Navigating Together: Reflections on ANCOR Connect ’26 and the Growth of AI

There was an incredible energy in Boston at ANCOR Connect ‘26. I have attended this conference for many years, both as a provider and with the Therap team, and I am always reminded of why these gatherings are important.

While technology is transforming how we work, I’ve found that nothing replaces the value of the I/DD provider community coming together in person. It’s at events like these that we gain the information and renewed energy needed to navigate a rapidly changing industry.

This year’s theme, “Navigating the Now,” struck a chord with me because it reflects the increasing demands and shifting regulations I see providers balancing every day. Staying current with evolving technology like Artificial Intelligence can seem like another item on an already overflowing to-do list.

However, at this year’s conference, I noticed a shift from hesitation to genuine excitement about the practical assistance AI can offer. This assistance was a key topic during the session, “AI in Human Hands: Tools for More Impactful Services,” which featured Josh DeZurik, Dungarvin’s National Director of Quality Affirmation, and Justin Brockie, Therap’s Chief Operating Officer.

Josh DeZurik offered a compelling perspective on why AI is becoming essential for providers. “The cost of doing nothing is probably riskier than the cost of implementing AI,” he said. With state and federal agencies already using AI to scrutinize service records, Josh encouraged providers to use that same power for their own quality assurance.

He shared a great example of this, describing how Dungarvin received a vague federal inquiry and used AI to scan a year’s worth of documentation to locate the information they needed. Instead of days of manual searching, the process took 20 minutes. To me, that story captures why AI is a game-changer.

Building on Josh’s example, Justin Brockie highlighted several other ways AI can help providers. He showcased how Therap’s AI tools assist with a variety of tasks, including analyzing data, flagging errors, detecting health risks, and translating documentation into over 50 languages. Justin also discussed important data security considerations organizations should keep in mind.

He emphasized, “When you use an AI tool, you are paying in one of two ways: you’re either writing a check or you’re giving them your data.” Since many free AI platforms lack necessary safeguards, using tools built into a HIPAA-compliant system like Therap is a reliable way to gain the benefits of AI while keeping sensitive data protected.

Both presenters shared a common message: AI is a tool, not a replacement, for the work human services professionals do. Even as the field embraces more automation, human expertise and connection remain essential. ANCOR Connect’s growth in attendance year after year proves it. The Therap team and I are already looking forward to seeing everyone in New Orleans in 2027!

Michelle Saunders is the Associate Director of Business Development at Therap Services.