Virtual | May 13-15, 2025

The Stories of START
This year’s SNTI theme focuses on START’s on-going journey of innovation in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through our collective stories. Stories are the foundation of history and highlight START’s evidence-based approach to improving well-being through collaboration, training, and research. Stories help us understand ourselves and others which leads to cultural humility and respect for all identities. Stories inform us and help us make good decisions as we adapt to ever-changing systems. Stories allow us to share our values and work together toward a shared vision. And finally, stories can be a tool of social change when we work as a community to bring about inclusion and belonging for all. Everybody has a story - so this year, come to SNTI prepared to listen, learn, and share the stories of START.
2025 Learning Objectives
- Attendees will explore how shared narratives contribute to START's evidence-informed approach, enhancing knowledge of best practices and research in IDD-MH services.
- Attendees will engage in collaborative storytelling to build community, foster inclusion, and deepen mutual understanding, contributing to relationship-building and collaboration.
- Attendees will learn to use stories strategically to drive social change, demonstrating how storytelling aligns with START values and supports innovative, inclusive practices.
Sponsors
Premier Sponsor

Champion Sponsor

Champion Sponsor

Gold Sponsor
Your logo could be here!
Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

Registration
Registration fees help cover our virtual SNTI platform and other administrative costs. It is our goal to host an event that is affordable and accessible for all. We will need each attendee to be registered under their own name to access course content and CE certificates. We do allow group registrations but we will need each individual's information.
- General Registration - $99
- Group Registration (5 or more) - $89 each
- START team member discount - $69
- Students, family members, caregivers, and persons with lived experience of IDD-MH qualify for free registration. For more information, please contact ncss.training.iod@unh.edu.
Is your agency planning to send several people and looking for more ways to publicly show your commitment to our work in IDD-MH? Sponsors of the SNTI will receive several free seats and many other benefits.
Check out our sponsors tab below for more information!
Sponsorships
Sponsors of the SNTI can provide vital support to our work of driving systemic change in the fields of intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health. Sponsors can promote their business or organization to thousands of professionals in the nationwide START network and connect with leaders in the field as we work together to improve the lives of persons with IDD-MH.
A virtual SNTI means more chances to connect, greater flexibility to accommodate schedules, and a broader reach across our START network. With approximately 750 active START team members and more than 4,000 email subscribers in the wider START network, there is a ton of potential for connection!
While our in-person events have had around 250 people, our last virtual SNTI in 2022 had more than 600 registrants representing 36 states. Participants gave it a 92% overall satisfaction rating, and 91% would recommend SNTI to others. If you are interested in sponsoring SNTI, please contact us at start.iod@unh.edu.
Download 2025 SNTI Sponsorship Prospectus PDF
2025 |
Premier |
Champion |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
Amount |
$10,000 |
$5,000 |
$2,500 |
$1,500 |
$1,000 |
Availability |
Exclusive |
Limited (2-3) |
Multiple |
Multiple |
Multiple |
Registrations |
20 |
16 |
12 |
8 |
4 |
PowerPoint Presentations |
Dedicated slides + Zoom background |
Dedicated slides |
Group logo listing |
Group logo listing |
Group logo listing |
Ad space in LMS |
Yes |
Yes |
Group logo listing |
Group logo listing |
Group logo listing |
NOTS 2025-2026 |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Time to air video message/ad (provided by agency) |
3-5 minutes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Dedicated email w/ custom message |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Feature article on blog / newsletter |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Social Media |
2-3 dedicated posts |
1-2 dedicated posts |
Group sponsor posts |
Group sponsor posts |
Group sponsor posts |
Logo on SNTI webpage |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Logo on SNTI emails |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Content Strands
START Best Practices
Segments within this content strand would focus on the application of START’s guiding principles and best practices. This might include trauma focused care, evidence-based practices, biopsychosocial, strengths-based practices, etc.
Examples of possible topics:
- Impactful Interventions: Demonstrating Success
- Clinical considerations (specific diagnoses and treatment strategies)
- Strategies for Crisis Response, Intervention, or Prevention in IDD-MH
- Expressive Therapies (art, music, poetry, movement, etc.)
- Supportive Story-Telling – the direct support professional role in supporting communication across settings
- “Let’s Create a Social Story”
- Supporting Anxiety for Persons with IDD
- Psychological First Aid for IDD
Systemic Engagement
