Welcome to "HIVE!" In this session, we'll give you a sneak peek into what you can expect at the conference and the goals we hope to achieve. Get ready for an exciting and informative experience!
Executive Director, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
Libby has served the public for over twenty years working in adaptive recreation, employment supports, and many years of advocacy programming, policy work and active engagement in improving publicly-funded services and supports. She received a Bachelor of Science, Recreation at the... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
This game show-style team activity encourages communication, collaboration, and teambuilding as participants compete to identify the most popular answers across various categories, such as first date activities, movies, and hobbies.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 2:10pm - 3:15pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
This teambuilding workshop, "The S.L.I.M.E. Challenge," is designed to demonstrate that a team’s success depends on how well individual roles bond together. Much like the chemical reaction that turns liquid glue into a solid polymer, a team only "activates" when every role is present and engaged.
Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:30pm - 4:35pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
During this session, we'll guide attendees through the different conference activities and expectations so that everyone can feel prepared and get the most out of their experience.
Executive Director, Utah Developmental Disabilities Council
Libby has served the public for over twenty years working in adaptive recreation, employment supports, and many years of advocacy programming, policy work and active engagement in improving publicly-funded services and supports. She received a Bachelor of Science, Recreation at the... Read More →
Wednesday May 13, 2026 8:45am - 9:00am MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
Author and comedian Zach Anner blends laugh-out-loud stories with the legacy of disability rights activism. He highlights how progress comes from both trailblazers and everyday acts of kindness, urging us to face obstacles with humor, resilience, and joy as our constant companion.
Zach Anner is a comedian, author, television writer, public speaker, and YouTube personality. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, and somehow remained an optimist despite enduring seven-month winters and watching the Buffalo Bills lose four straight Super Bowls. Zach’s YouTube videos have... Read More →
Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
For people with disabilities, access to music can mean access to communication, socialization, regulation, and belonging. This session reimagines music as an everyday, accessible tool—beyond performance or therapy—that honors strengths, supports self-determination, and helps people connect with others and the world around them in meaningful ways.
Jaycie Voorhees, MM, MT-BC is a passionate music therapist and entrepreneur with 17 years of experience in the field. She is dedicated to helping her clients, team, and colleagues progress so they can feel fulfilled and joyful in life. She runs the Harmony Music Therapy Center in... Read More →
Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:10am - 11:00am MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
Build your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!
Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.
Today's activities are:
What Does it Mean to be a Leader? Leadership encompasses a wide range of styles and qualities. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on various leaders and discuss the significant value that leadership provides to both individuals and communities.
Alligator River Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.
The Marshmallow Challenge The Marshmallow Challenge, developed by Tom Wujec and conducted with hundreds of groups globally, is a fun, friendly competition. Using tape, string, spaghetti, and marshmallows, teams will learn about defining roles, fostering teamwork, and innovating together. (NOTE: This activity will last 50 minutes and participants will not have time to rotate to a second activity during this series.)
Describe and Draw In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.
Wednesday May 13, 2026 11:15am - 12:20pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
Build your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!
Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.
Today's activities are:
What Does it Mean to be a Leader? Leadership encompasses a wide range of styles and qualities. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on various leaders and discuss the significant value that leadership provides to both individuals and communities.
Alligator River Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.
The Marshmallow Challenge The Marshmallow Challenge, developed by Tom Wujec and conducted with hundreds of groups globally, is a fun, friendly competition. Using tape, string, spaghetti, and marshmallows, teams will learn about defining roles, fostering teamwork, and innovating together. (NOTE: This activity will last 50 minutes and participants will not have time to rotate to a second activity during this series.)
Describe and Draw In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.
Wednesday May 13, 2026 1:25pm - 2:30pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
Build your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!
Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.
Today's activities are:
What Does it Mean to be a Leader? Leadership encompasses a wide range of styles and qualities. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on various leaders and discuss the significant value that leadership provides to both individuals and communities.
Alligator River Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.
