Planning Tools for Best Practice: Creating Positive and Possible Futures
2024-01-22 09:00 - 2024-01-24 16:00 (America/New_York) | Keystone Human Services, 3700 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, United States
Planning Tools for Best Practice: Creating Positive and Possible Futures
This course is intended to develop awareness in using PATH, Personal Futures Planning, and One Page Profiles. Participants will learn and practice powerful person-centered planning tools for creating positive visions and providing good supports to move towards the vision. Solution-seeking practices, deep listening, sharpened facilitation skills, capacity building, and practical implementation of PATH and MAPS tools are all part of this dynamic learning process.
Prerequisite: Participants should have attended at minimum, a one-day Orientation to SRV course as SRV lays the foundation for these ideas.
Register
Schedule
January 22, 2024
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Education Room, second floor
January 23, 2024
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Education Room, second floor
January 24, 2024
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Board Room, first floor

The Problem with the Readiness Model
2024-01-29 09:30 - 16:00 | Keystone Human Services, 3700 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA, 17110, United States
Change and growth, learning new things, acquiring skills and developing competencies – they are essential to living a full life for all humankind. Helping vulnerable people to do so is the inherent work of personal human service. All too often, incoherent human service models, the impacts of social devaluation, and even our own mindsets and low expectancies about people result in all sorts of ineffective teaching and missed opportunities for capacity building. These dynamics have resulted in a decades-long focus on getting people “ready” – “ready” for independence, “ready” for a real job, “ready” for relationship. What happens when someone will never meet the standard of “ready”? And what does it even mean to be “ready”? Certainly, there is often a sequence of development; and growth and change are also flexible and creative and dynamic.
How might people progress more meaningfully through a focus on preparedness rather than readiness, interdependence rather than independence, and how can we use powerful tools like the dynamics of role circularity, the culturally valued analogue, imitation and modeling, a developmental approach and respectful and healthy accommodations to assist people to emerge toward a life of full of capacity and contribution. Join the Keystone Institute as we welcome Hope Dittmeier, Milton Tyree, and Merry-Reid Sheffer for learning, exploration, and discussion on these issues that speak to the hands, head, and heart of our work in human service.
Hope Leet Dittmeier has devoted the last 40 years in a variety of roles, personally and professionally, investigating the question, “What would it take for people to enjoy ordinary lives in lieu of life in segregation?” As a family member, Hope has walked alongside her sister-in-law who lived with intellectual disability, supporting her to have a career, own a home, become an integral part of her church community, fulfill the role of “doting aunt,” and enjoy a rich personal social network. In professional roles, she has focused on designing robust supports unique to each individual person. She has championed a variety of causes, including compassionate responses to people whose behavior challenges others, increased availability of affordable, accessible housing, and Employment First initiatives. Hope’s life and work has been informed on a consistent basis by Social Role Valorization. In addition to doing the work, Hope has also developed and provided ‘Endeavor for Excellence’ training regarding the implementation of SRV theory in practice. Hope is currently Executive Director at Mattingly Edge where she has been instrumental in transforming a large, legacy day program that utilized a medical model into a service that provides only individualized supports, designed to help people enjoy the same good things in life that most people take for granted. Hope holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counselling from the University of Kentucky.
Milton Tyree lives in Louisville, Kentucky and has 40 years’ experience in the design, development, and provision of supports and services centered on people with disabilities having access to valued aspects of everyday life. A particular area of interest has been the ongoing struggle around people with disabilities having good employment. Milt’s efforts have been strongly influenced by the work of the late Dr. Marc Gold, and he is an associate with Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A). Additionally, the late Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger’s Social Role Valorization (SRV) theory has been foundational in Milt’s understanding of the importance of good employment for people with disabilities, the reasons this can be difficult, and considerations for addressing the challenges.
Merry-Reid joins us from Kentucky where she is the Director of Employment Services with Edge Employment whose theory of practice is Social Role Valorization. Merry-Reid holds certifications for Customized Employment in Systematic Instruction and Discovery and Job Development through Marc Gold and Associates. She serves as the chair of the Employer Education and Engagement Committee on the Governor’s Employment First Council, where she helps to spread awareness about the many disabled people living with disabilities who fill (or would like to fill) the valued role of employee and the many benefits that brings to all. Merry-Reid holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and she is currently working on a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Louisville. Her previous work in human services includes serving people who are homeless, coordinating children’s literacy programs, and prison abolition advocacy.
Register