Segments within this content strand will focus on engaging with communities at a macro and mezzo level and driving change at a systems level. This might include community initiatives, systemic interventions, structural systemic approaches, etc.
Examples of possible topics:
- Overcoming Challenges: Lessons Learned on the Journey
- IDD-MH Community Initiatives
- Systems change Initiatives
- Research, Training, and Workforce Development Initiatives
Inclusive Practices
Segments within this content strand will focus on the development of strategies and practices that ensure our work is inclusive for people with all levels of support needs and promote belonging. It is required that presentations in this content strand include the voice of someone with lived experience, through co-presenting or facilitation.
Examples of possible topics:
- Interactive Storytelling: Participant Engagement
- Crafting Your Story: A Guide for and From People with Lived Experience
- Importance of Accessibility and Plain Language
Principles in Practice
Segments within this content strand will focus on theoretical underpinnings of the START model and the foundations it was built upon. This might include positive psychology, solution focused interventions, the three A’s, etc.
Examples of possible topics:
- Clinical topics
- Wellness based approaches
- Positive psychology
- Person and Family centered philosophy
- Trauma informed care
Important Dates
The call for proposals is now closed!
Friday, November 15, 2024 - Proposals due
Monday, December 9, 2024 - Presenters notified of status of proposal
Friday, December 13, 2024 - Selected presenters confirm attendance
Call for Proposals
Terminology
- START Team Member: actively serving on a START Program
- START Network Partner: affiliated with the National Center for START Services or a local START program through committees, research, training, professional development, or other involvement
- IDD-MH: Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs
General Proposal Guidelines
Proposals will be selected to ensure the 2025 SNTI offers a comprehensive, relevant, and diverse program. Proposals that clearly describe innovative and creative work, and those that integrate the voices and perspectives of people with lived experience of IDD-MH will receive the highest priority in the selection process. We believe that collaborative knowledge-sharing builds capacity at the highest level.
- Please submit one proposal form per presenter/presentation team.
- Please select the one content strand that best fits your proposal topic.
- Proposals from START programs must be reviewed and approved for submission by their Clinical Director and/or Program Director which includes discussing SNTI registration at that START team member rate.
- Your presentation should be interactive. If your proposal is chosen, you will need to identify and communicate how you will accomplish this. This could include but is not limited to;
- A live demonstration
- Service example/vignette
- Workshop incorporating live application
- Each content strand has examples of topics that the 2025 SNTI planning committee has created. Submissions can address a variety of topics that correspond with the strand’s theme or use one of the examples provided.
- All session proposals are 1 hour in length. Please note in the comment section if you believe your session needs more time.
Proposal Review Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by members of the SNTI Content Planning Committee and peer reviewers using the following criteria:
Relevance of Topic - Is the topic of relevance, importance, value, and/or interest to the START network?
Connection to 2025 Theme - Does the topic reflect alignment with the 2025 SNTI theme of "The Stories of START"?
Session Objectives Achievability - Is there alignment between the stated session objectives and the proposal description?
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, & Belonging (DEIJB) - Does the proposal show how the session will reflect or address DEIJB? This includes subject matter, people of diverse identities, and demographic characteristics.
Quality of Submission - Does the proposal demonstrate quality, as measured by accuracy, clarity, comprehensiveness, and depth of demonstrated understanding of the topic?
Proposal Submission Process
Proposals for the 2025 SNTI are due by Friday, November 15, 2024.
Proposals must be submitted through this link or the button below no later than end of day Wednesday, November 15, 2024. The portal will close at midnight Eastern Standard Time.
- Review this webpage entirely
- Prepare your responses using the guide below for your proposal
- Fill out this Qualtrics link using the responses from your guide
Proposal Submission Guide
Use this guide/checklist to make sure you have all your information ready before you start the Qualtrics submission.
- The category that best describes you (START Team Member, START Network Partner, Other)
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email Address
- Do you plan to have co-presenters (yes/no)
- Content Strand
- Level of Learning (introductory, intermediate, or advanced)
- Session/Presentation Title (20 words maximum)
- 3 Learning Objectives (see APA Behavioral Objectives guidelines)
- Session description (100 words maximum)
- Any other considerations the review committee should be aware of
Proposal Review Process
The lead presenter will be notified via e-mail regarding the status of their proposal no later than Monday, December 9, 2024.
Presentation teams whose proposal is accepted or accepted with recommended revisions should plan to confirm their SNTI attendance no later than Friday, December 13, 2024. Details will be provided in subsequent communications.
