Policy, Advocacy, and Systems Change: Top Picks for Developmental Disability Leaders

Posted on 07/28/25 in Milestones Conference by Milestones Autism Resources

When it comes to supporting autistic individuals and those with developmental disabilities, systemic change doesn’t just happen—it’s led by bold, informed professionals like you. Whether you're navigating policy as a county board leader, running programs at a nonprofit, or supporting families one plan at a time, your work shapes what’s possible.

ConneXtion On-Demand offers continuing education that speaks directly to this kind of leadership. These sessions go beyond theory to offer real-world, cross-sector strategies for building more inclusive, equitable, and effective systems.

Learn More About ConneXtion On-Demand

Here are three powerful picks for your playlist this week:

1. Empowering Self Advocacy: Moving Through Grief to Action

Presenter: Jesse Kohler
Sessions Submitted for: NASW, CH, GC, NURSING, IA, SSA, SI

Today's economic and political turmoil has led to the stress of uncertainty. Jesse Kohler, the Founder and President of The Change Campaign and on loan as the Executive Director to the Campaign for Trauma-informed Policy and Practice (CTIPP), walks us through what he is experiencing on Capitol Hill. Providing points of hope, and re-centering us in the notion that democracy is the antidote to trauma. He uses case studies of autistic young people engaging in self-advocacy, as a guide for participants to generate their own advocacy narratives.

2. Culturally Informed Parent Training: How Building a Culturally Responsive Community Develops Advocacy Skills

Presenter: Camille Proctor
Session Submitted for: NASW, CH, GC, OPA-MCE +Ethics, NURSING, OT, ELS, ELC, IA, SSA, SI

Central to systems change is equity. Proctor provides a roadmap for culturally attuned assessment and advocacy-skill building, helping SSA, IA, and nonprofit leaders ensure services truly meet diverse community needs.

3."The Doors of the Church are Open": Making Spaces of Faith Open for All!!!

Presenter: Brittany Pope
Session Submitted for: NASW, CH, GC, OPA-MCE+Ethics, NURSING, IA, SSA, SI

Community settings like places of worship are vital inclusion frontiers. This session equips system leaders with strategies for accessibility, storytelling for awareness, and coalition building-perfect for superintendents and program directors ready to expand beyond clinical environments.

Watch Anytime & Earn up to 22 CEUs

These sessions—and many more—are part of ConneXtion On-Demand, available anytime through September 30, 2025.

• Learn at your own pace
• Earn CEUs while expanding your perspective
• Access content made with and for the autistic community

Register now for On-Demand access and start watching today.

Continuing Education Hours Key:

We have approvals from the following accrediting bodies for select sessions:

• CH: Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio (ESCNEO) (Education Clock Hours)
• GC: Graduate Credit Hours (Kent State University)
• NASW: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• OT: Applied The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (OTPTAT)*
• OPA-MCE + Ethics: Ohio Psychological Association (OPA-MCE)
• NURSING: Ohio Board of Nursing
• BCBA: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD)
  • EIS: EI Specialist/Support
  • EIC: EI Service Coord/Support
  • IA: Investigative Agent
  • SSA: SSA (Service & Support Administrator)
  • SI: Superintendent
• For Speech Language Pathology credits, please read this information.

* Pending Approval