SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
NOTE: DEADLINE NOW EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, 10th JANUARY 2024 at 5PM
Welcome!
2024 Conference Overview:
Ontario Agencies Supporting Individual’s with Special Needs (OASIS) is a member-driven provincial association. Its 190+ member agencies serve over 65,000 of Ontario’s most vulnerable individuals and employ 25,000 full and part-time staff. Member agencies currently provide more than 85% of all developmental services in the province of Ontario funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
We are excited to host the OASIS 2024 Conference from Wednesday April 24th to Friday April 26th and the theme for this year is Bridging Possibilities, Navigating Change!
We are expecting 500+ CEO’s, Executive Directors, Senior Managers and Board Members to attend this in person event and exchange information on the latest innovations and challenges in the Developmental Services Sector. As Ontario’s pre-eminent event for senior executives in this service sector, the OASIS conference brings together the province’s leading organisations. The programme will include a wide range of plenary sessions and workshops, and a number of excellent keynote speakers.
Guidelines for Submission:
We invite you to submit a proposal for a session presentation to be offered at our 2024 conference. We encourage innovative and creative presentations that are grounded and aligned with our goals, objectives and themes for the 2024 Conference. We do encourage you to please still submit a proposal even if your idea doesn't necessarily fit exactly into one of these categories.
Conference Goals Include:
Conference Goal 1: Foster Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
Objective 1: Facilitate interactive sessions that explore innovative solutions and technology advancements in the developmental services sector.
Objective 2: Provide a platform for attendees to exchange best practices and success stories related to implementing individualized supports and inclusive environments.
Objective 3: Create opportunities for participants to learn from real-world experiences, including government policies and their impact, through engaging keynote speakers and panel discussions.
Conference Goal 2: Strengthen Professional Networks and Collaboration
Objective 1: Encourage networking among attendees, agencies, and partners to establish valuable connections within the developmental services eco-system.
Objective 2: Facilitate workshops and breakout sessions that promote collaboration among professionals in leadership, management, and the workforce.
Objective 3: Offer a diverse range of presentations and discussions to cater to the interests and needs of attendees, whether they focus on governance, advocacy, innovation, or ethical concerns.
Themes:
Topic areas and themes could include, but aren't limited to:
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.
How does it work?
- Complete the application questionnaire in the link below. Connect your idea to one or more of the themes and goals outlined above.
- We encourage you to be creative, innovative, and interactive with your session idea.
- Be prepared for us to possibly pair you up with other applicants who may have similar ideas.
Conclusion:
The OASIS Conference Planning Committee will review all workshop proposals. Because we anticipate far more proposals than available workshop sessions, please note that we may need to combine some proposals with others and that not every proposal can be included in the conference agenda. The deadline for submitting proposals IS NOW EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, 10th JANUARY 2024 at 5PM
The OASIS will notify you of the status of your proposal as soon as possible following the deadline.
Point of Contact:
For additional information or technical assistance with submitting this form, please contact Jonathan Bradshaw at jonathanbradshaw@contact.oasisonline.ca
To Apply:
Click on the "next" button to complete the following questionnaire.