The Power of Roles
2024-02-05 09:00 - 2024-02-08 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
2/5 and 2/8 Registration
Day 1: February 5, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EST
Day 2: February 8, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EST

The Power of Roles
2024-02-12 13:00 - 2024-02-15 16:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
2/12 and 2/15 Registration
Day 1: February 12, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST
Day 2: February 15, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST

SRV Refresher Course
2024-02-20 09:00 - 2024-02-21 13:30 | Online
SRV Refresher Course
Haven’t been to SRV for a while and are looking for a refresher course? Join us as we review the themes of Social Role Valorization and discuss how we have used these ideas over our years of serving others. A series of short presentations will be followed by chances to illustrate, discuss, and share ideas and struggles. Join us to learn about the several new themes of SRV, sharpen your grasp of the principles, recommit to using and teaching the ideas, and do it all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Prior attendance at a 3- or 4-day Introduction to Social Role Valorization workshop is required to register for this event.
This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link in the confirmation email close to the date of the workshop.
2/20 and 2/21 Registration
Day 1 February 20, 2024 9:00 am – 1:30 pm EDT
Day 2 February 21, 2024 9:00 am – 1:30 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-03-06 09:00 - 2024-03-12 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
3/6 and 3/12 Registration
Day 1: March 6, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EST
Day 2: March 12, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

SRV Reading Circle: The Nickel Boys
2024-03-15 10:00 - 2024-03-24 12:00 | Zoom Online Platform
SRV Reading Circle: The Nickel Boys
Each year the SRV Leadership Group, along with the Keystone Institute, hosts a series of short study sessions aimed at examining the principles of SRV in an informal and relaxed learning format. The 2024 series will take the form of a reading circle, exploring print media, books, articles, and even children’s books. Each session will focus on a selected reading which participants will be provided with and have time to read beforehand. We will meet for lively discussion and deep analysis of the material through an SRV lens. Please join us for what is sure to be a thought-provoking series of events.
Please join the Keystone Institute for a Reading Circle Session to discuss the remarkable book The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. This book launches the Keystone Institute’s SRV Study Group series for 2024 taking the form of a Reading Circle. The Nickel Boys is a fictional story of a reform school for boys in the Jim Crow era south, though it is based on the historic Dozier School. This powerful book explores the themes of devaluation and their brutal effects on the lives of the young boys whose lives it chronicles.
As part of the Reading Circle, we will provide you with the book, give you ample time to read it, and then we will gather to discuss the book, its contents, themes, and how it relates to the dynamics of Social Role Valorization. The Nickel Boys is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and is sure to cause us to consider deeply the ramifications of segregation and congregation, heightened vulnerability of a marginalized group, brutalization, and the restorative power of valued social roles. Join the facilitators Shonna Stevens, Ernie Jose, L. Danyetta Najoli, and Matthew Nguyen for this meaningful and participatory event. Due to the in-depth exploration of SRV topics and themes, prior attendance to a full 28-hour in-person workshop or 32-hour online workshop is necessary to attend this event.
Register

The Power of Roles
2024-03-20 13:00 - 2024-03-27 16:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
3/20 and 3/27 Registration
Day 1: March 20, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Day 2: March 27, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-04-01 09:00 - 2024-04-08 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
4/1 and 4/8 Registration
Day 1: April 1, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Day 2: April 8, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

Introduction to Social Role Valorization
2024-04-22 09:00 - 2024-04-25 15:00 | Bongiorno Conference Center, 430 Union Hall Road, Carlisle, PA, 17013, United States
Introduction to Social Role Valorization
This intensive workshop presents the idea of assisting people with disabilities and other devalued conditions to have positive social roles, which serves as a productive and helpful response to wounding life experiences. People wishing to understand the life experiences of people they support and the implications of those life experiences, and those who are committed to working toward making life better for others are encouraged to attend.
This foundational material is essential to those wishing to serve others in meaningful ways and who are impassioned to make a difference in the lives of others. Many participants find the learning within this event to be the most helpful, inspiring, and clarifying body of knowledge they have been exposed to in their professional development. It assists in long-term understanding and focus of service to others in ways that matter.
The workshop includes multi-media presentation, small and large group reflection and discussion, and resource materials. Participants should be prepared for significant presentations as well.
Schedule
Day 1: April 22, 2024, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Day 2: April 23, 2024, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Day 3: April 24, 2024, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Day 4: April 25, 2024, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Overnight lodging is available starting Sunday, April 21, 2024 through Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Register