The Marshmallow Challenge The Marshmallow Challenge, developed by Tom Wujec and conducted with hundreds of groups globally, is a fun, friendly competition. Using tape, string, spaghetti, and marshmallows, teams will learn about defining roles, fostering teamwork, and innovating together. (NOTE: This activity will last 50 minutes and participants will not have time to rotate to a second activity during this series.)
Describe and Draw In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.
Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:35pm - 3:40pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
Now is a great time to take a break and mingle with others at the event? It's a great opportunity to meet new people and have some interesting conversations. Enjoy your time getting to know others!
Wednesday May 13, 2026 3:45pm - 4:00pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
What do exceptional services look like? What are ways to ensure that we are advancing quality and integrity? Together we will discuss the gold standard in home and community-based services and how to identify and reach our "north star."
On stage, Molly Bice-Jackson delivers more than a keynote—she creates an experience that transforms the way people see themselves and each other. In The Commodity of Connection, she blends powerful storytelling, emotional truth, and practical strategy to show that authentic connection is not just a soft skill, but a tangible, life-changing asset. With the presence of a performer and the insight of a seasoned coach, she invites audiences to break down walls, own their stories, and communicate with clarity, courage, and impact. Attendees don’t just leave inspired—they leave equipped to lead, speak, and live more connected lives.
Molly Bice-Jackson is an acclaimed speaker, actress, and coach known for her powerful blend of storytelling, humor, and human connection. She holds a BFA in Music, Dance, and Theatre and has shared the stage as a backup singer for Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth. Over the years... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
To support a quality services system, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through the Division of Licensing and Background Check (DLBC) and the Division of Continuous Quality and Improvement (CQI), Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) and Operations support contracted, licensed and certified providers to ensure;
Health and safety of individuals
Administrative requirements are met
Quality service delivery.
This session will provide an overview of the responsibilities of the Divisions that support services for people with disabilities and then engage in a meaningful dialogue to coordinate our efforts to support a strong service system for Utahns.
Enjoy lunch and networking followed by the recognition of the 2026 Advocacy Awardees presented by the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council and the 2026 Ila Marie Goodey Awards presented by the Division of Services for People with Disabilities. Award presentation will begin at 12:50 pm.
Thursday May 14, 2026 12:20pm - 1:30pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
Build your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!
Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.
Today's activities are:
My Contributions This activity, adapted from "Great Work, Great Career" by Covey and Colosimo (2009), guides individuals in identifying their skills, strengths, interests, and responsibilities to articulate their overall contribution.
Blind Square Participants will use planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills to create a square from a piece of rope. This seemingly simple task may prove more challenging than expected.
Alligator River Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.
Describe and Draw In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.
Thursday May 14, 2026 1:35pm - 2:40pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
DescriptionBuild your leadership skills with fun and fast activity rotations. These collaborative activities are designed to enhance individual abilities as group contributors through problem-solving, clear communication and role definition. Whether you want to be a stronger leader or develop your teamwork skills, these hands-on activities will give you useful tools to use in everyday life. Join us for an exciting and supportive session that will help you step up and lead with confidence!
Attendees will be able to participate in 2 activities during each Rotation Series. Activities are repeated throughout the day.
Today's activities are:
My Contributions This activity, adapted from "Great Work, Great Career" by Covey and Colosimo (2009), guides individuals in identifying their skills, strengths, interests, and responsibilities to articulate their overall contribution.
Blind Square Participants will use planning, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills to create a square from a piece of rope. This seemingly simple task may prove more challenging than expected.
Alligator River Participants will journey with a woman named Abigail across an alligator-infested river. Working in groups, participants will come to a consensus on a best-to-worst rating for all characters in Abigail's adventure. The activity is designed to transition participants from an individual perspective to collaborative leadership by practicing collaborative communication to reach a unified group decision.
Describe and Draw In pairs, one person describes an object while the other person draws it without naming it explicitly. This activity helps improve team coordination and effective communication while fostering creativity. Players switch roles, allowing each person a chance to take the lead and guide the other, developing leadership skills.
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:45pm - 3:50pm MDT All Hands7860 Bingham Junction Boulevard Midvale, UT 84047
