-city Memphis, Tenn., institution. But his story shows that under any circumstances, you can thrive. With the leadership of Courtney, a lumber company owner, Manassas transformed from a team that had not made the playoffs in 110 years to one that embraced a perfect season in 2009, just a few years into Courtney’s stint. Winner of the 2012 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, Undefeated chronicles the magic of the Tiger’s 2009 season, yet is about much more than sports. Courtney teaches the importance of showing up. The coach harbors on committing to a goal. He also touches on failure. With football as a backdrop, Courtney shares how together, we can overcome adversity and become winners in the game of life.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. LunchColorado College

1:00 p.m. Bus Transportation to Olympic Training Center

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Let’s Play – GoalballGym 7, Sports Center II Presenter: U.S. Association Blind AthletesDescription: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics and play Goalball

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Exploring the Importance of the NGB and PSC PartnershipWest Wing Conference CenterPresenters: Matt Cramer, Kallie Quinn, U.S. Olympic Committee/U.S. ParalympicsDescription: This session is on the importance of the USOC, NGB and PSC partnership. Content will focus on

how to effectively engage in creating robust athlete identification and development pipelines that will ultimately produce Paralympic Champions.

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Effective Therapeutic Recreation Programs for Veterans with TBI/PTSD/PolytraumaRay B. Essick Conference RoomPresenter: Bert Gillette, Higher GroundDescription: Higher Ground has developed a program model using outdoor sports and recreation as a catalyst for therapeutic gains for veterans with disabilities and their families. This session will review the techniques used with hopes of helping others provide effective therapeutic recreation services to veterans.

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Successfully Promoting Opportunities to Engage and Grow Paralympic SportsDirks Conference RoomPresenter: Tanja Kari, University of Utah Health Care Rehab CenterDescription: This session outlines key programming elements: athlete recruitment, appropriate equipment, ski course and race access, knowledgeable instruction/coaching and funding. It will provide an example of successful sport programming, including one of the most challenging sports regarding recruitment of athletes with disabilities – cross country skiing.

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Collaborative Community-Based Adaptive Cycling ProgramRoom 006 AquaticsPresenters: Diane Ridderhoff, Teresa Szmerekovsky, Paralympic Sport Club Colorado Springs; Allen Beauchamp, Kelvin Clark, AngleTechDescription: Learn the components of implementing a community-based adaptive cycling program for people with physical disabilities. Paralympic Sport Club Colorado Springs partners with local bike specialist, Cycle Different, to host cycling rides in the community. We will review the equipment, adaptations, vendors, program components and utilization of volunteers.

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Patient to Participant: Through the Eyes of a Paralympic AthleteVisitor Center Theatre

Presenter: Katie Holloway, Paralympian Sitting VolleyballDescription: This session will give you ideas on how to develop a relationship with your medical community and the patient to get them engaged in your Paralympic Sport Club. You will be introduced to important tools which establish the pathway from patient to participant.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Let’s Play - GoalballGym 7, Sports Center IIPresenter: U.S. Association Blind AthletesDescription: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics and play Goalball

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Warrior Transition Command Adaptive Reconditioning within the Comprehensive Transition PlanWest Wing Conference CenterPresenters: Cesar Seda, Warrior Transition Unit Alaska/Fort Wainwright; Julianne Fuller, Warrior Transition Unit Alaska B Company; LTC Daniel Dudek, Battalion Commander, Warrior Transition Battalion Description: This session describes how the Army views physical training/therapy and adaptive event for recovering wounded, ill and injured soldiers as it supports the Comprehensive Transition Plan.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Emotional Intelligence in the Paralympic CommunityRay B. Essick Conference RoomPresenters: Alicia Mandel, Carlee Wolfe, Apollo Group Description: Emotional intelligence (EQ) – often referred to as the strongest indicator of human success – is a set of skills, including control of one's impulses, self-motivation, empathy and social competence in interpersonal relationships. This interactive session will explore the importance of emotional intelligence in the Paralympic community. You will be able to leverage key concepts of EQ with those you interact with the most, helping to better influence athletes, parents, patients, business partners and more.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Using a Holistic Approach of Mental Skills Training to Improve the Well-Being of AthletesDirks Conference Room

Presenters: Mark Campbell, Army Center for Enhanced Performance; Aaron Moffett, Ph.D., California State University, San Bernardino Description: Elite performers use sport and performance psychological techniques to improve their chances of success. We created and implemented a mental skills program based on a performance psychology model for Warrior Games athletes and adaptive sports participants. The presentation will focus on the implementation and outcomes of this intervention program.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cross-Pattern Training Techniques for Wheelchair Athletes and VeteransRoom 006 AquaticsPresenters: Tim Dempsey, Sharon Kelleher, Riekes Center for Human Enhancement Description: The session will discuss and demonstrate a variety of cross-patterning techniques that help wheelchair athletes avoid injuries and perform better in specific sports. The presenters will also introduce movement awareness techniques that have improved self-esteem, decreased depression, lowered anxiety levels and lessened PTSD symptoms in veterans.