The Power of Roles
2024-05-01 13:00 - 2024-05-07 16:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
5/1 and 5/7 Registration
Day 1: May 1, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Day 2: May 7, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-05-15 09:00 - 2024-05-20 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
5/15 and 5/20 Registration
Day 1: May 15, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Day 2: May 20, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-06-05 13:00 - 2024-06-11 16:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
6/5 and 6/11 Registration
Day 1: June 5, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Day 2: June 11, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-06-20 09:00 - 2024-06-26 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
6/20 and 6/26 Registration
Day 1: June 20, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Day 2: June 26, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

SRV Reading Circle: Dissonance: Valued Roles and Negative Stereotypes
2024-07-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
SRV Reading Circle
Dissonance: Valued Roles and Negative Stereotypes
Each year the SRV Leadership Group and the Keystone Institute host a series of short study sessions aimed at examining the principles of Social Role Valorization in an informal and relaxed learning format. The 2024 series will take the form of a reading circle, exploring print media, books, and articles. Each session will focus on a selected reading which participants will be provided with and have time to read beforehand. We will meet for lively discussion and deep analysis of the material through an SRV lens.
We hope you can join the Keystone Institute for the second Reading Circle Session entitled, “Dissonance: Valued Roles and Negative Stereotypes.” Shane Burcaw is an author, blogger, and entrepreneur who tackles assumptions and perceptions of others in his collection of essays, Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse, and the Time Person of the Week podcast interview with Eddie Ndopu illuminates assumptions about ability and excellence. This event will explore the themes of Role Expectancy and the Developmental Model through the podcast and select excerpts from this book.
As part of the Reading Circle, we will provide you with Shane Burcaw’s book and the link to the podcast, give you ample time to read and listen, and then gather for an enriching discussion on the book and podcast, specifically focusing on the SRV themes. Join the facilitators Stacy Buchmann, Victoria Hoshower, and Courtney Wagner for this participatory learning event.
Due to the in-depth exploration of SRV topics and themes, prior attendance to a full 3- or 4-day in-person workshop or 32-hour online workshop is necessary to attend this study session.
Register

The Power of Roles
2024-07-17 09:00 - 2024-07-23 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
7/17 and 7/23 Registration
Day 1: July 17, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Day 2: July 23, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-08-14 09:00 - 2024-08-20 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
8/14 and 8/20 Registration
Day 1: August 14, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Day 2: August 20, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

SRV Refresher Course
2024-08-28 09:00 - 2024-08-29 13:30 | Online
SRV Refresher Course
Haven’t been to SRV for a while and are looking for a refresher course? Join us as we review the themes of Social Role Valorization and discuss how we have used these ideas over our years of serving others. A series of short presentations will be followed by chances to illustrate, discuss, and share ideas and struggles. Join us to learn about the several new themes of SRV, sharpen your grasp of the principles, recommit to using and teaching the ideas, and do it all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Prior attendance at a 3- or 4-day Introduction to Social Role Valorization workshop is required to register for this event.
This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link in the confirmation email close to the date of the workshop.
8/28 and 8/29 Registration
Day 1 August 28, 2024 9:00 am – 1:30 pm EDT
Day 2 August 29, 2024 9:00 am – 1:30 pm EDT

