Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series

The Boggs Center’s Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series is a community and continuing education program provided for professionals, policymakers, individuals with disabilities, and family members to enhance their knowledge and skills in innovative approaches and state of the art practices for people with developmental disabilities. Nationally known speakers with expertise in their field serve as faculty for the program. Eight sessions of the Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series are held each year, four in the Fall, and four in the Spring.

Funding for the Series is provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Human Services, State of New Jersey and the Administration on Disabilities, US Department of Health and Human Services.

Fall 2026

Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series - Fall 2026 WebinarsRegistration is open for the Fall 2026 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series!
All sessions will be held online using The Zoom Webinar platform.

View Fall 2026 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series Brochure
Visit The Boggs Center Online Registration System

Unlocking Solutions: Meeting the Real-World Needs of People with Co-Occurring Conditions

Friday, October 2, 2026 l 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM l Webinar

Across the nation, state systems are grappling with how to meaningfully support people with co-occurring I/DD and mental health needs. This session will provide a high-level overview of how states are addressing these needs and share key takeaways, policy trends, and lessons learned through the national work of The Link Center. Attendees will gain actionable insights into national systems change initiatives and effective cross-system knowledge-building strategies designed to break down traditional silos, enhance workforce capacity, and deliver holistic, person-centered supports.

Stacy Nonnemacher, PhDStacy Nonnemacher, PhD 
Director of Cross-Systems Strategies
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
Alexandria, VA

Exploring the NADSP Revised 2026 Code of Ethics

Friday, October 16, 2026 l 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM l Webinar

The NADSP Code of Ethics serves as a practical guide for direct support professionals as they navigate complex decisions, honor the preferences and rights of the people they support, and strengthen professional practice. Participants will be introduced to the 2026 revised Code of Ethics and will be invited to consider how its principles connect to real-world direct support scenarios. The session will also preview key themes and learning activities from the full NADSP Code of Ethics Curriculum, giving participants a meaningful introduction to deeper ethical reflection, discussion, and application.

Joseph M. MacbethJoseph M. Macbeth
President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
Albany, NY

John Raffaele, MSW

John Raffaele, MSW
Director of Educational Services, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)
Albany, NY

Beyond The Transition: Two Journeys of Success

Friday, October 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Webinar

In this engaging and personal presentation, Shelbi Davenport and Travis Davis will share their individual journeys through education, employment, self-advocacy, and adulthood. Through their lived experiences, Shelbi and Travis will explore the importance of setting high expectations, developing self-advocacy skills, finding the right supports, and recognizing each person’s unique strengths and abilities. They will also share practical strategies for helping individuals with disabilities navigate post-secondary opportunities, prepare for meaningful employment, and become more independent.

Shelbi Davenport, MSRShelbi Davenport, MS
Speaker
College Station, TX

Travis Davis, MS

Travis Davis, MS
Speaker
Albuquerque, NM

The Road Less Traveled: The Intersection of Quality Culture and Person Centered Practice

Friday, November 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Webinar

Robert Frost's famous poem ends with the revelation that the narrator took "the road less traveled by. And that has made all the difference." While Frost's exact meaning is debated, it offers keen insight into the courage and leadership needed by organizations demonstrating person centered practice. High quality service delivery in developmental disability systems means far more than meeting minimum compliance standards. It requires an organizational culture that expects high quality engagement with people served, families, and the workforce. High quality person centered practices include day to day interactions demonstrating the core values of respect, trust and dignity. This presentation will explore the opportunities to demonstrate person centered practice through a culture of quality, and the critical role of leadership.

Mary Lou BourneMary Lou Bourne
CEO, Person Centered Consulting
Annapolis, MD

Registration

The Fall 2026 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series will be held on the Zoom Webinar platform.

To access the webinars, you must register in advance on The Boggs Center Online Registration System

The webinars are free of charge. Space is limited for each of the sessions. Open to people who live or work in New Jersey. For additional information about DDLS Webinars, please view Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Ziba Arjmand at ziba.arjmand@rutgers.edu or 732-235-9515.

Continuing Education and Certificates of Attendance

As part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, The Boggs Center offers this program for general social work continuing education credit per NJAC 13:44G6.4.c(5). The Boggs Center is a registered NJ Department of Education Professional Development Provider. The Fall 2026 sessions have been submitted to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) for continuing education program approval.

Each session is eligible for 2 hours of continuing education recognition. To demonstrate completion and receive a Certificate, you must be logged into the webinar from start to finish and complete a survey at the webinar’s completion. Certificates of Attendance will be emailed to all participants who meet these eligibility requirements the week following the event.

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