Forensic Section Welcome Message
Dear Colleagues:
It was with great pride that I accepted the nomination was then elected Chair of the IARP Forensic Section. Part of my job as Chair-elect/Chair has been to lead the planning for the upcoming 2010 Forensic Conference in New Orleans.
As I look back at the process, I am reminded of the incredible support and advocacy that members of this organization provide to each other. At the time, I was a brand-new life care planner. Previously my practice focused on conducting vocational evaluations and providing testimony in spousal support, Social Security and Workers Comp cases. I had no idea what to do next when I found out I had passed the CLCP exam and was now credentialed to complete life care plans.
I had taken the classes, passed the exam, but how would I get business? How would I know if my plans were on target? Where would I find the support I knew I needed? I found it through IARP, through the Forensic Section and the IALCP Section; through the listservs and their communities of support; through networking with my IARP peers.
I attended my first forensic conference familiar with peoples’ names, their likes and dislikes, biases toward methodologies, etc. as they were demonstrated on the listserv. At the conference I was able to put faces to those names. During that conference, I was encouraged to get involved with IARP, empowered to put my thoughts and ideas into action. There I began relationships with other colleagues that allowed me to feel more confident, knowledgeable and assured that I could do this work and move my practice forward.
As a section we are made up of vocational experts, rehabilitation experts, Social Security experts, life care planners and nurses. Think of all that experience, training, and expertise- just waiting for you to tap into!
It’s time for you to get more involved in your organization. It’s time to make the time to grow and develop new skills, teach a newbie one simple step or seek the wisdom of one of our trailblazing originals! It’s time to volunteer your time and skills to your organization!
We are all busy people, with busy practices and personal lives. The satisfaction of giving back to your organization, develop leadership skills, and add some more zip to your CV are well worth the time and effort. Ask any current or past volunteers and you will hear the same story.
The information you will gather at this year’s Forensic Conference in New Orleans will prove invaluable. Interfacing and networking with your peers and colleagues will provide you with support, knowledge and a connection to other professionals that will stand as one of the most productive experiences of your career.
Please join me in attending the 2010 Forensic Conference: Rising to the Challenge. We expect great things from each of you; whether it is a story, an experience or a challenge to someone’s thinking or opinion.
Come learn, relax in the Bayou, increase your knowledge base, make new connections and get inspired and energized to continue moving your career and this organization forward! I look forward to seeing all of you in November!
Anne Savage Veh
Chair-Forensic Section
Chair-2010 Forensic Conference
