| ADvancing States invites you to the 2026 National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference in August (August 23 – 27, 2026) in Baltimore, Maryland, for opportunities to learn about I&R/A developments and to enhance your skills. The I&R Support Center will provide an Information & Referral/Assistance Intensive on August 24 that will explore how consumer access systems, grounded in I&R/A service delivery, continue to evolve to meet people where they are. Additionally, the Intensive will examine data and experiences with artificial intelligence in I&R/A access services. ADvancing States will also offer an opportunity for professional development for I&R/A specialists at the conference. We will offer a full-day in-person Certification for I&R Specialists in Aging and Disabilities (CRS-A/D) training on August 25 that will provide an overview of key competencies needed for aging and disability Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) professionals and will provide Inform USA Certification pre-exam preparation. This training is open to conference attendees and to specialists in the local area (see below for details).* For more information on these training events, contact I&R Support Center Director Nanette Relave. For more information on the National HCBS Conference, visit our conference website. The 2026 HCBS Conference is the perfect opportunity to gather with colleagues in aging and disability agencies across the country for thought-provoking sessions, meaningful networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions with peers and experts. Register today! There is still time to take advantage of the early bird registration which ends June 30. *Basic Training for Information and Referral (I&R) Specialists and Certification for I&R Specialists in Aging and Disabilities (CRS-A/D) Exam Preparation When: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – 10:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, MD 21202 Audience: I&R/A Specialists in aging and disability organizations Description: This session will provide an overview of key competencies needed for aging and disability Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) professionals and will provide Inform USA Certification pre-exam preparation (for the Certification for Community Resource Specialist – Aging/Disabilities (CRS- A/D) exam). There is no cost to attend this training. Specialists from the local area are welcome to join the training. To attend, you must contact the Support Center director to sign up. |
ADvancing States – I&R/A Events at the 2026 National HCBS Conference