Distance Introduction to Social Role Valorization
2024-09-09 09:00 - 2024-09-18 16:00 | Online
Distance Introduction to Social Role Valorization
The Introduction to Social Role Valorization is an intensive workshop which presents the idea of assisting people with disabilities and other devalued conditions to have positive social roles as a productive and helpful response to wounding life experiences. Social Role Valorization is a comprehensive theory which provides insights as to why certain groups of people become devalued in society, what life experiences are likely to befall people once they have become devalued in the eyes of others, why valued social roles are a powerful response in combatting the negative life experiences, and ten essential themes which can guide implementers in pursuing valued social roles by, with, and for those practitioners desire to serve.
This foundational material is essential to those wishing to serve others in meaningful ways, and who are impassioned to make a difference in the lives of others. Many participants experience the learning within this event as the most helpful, inspiring, and clarifying body of knowledge they have been exposed to in their professional development, and it assists in long-term understanding and focus on being of service to others in ways that matter.
The workshop includes pre-recorded as well as live presentations, small and large group live reflection and discussion, online forums and resource materials. Participants should be prepared for significant presentations.
Course Schedule:
Week 1
Day 1: Monday September 9, 2024: 9:00 am to 12:45 pm Live session with 2 additional hours of independent assignments
Day 2: Tuesday September 10, 2024: 10:00 am to 2:15 pm with 30 additional minutes of independent assignments
Day 3: Wednesday September 11, 2024: 10:00 am to 4:15 pm A combination of live session and independent assignments
Week 2
Day 4: Monday September 16, 2024: 3 hours of independent assignments prior to logging on for the live session from 12:00 pm to 3:15 pm
Day 5: Tuesday September 17, 2024: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm Live session with 1-hour independent assignments
Day 6: Wednesday September 18, 2024: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm A combination of live sessions and independent assignments
*This course will take place entirely online. Participants must attend every session in order to receive credit for the workshop.*
Register

Best Part of Me Retreat
2024-09-24 09:00 - 2024-09-25 17:00 | Temenos Retreat House, 1564 Telegraph Road, West Chester, PA, 19382, United States
Best Part of Me Retreat

This retreat constitutes one of a series of four two-day retreats. Participants of this reflective retreat are welcome and encouraged to spend the night at the center. The retreat series may be attended individually or as part of a sequential set.
In the Best Part of Me, we will ask “What are the best parts of ourselves which we can bring to the work we do?” We are each unique individuals who bring gifts, talents, and interests to the work we do. How do these influence the work we do and what can we draw upon to make our service to others more meaningful and impactful?
Deep in the discussions comes the principle that personal values are the basis for professional values.
All meals are provided during the retreat.
9/24 and 9/25 Registration
Day 1 September 24, 2024 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EDT
Day 2 September 25, 2024 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EDT

The Power of Roles
2024-10-02 09:00 - 2024-10-08 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
10/2 and 10/8 Registration
Day 1: October 2, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT
Day 2: October 8, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EDT

SRV Reading Circle: Ghost Boy
2024-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
SRV Reading Circle: Ghost Boy

Ghost Boy chronicles the life of Martin Pistorius, who lived with “locked-in syndrome” for over 12 years, a condition which left him unable to communicate or move. While those around him believed him to also be unconscious, Martin remained fully aware of the enduring indignities and horrific abuse he was subjected to during this time. These wounding life experiences and the impacts they had on Martin are vividly recounted in this book, as is the restorative nature of valued roles and abiding relationships.
Join the Keystone Institute and KHS SRV Leadership members and facilitators Pam Seetoo, Sudha Anand, and Shonna Stevens as we delve into this book and mine it for lessons and learning as part of our SRV Reading Circle Study Group Series. All registrants will be provided with the book and will have ample time to read it before joining together on October 9 for discussion and exploration of SRV-related themes. Due to the in-depth knowledge of Social Role Valorization that is required for this discussion, prior attendance at a full 28-hour in-person or 32-hour online SRV theory course is necessary to attend this event.
Register

SRV Help Desk
2024-10-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
SRV Help Desk

The SRV Help Desk is open!
Join the International SRV Association and the KHS SRV Leadership group on October 16 for a “fishbowl” experience as we explore common themes in using Social Role Valorization (SRV) as a framework for access to the good things of life.
In each session, a person or group can present an issue, a problem, or situation they are facing in their use of SRV. A tailor-made group of consultants will offer ideas, reflections and possibilities from their own experience. Get access to experienced and savvy SRV implementers who will be able to offer support to you. To make this a learning experience for ALL, we will use a “fishbowl” approach where any and all ISRVA members can join the consult, see and hear the discussion, and offer insights as well.
For this first try at a help desk, we feature queries from the Keystone Human Services SRV Leadership Group, who are working across a large organization to weave the ideas into everyday practice within their own purview and across the organization. The Help Desk Team will be long-time SRV implementers Karin Bonesteel from Nemasket Group in Massachusetts, Miriam Kaye from Etana in Alberta, and Ric Brown from Community Ventures in Living. All hold senior leadership roles within their organizations and are SRV-savvy in incorporating the ideas in both formal and informal ways.
Register

