Each year, the MassPRA Conference provides a forum for people involved in psychosocial rehabilitation statewide to come together, celebrate, share ideas, exchange knowledge, develop new models and approaches and envision ways to create a responsive and empowering mental health system. Through the conference program, participants will have the chance to address the unique challenges arising every day in behavioral health care systems for people in recovery, program directors, advocates, administrators, policymakers, practitioners, family members, and government officials. At the same time, attendees will have plenty of opportunities over the course of the two days to draw new strength, network, and reinvigorate their vision for the future of PSR services and policies.

You can benefit from and contribute to this important exchange by submitting a workshop application. People in recovery, family members, providers, administrators, researchers, executive directors, advocates, and government officials are all encouraged to submit proposals. MassPRA especially invites first time submitters to send proposals for consideration. Please contact Ann Roy at 978 851-7321 Ext. 2776 or ann.roy@state.ma.us if you need assistance.

The workshop application can be found on our website: WWW.MASSPRA.ORG

Submitting a Workshop Proposal

1. All proposals MUST be submitted as a Word document via email to proposals@masspra.org. Paper copies and faxes will not be accepted.
2. A resume including education, work and presentation experience must be completed for each presenter. Each presenter biography must be limited to a maximum length of two pages. Please send resumes via email to proposals@masspra.org with your application.
3. Last year we received more proposals than we could accept, so please note that the May 31, 2010 deadline will be strictly adhered to and there will be no deadline extensions.
4. All presenters are required to register; no exceptions.
5. If you have questions regarding your submission, please contact Maria E. Restrepo-Toro at mertoro@bu.edu

Selection Process

Workshop selection is a competitive process. Selection will be made by peer review. Peer reviewers are conference committee members and individuals identified by the conference committee as experts in psychiatric rehabilitation. Applicants will receive acceptance notification no later than July 15, 2010.

Selection Criteria

A two-page summary on each proposal will be judged on the following criteria:
• Proposal is complete and all necessary materials are included with the application. We reserve the right to disqualify incomplete proposals.
• Applicant(s) demonstrates expertise in the subject matter.
• Proposal outlines at least three (3) learning objectives.
• Proposal describes instructional method(s) and total instructional hours.
• Proposal describes an interactive format (i.e., details are provided on types of interaction or activities).
• Subject matter is relevant to the conference theme: Putting Our Collective Vision into Action: Enriching lives in the Community
• Proposal must include at least three (3) books, articles or website references.
• Proposal describes how people in recovery will participate in developing the workshop content and/or presenting the workshop. Preference will be given to proposals that include people in recovery or family members as presenters.
• Proposal adheres to the values and principles of PSR. • Proposal describes how it is consistent with USPRA multicultural principles.
• Unbiased, person first language used.
• A workshop session is approximately 1 ½ hours.
• Workshop content explicitly addresses at least ONE of the psychiatric rehabilitation domains:

1. Domain I-Interpersonal competence: Use collaborative relationships in order to facilitate personal change in persons with psychiatric disabilities; Instill hope by engaging in positive interactions (verbal and non- verbal communication) regarding an individual’s potential for recovery from psychiatric disability.
2. Domain II -Professional Role Competence: Conduct all professional activities in compliance with the USPRA Code of Ethics; Acquire knowledge and skills in order to provide services that are evidence-based and emerging best practices.
3. Domain III- Assessment, Planning and Outcomes: Develop linkages with a wide range of community resources specifically to meet the needs and goals of persons with psychiatric disabilities; Connect persons with psychiatric disabilities to legal and advocacy resources as needed and/or requested in order to promote self- advocacy.
4. Domain IV-System Competencies: Assist persons with psychiatric disabilities to identify personal priorities, preferences, strengths and interests in order to help them establish goals that are consistent with their worldview; Perform holistic assessments across multiple life domains with persons with psychiatric disabilities in order to identify strengths, supports and barriers.
5. Domain V-Interventions: Provide interventions for change to persons with psychiatric disabilities in order to promote the recovery process; teach persons with psychiatric disabilities problem-solving skills to help them achieve their goals.
6. Domain VI- System Competences: Intervene to stop stigma, oppression, discrimination, and prejudice against persons with psychiatric disabilities in order to increase their access to jobs, housing and community activities; Advocate civil rights and protections as well as human rights and protection for persons with psychiatric disabilities.
7. Domain VII-Diversity: Conduct all rehabilitation activities in the preferred language and communication style (e.g., verbal and non-verbal, slang, eye-contact, personal space) of individuals and their natural support systems; Assess cultural factors to ensure culturally competent diagnoses, goals, planning, and rehabilitative interventions.