Wednesday April 29th
Exhibits
Barry Dorans, Attorney
The 2026 legislative session has many providers asking, "Are we in California?" The rules of the game in Virginia have changed—again. From the $58,656 federal salary threshold to the "strict ABC test" for contractors, staying compliant feels like a full-time job. Back by popular demand, Chip Dodd and Barry Dorans return to the vaACCSES stage to translate complex jargon into actionable provider strategy. We will tackle the "big stuff" like Paid Family Leave and Wage Theft, alongside "hidden" trends in mental health accommodations and AI bias. Join us for this definitive guide to navigating the 2026 regulatory storm without getting soaked.
Service Dog Meet and Greet
Shelley Kuglin, Owner, Pawsitive Attitudes
10:15 - 11:30 am
Closing General Session
Sponsored by VersAbility Resources
Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
John Richardson-Lauve, LCSW, Senior Director of Community Outreach and Trauma-Informed Care Specialist, St. Joseph's Villa
The HOPE framework comes from research that substantiates the impact of positive experiences, particularly in childhood (PCEs- Positive Childhood Experiences), on development and outcomes across the lifespan. These positive experiences can even mitigate the impact of childhood trauma and adversity. From this research, a framework has been created to support the creation of these PCEs in a child’s life. In this workshop we will review history of PCE research, the building blocks of HOPE, and how to implement them within vaACCSES context to support those in our care.