Introduction to PASSING
2024-10-21 - 2024-10-25 | Courtyard By Marriot Boston Raynham, 37 Paramount Drive, Raynham, MA, 02767, United States
Introduction to PASSING

This five-day workshop is for those who are interested in deepening their knowledge about the principles of Social Role Valorization. This workshop involves learning to use the PASSING assessment tool, which looks at the realities of Social Role Valorization in practice. It emphasizes the impact of services on the lives of the people being served and provides an opportunity to craft a vision of a good service and the foundation from which to design relevant and effective support, service, advocacy, and assess service quality. The work of PASSING is done in teams, visiting a residential and a “day” service, meeting the people being served, and conducting interviews with service administrators. The workshop involves extensive personal reflection and analysis, group conciliation, and thought-provoking discussion. The week’s work is conducted under the guidance of an experienced team leader.
Prior attendance at a three- or four-day Introduction to a full Social Role Valorization theory course, either online or in-person, is required to register for this event.
This workshop includes long days and late nights. Participants may check in after 3:00 pm on October 20, 2024.
Venue
Courtyard By Marriot Boston Raynham
37 Paramount Drive
Raynham, MA 02767 United States
Register
PASSING Faculty
Marc Tumeinski, PhD
Marc Tumeinski, PhD, is coordinator of the SRV Implementation Project. He teaches workshops based in Social Role Valorization. As a service worker, he supported children and adults with mental disorders, as well as physical and intellectual impairments, to have valued social roles at home, school and work. Marc has evaluated a variety of human service programs in North America, including several Citizen Advocacy programs. He has worked with families and agency staff to think about what might be ideal for someone receiving services, and has led planning sessions on how to move towards that ideal. Marc has a strong interest in analyzing the problem of violence in services, and he has written articles critiquing the use of restrictive practices and restraint. He has presented on these topics in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Marc’s current work with SRV focuses on PASSING and on Model Coherency. He is the founding Editor of The SRV Journal, and of the later supplement SRV News and Reviews, which contains original articles, vignettes, book and film reviews on topics related to Social Role Valorization and PASSING. He is a member of the North American SRV Training, Development and Safeguarding Council, and meets with other SRV teachers from across North America twice a year. He also belongs to the study groups surrounding Wolfensberger’s advanced topics. Marc has presented at several international SRV conferences. He and his wife Jo Massarelli offer their home in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts (US) providing hospitality for poor and homeless people.
Erica Baker-Tinsley
Erica Baker-Tinsley is a Professor and Coordinator of the Developmental Services Worker Program at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Before beginning her teaching career, she worked as a Family Support Coordinator providing support to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. It was through that work that Erica was first introduced to Social Role Valorization. Over the past 25 years, she has been involved in teaching SRV to service workers, administrators, families, and students at both high school and post-secondary levels. In addition to SRV, Erica is passionate about community development approaches that build strong communities where all members are welcomed and supported. Through her involvement in various non-profit organizations, Erica has engaged in advocacy work promoting education, food security, and affordable, secure housing. Erica has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Disability Studies from Ryerson University and a Master of Arts Degree in Community Development from the University of Victoria. She is currently a Board Director of the Southern Ontario Training Group, and a member of the Social Role Valorization Development, Training and Safeguarding Council.
Pam Seetoo
Pam Seetoo has worked to assist people to live rich, full community lives since 1990. Over the course of her life’s work, she has assisted people to leave institutions and establish themselves in their communities, supported children and families within foster care and host home programs, provided service leadership, and focused on values-based education and facilitation.
Throughout her career, Pam has worked to educate others about the effects of social devaluation of vulnerable populations. She facilitates many presentations at a variety of Social Role Valorization (SRV) and related workshops, leads small group learning and has been a team leader at PASSING events. She develops and organizes an extraordinary employee development program for the Keystone Institute and serves as a mentor and role model to many others. She has a strong interest in preserving and safeguarding the personal histories of people with disability and has developed workshops around this topic. Pam has been accredited as an SRV teacher by the North American Social Role Valorization Council.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Neuville
