SCO Family of Services recently hosted the third in a series of annual professional development conferences for staff working with children, youth, and adults with special needs and developmental disabilities. This year’s Taft Academy Conference, held Sept. 20 and 21 at The Inn at New Hyde Park, attracted more than 300 social workers, clinicians, case managers, educators, direct support professionals and other staff from SCO’s programs across New York City and Long Island.
Douglas O’Dell , SCO’s executive director kicked off the event by thanking the attendees for providing “the right combination of support, guidance, and care that makes the difference between a life of hardship and a life of promise” for people with developmental disabilities and special needs.
Participants gained new insights to enrich their work and hone their skills during breakout sessions led by industry experts. Topics included Equine Therapy, Mindfulness, Piano Circle of Cognitive Gain, Positive Behavior Supports, and Human Relations Principles for Managers. The keynote address was presented by award-winning author, Mark Scharenbroich, whose skillful story-telling demonstrated the significant correlation between an individual’s progress and the quality of the personal connections made with the staff who serve them. Assembly Member David Weprin, an advocate for the youth served at SCO’s Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility in Queens, addressed the members of audience with words of gratitude, encouragement and praise.