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 50 Fundraising TipsVisitor Center TheatrePresenter: Brinah Vincent, Center for Non-Profit ExcellenceDescription: This workshop provides a quick overview of a comprehensive fundraising program, along with a series of 50 ideas, activities and attitudes to frame your campaigns. This is a great workshop for both fundraising newcomers needing first exposure to a successful fundraising program, as well as veterans who need a quick refresher.

Monday, April 30All activities take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Breakfast Grand Ballroom, DoubleTree Hotel

7:45 am – 9:00 a.m. Closing General SessionRoad to LondonGrand Ballroom, DoubleTree Hotel

Featured Speakers: Dave Denniston, Paralympic Swimming Coach; Jessica Long, Paralympian Swimming; Craig Griffin, Paralympic Cycling Coach; Allison Jones, Paralympian Cycling and Alpine Skiing; Cathy Sellers, Paralympic Track and Field Coach Anjali Forber-Pratt, Paralympian Track and FieldModerated by: Julie O’Neill, U.S. Olympic Committee/U.S. ParalympicsDescription: Athletes and Coaches from Paralympic Track and Field, Cycling and Swimming share their personal experiences on preparing for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Learn about daily routines of elite athletes preparing for the Games, successes along the way, challenges that need to be overcome and the coaches’ perspective on what it takes to reach the podium in just a few short months.

9:15 am – 10:15 a.m. Descriptive Analysis of Movement for National Level Sitting Volleyball PlayersSeven Falls Room, DoubleTree HotelPresenters: Ron Davis, Sangwoo Lee, Texas Woman’s UniversityDescription: Analysis of movement patterns for positioning to pass or strike (initial trunk movement, reaction time, and movement velocity) is important to performance in sitting volleyball. Thus, players must learn to move efficiently on the floor. Motion capture analysis was conducted to determine results and identify key coaching application points.

9:15 am – 10:15 a.m. Physiological Characteristics of Team Battleback: Preparing for the RAAM 2012Royal Gorge Room, DoubleTree Hotel Presenter: Dr. Paul Smith, Senior Lecturer, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, WalesDescription: This presentation provides the audience with the scope and scale of an ambitious military rehabilitation project. Team Battleback intends to complete the Race Across America with an eight-man team of Para-cyclists. The presentation charts the team’s trials and tribulations over an eight-month preparation period

9:15 am – 10:15 a.m. Improving Volunteerism by Creating a Community-University PartnershipPikes Peak Room, DoubleTree Hotel

Presenters: Aaron Moffett, Ph.D., California State University, San Bernardino; Allison Palmer, DisAbility Sports Festival Description: This session will discuss how volunteering and service learning is a community-university relationship that can benefit everyone, especially non-profits and students seeking work-related experience. Such learning promotes community engagement and program sustainability, while providing hands-on experience for students.

10:30 am – 11:30 a.m. Mental Preparation for the Paralympic GamesSeven Falls Room, DoubleTree HotelPresenter: Jeffery Martin, Wayne State UniversityDescription: The session will describe how Paralympians can prepare for the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games through mental skill use. We will share research that examined Olympians competing in the same events as Paralympians, as well as athletes with disabilities in the Paralympic and World Championship. Traditional psychological preparation such as imagery and self-talk will be discussed. Unique challenges are addressed, including travelling, sleeping, classification and drug testing.

10:30 am – 11:30 a.m. Effects of a Paralympic Sports Camp for Injured Service MembersRoyal Gorge Room, DoubleTree HotelPresenter: Brent Hawkins, Clemson UniversityDescription: Many adapted sports programs provide recreation and sport opportunities for injured service members. This research session will describe the effects of participation in a Paralympic sports camp for injured service members. Research findings and implications for the development of sports camps for injured service members will be discussed.