Elizabeth “Betsy” Neuville serves dual roles as Executive Director of the Keystone Institute and Director of Keystone Institute India. She has over 30 years of experience as a human service worker, administrator, agency director, evaluator, educator, and personal advocate, as well as extensive experience in designing and developing supports for people with disability, meaningful quality measurements, and extraordinary employee development programs.
She began her work with people with disability in 1986 as a support worker in a small community home for three men who had recently left an institution, and has continued her commitment to personal human service ever since. In 1988, she was hired by Keystone Human Services to help 20 people leave institutions and establish themselves in their home communities in Pennsylvania, US. She spent her first year with those 20 people and their families planning and envisioning new lives outside the institution, and she continue to walk alongside them as they entered their new lives and created a positive future.
Betsy served as Executive Director for KHS’s office in Lancaster, PA for many years, designing and directing supports for adults and children with developmental disabilities and/or mental disorders. She has assisted hundreds of people to leave institutions and begin lives as valued and contributing members of their communities. Equally important, she has been involved with the closure of several large governmental institutions, and she established the use of person-directed processes to assist people to envision full, rich community lives. She played an important role in building KHS’s reputation as an organization that will successfully support people whom others have given up on. She has mentored a great number of passionate change agents to carry on this work.
Betsy has worked extensively with the ideas of Normalization and Social Role Valorization (SRV) and provides training and consultation both nationally and internationally. She is fully accredited by the North American Social Role Valorization Council as a senior trainer of SRV. She has taught SRV and PASSING in Canada, across the United States, Ireland, the UK, Holland, Turkey, India, Azerbaijan, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova. She studied under the mentorship of Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger, the developer and foremost proponent of Social Role Valorization, and has, in turn, mentored and supported a generation of people committed to personal human service to others. She remains closely connected to people with disability, and holds particular interest in the historical treatment of people with disabilities.
She began using the tools and techniques of Person Directed Planning in 1992 to help people move toward better lives, and has extensively studied and used the work of Beth Mount in Personal Futures Planning and Jack Pearpoint in PATH and MAPS. She has taught Person Directed Planning techniques across North America, and in deinstitutionalization projects in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Azerbaijan. She has developed techniques which merge traditional Person Directed Planning with Social Role Valorization and Model Coherency, increasing the likelihood that such processes will identify and meet true needs, as well as incorporate valued social roles. In 2013, she co-wrote the implementation plan for best practice in Person Directed Planning and positive behavior support for the class action settlement agreement Jensen v State of Minnesota, and has extensively evaluated current practice in this area for the federal court monitor.
She also develops material and teaches on many topics beyond SRV and Person Directed Planning, including Hospitality, American Eugenics, Moral Treatment, Organizational Values in Action, and many other areas. She leads the Keystone Institute in their work of developing top quality workshops and events relating to not only what their work is all about, but why it really matters.
Betsy divides her time equally between India and the US.
Karin Bonesteel
Karin Bonesteel currently works as the Director of Community Living for The Nemasket Group, Inc., in Fairhaven, Massachusetts (US). Karin has a BA in Psychology and an MA in Social Work. Karin began her work in human services as a direct care worker in northern New York at an Intermediate Care Facility for 12 people. She moved on to work at Rensselaer County ARC in 1986; first as a direct support worker and then as a case manager. It was there that she first began to study the principles of normalization and attended a PASS workshop. She started teaching Wolfensberger’s work while in New York, and is currently recognized by the North American SRV Council as a Social Role Valorization teacher.
Karin moved to Massachusetts in 1992 where she went to work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation as a Program Director, directly involved in the closing of the Dever Developmental Center and the building of the community system. Karin has studied Citizen Advocacy in depth and was involved with a group of citizens on Cape Cod trying to start a Citizen Advocacy Program. Karin coordinates and teaches workshops for families, direct support staff and other concerned parties on how to help vulnerable people to have socially valued roles.
Since beginning at The Nemasket Group in 2012, Karin has worked to help the people she oversees supports for to have valued social roles and to embed the practice, language, and principles of SRV within the day-to-day operational culture of the organization.