Proposal status notifications include:
- Accepted
- Accepted with recommended revisions
- Not accepted at this time, future opportunities await
If accepted, the presenter will be connected to a NCSS content coach. Your NCSS Content Coach will:
- honor your subject matter expertise;
- offer feedback and insight based on NCSS/SNTI training standards;
- provide timely reminders as submission deadlines draw near
The coach is not required to co-present with you.
Continuing Education
NBCC (National Certified Counselors): 2025 START National Training Institute – The Stories of START has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. Sessions approved for NBCC credit are clearly identified. National Center for START Services(R) - Institute on Disability is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-4829.
Schedule
All times given are in Eastern Time.
The program begins at 11:45am ET (10:45am CT / 9:45am MT / 8:45am PT)
Time | Event | |
11:45am – 12:15pm ET |
Opening Remarks/Welcome - The Story of START |
|
12:15pm – 1:15pm ET |
Opening Keynote – “We can do much more than what people think”: The Power of Storytelling to Foster Agency and Advocacy |
|
1:15pm – 1:30pm ET |
15-minute break Team Building/Movement Break/Structured Social Time/Scavenger Hunt |
|
1:30pm – 2:30pm ET |
Celebrating Bridge-Building: The 2025 NCSS Gardner Award Winner |
|
2:30pm – 2:35pm ET |
Join Breakout Rooms |
|
2:35pm – 3:35pm ET |
START Best Practices – Storytelling for Systemic Change Jillaine Baker, MSW, LCSW |
|
Systemic Engagement – Crisis Intervention Team (CIT): More than Just Training Yolanda Cruz, BSW |
||
Inclusive Practices – Stories of Discovery: Unlocking the BIO in Biopsychosocial Barb Drotos, MSW, LICSW |
||
Principles in Practice – OT for All: Strategies for Improving Engagement and Success for People with IDD-MH Laura Golden, OTD |
||
3:35pm – 3:45pm ET |
10-minute break Team Building/Movement Break/Structured Social Time/Scavenger Hunt |
|
3:45pm – 4:45pm ET |
START Best Practices – Recognizing and Addressing Compassion Fatigue: Building Resilience and Well-Being |
|
Systemic Engagement – Building Capacity of IDD-MH Workforce Through NCSS Professional Development and Training Elizabeth Grosso, MSW |
||
Inclusive Practices – The Story of START Through the Lens of a Resource Center Counselor Natasha Peterson |
||
Principles in Practice – Bridging the Distance: Virtual Drama and Expressive Arts for Parent-Child Connections Michelle McGonagle, MSW, LICSW |
||
4:45pm – 5:00pm ET |
Support Staff Available for Audience Questions in Main Zoom Area Tomorrow’s agenda will be available on screen |
|
The program begins with optional role-focused breakfast/brunch sessions at 11:00am ET (10:00am CT / 9:00am MT / 8:00am PT)
Time | Event | |
11:00am – 12:00pm ET |
Medical Director’s Practice Group |
|
Children’s Special Topics Practice Group |
||
Clinical Director’s Practice Group |
||
So You Want to Start a START Program? |
||
12:00pm – 12:15pm ET |
Wednesday Welcome |
|
12:15pm – 1:15pm ET |
Keynote Day 2: Collaborating with people with lived experience of IDD to change the plot of research Ariel Schwartz, PhD, OTR/L |
|
1:30pm – 2:30pm ET |
START Best Practices - Part II: Recognizing and Addressing Compassion Fatigue: Building Resilience and Well-Being Jenee Lewis-Walker, PsyD |
|
Systemic Engagement – Same Page, Same Team: Improving Mental Health Outcomes Through Person-Centered Clinical Supports Julie Lago, MSW, LICSW |
||
Inclusive Practices – Evaluation of Telehealth Services on Mental Health Outcomes in START Jessica Kramer, PhD, OTR/L |
||
|
Principles in Practice – Best Practices and Innovations for Adapting Psychotherapy for People with IDD-MH Wendy Aita, PhD |
|
2:30pm – 2:45pm ET |
15-minute break Team Building/Movement Break/Structured Social Time/Scavenger Hunt |
|
2:45pm – 5:30pm ET |
START Research Poster Session: Stories of Innovation and Inclusion Andrea Caoili, EdD |
The program begins with a Brunch and Learn session at 11:00am ET (10:00am CT / 9:00am MT / 8:00am PT)
Time | Event | |
11:00am – 12:00pm ET |
START Best Practices – Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of Epilepsy in People with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities |
|
Systemic Engagement – Growing Together: Sibling Support Through Life’s Journey |
||
Inclusive Practices – Connecting with Autism and IDD: Perspective of a Hispanic Mother and Professional in the Mental Health Field |
||
Principles in Practice – The Coaches Corner: A Crash Course on Canva |
||
12:00pm – 12:15pm ET |
Thursday Welcome |
|
12:15pm – 1:15pm ET |
Awards Ceremony |
|
1:15pm – 1:30pm ET |
15-minute break Team Building/Movement Break/Structured Social Time/Scavenger Hunt |
|
1:30pm – 2:30pm ET |
START Best Practices – Using Plain Language to Promote Inclusion and Access Anne LaForce, MA, LPA |
|
Systemic Engagement – Stories of Support: START’s Collaborative Approach for Youth with IDD-MH in the Juvenile Justice System |
||
Inclusive Practices – A Collaborative Approach: Integrating Crisis Planning and Behavior Analysis |
||
Principles in Practice – The Art of Listening: Creating Safe Space for Stories to be Told |
||
2:30pm - 2:45pm ET |
15-minute break Team Building/Movement Break/Structured Social Time/Scavenger Hunt |
|
2:45pm – 3:45pm ET |
Final Keynote: How We Use Our Stories Nathaniel Lentz, BA |
|
3:45pm – 4:30pm ET |
Closing Plenary and Storytelling Activity |
Awards
Coming soon!