The Power of Roles
2024-11-05 13:00 - 2024-11-11 16:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
11/5 and 11/11 Registration
Day 1: November 5, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST
Day 2: November 11, 2024 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm EST

SRV Reading Circle: Native American Boarding School System
2024-11-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
SRV Reading Circle: Native American Boarding School System

Join the Keystone Institute and KHS SRV Leadership members and facilitators as we delve into a book and mine it for lessons and learning as part of our SRV Reading Circle Study Group Series. All registrants will be provided with the book and will have ample time to read it before joining together on November 12 for discussion and exploration of SRV-related themes.
Due to the in-depth knowledge of Social Role Valorization that is required for this discussion, prior attendance at a full 28-hour in-person or 32-hour online SRV theory course is necessary to attend this event.
More information and registration will be available at a later date.

The Power of Roles
2024-11-14 09:00 - 2024-11-18 12:30 | Online
The Power of Roles
This workshop gives participants a practical introduction to the principles of Social Role Valorization. Through a combination of multimedia presentation and small group discussion, participants will learn about the phenomenon of social devaluation. This event includes discussion of how people with disabilities and other devalued groups have been systematically hurt and harmed by society, and what the impact of that devaluation has been. Participants will also learn about ways to help people have better lives by supporting them to achieve positive valued social roles. We will discuss practical strategies to make this a reality for the people you support.
*This workshop takes place in two parts over two separate days via Zoom. It is necessary to attend both parts to receive credit for this workshop. KHS employees should register for this workshop through Relias.*
11/14 and 11/18 Registration
Day 1: November 14, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EST
Day 2: November 18, 2024 9:00 am – 12:30 pm EST

SRV Refresher Course
2024-12-02 09:00 - 2024-12-03 13:30 | Online
SRV Refresher Course
Haven’t been to SRV for a while and are looking for a refresher course? Join us as we review the themes of Social Role Valorization and discuss how we have used these ideas over our years of serving others. A series of short presentations will be followed by chances to illustrate, discuss, and share ideas and struggles. Join us to learn about the several new themes of SRV, sharpen your grasp of the principles, recommit to using and teaching the ideas, and do it all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Prior attendance at a 3- or 4-day Introduction to Social Role Valorization workshop is required to register for this event.
This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. You will receive a Zoom link in the confirmation email close to the date of the workshop.
12/2 and 12/3 Registration
Day 1 December 2, 2024 9:00 am – 1:30 pm EST
Day 2 December 3, 2024 9:00 am – 1:30 pm EST

Understanding Poverty: An Experiential Learning Event for Gaining Insight and Creating Change
2024-12-04 09:00 - 13:30 | TBD, Lancaster, PA, United States
Understanding Poverty: An Experiential Learning Event for Gaining Insight and Creating Change

Over 11% of Americans live in poverty and it’s a reality for many people with disability supported by human service organizations. Poverty is a wound that is often exacted upon people, that they are even thrust into, against their will and as a result of being devalued. While it is often viewed as a stand-alone problem, it is in fact a complex issue that affects people’s physical and mental well-being, their relationships and social isolation, cognitive development in children, the risk of homelessness and violence, and much more.
This simulation allows participants to walk a month in the shoes of someone who is facing poverty and to realize how complex and interconnected issues of poverty really are; it’s a powerful opportunity to gain insight and seek change. Join the Keystone Institute as we welcome Rhiannon Noecker, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Community Action Partnerships Lancaster for this participatory workshop, as we examine the harsh realities of poverty and talk about how communities can address the problem and how each one of us can be moved to make a difference.
Contact Matt Nguyen at mnuygen@khs.org for more information.
Register

SRV Reading Circle: Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger Festschrift and Pennhurst and the Struggle for Disability Rights
2024-12-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
SRV Reading Circle: Dr. Wolf Wolfensberger Festschrift and Pennhurst and the Struggle for Disability Rights

Join the Keystone Institute and KHS SRV Leadership members and facilitators as we delve into the Festschrift for Dr. Wolfensberger and Pennhurst and the Struggle for Disability Rights as part of our SRV Reading Circle Study Group Series. The Keystone Institute will provide you with a copy of both books. You will have ample time to read them before joining together on December 10 for discussion and exploration of SRV-related themes.
Due to the in-depth knowledge of Social Role Valorization that is required for this discussion, prior attendance at a full 28-hour in-person or 32-hour online SRV theory course is necessary to attend this event.
Register
