IAIABC Ombuds Training 2026
Join Us Virtually
Established by the IAIABC Dispute Resolution Committee, this Ombuds Training provides a unique opportunity for IAIABC members and non-members to learn what ombuds do across jurisdictions and leave with applicable insights and expertise you can take back to your organization. Many skills that ombuds use are universal, so whether you are an ombud yourself, work with ombuds, or are just interested in what they do, this training is sure to be impactful.
Agenda
All times in Central Daylight Time (CDT).
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10:30 am - 11:15 am |
Relocation After Injury: Coordinating Care and Benefits Across Jurisdictions Speakers: Joe Cavalcante When an injured worker relocates, the path to receiving medical care and indemnity benefits becomes significantly more complex. This session explores what really happens after the move: how jurisdictions coordinate (or struggle to coordinate) benefits, how workers find authorized medical providers who understand the rules of the originating system, and how ombuds and claims professionals guide them through their rights. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the shared paradigms, the subtle differences, and the practical challenges that arise when an injury crosses borders. |
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11:15 am - 11:30 am |
Break |
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11:30 am - 12:30 pm |
AI for Human-Centered Work: Practical Uses for Ombuds Speaker: Alex Aljets The work of an ombud is deeply human, built on trust, empathy, communication, and helping people navigate challenging situations. Artificial intelligence cannot replace those qualities, but it can help with some of the administrative, analytical, and communication tasks that support them. In this session, we'll explore practical applications of AI in ombuds work, discuss responsible use considerations, and explore approachable ways to get started, whether you're new to AI or already using it in your work. |
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12:30 pm - 01:15 pm |
Break |
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01:15 pm - 01:45 pm |
The Centered Ombuds: At‑Your‑Desk Practices to Stay Balanced Speakers: Caitlin Breitbach & Lorraine D’Angelo Compassion fatigue can quietly build for Ombuds who regularly absorb others’ stress and conflict, making quick, accessible regulation strategies essential. This session introduces simple, at‑your‑desk tools — gentle stretching, meditative breathing, and Emotional Freedom Technique — to help reduce tension and restore clarity. Alongside these in‑the‑moment practices, we’ll also explore supportive habits you can cultivate outside of work that strengthen resilience over time. By focusing on small, intentional choices both in and beyond the workplace, participants will gain practical techniques to stay grounded, present, and well‑balanced throughout the day. |
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01:45 pm - 02:00 pm |
Break |
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02:00 pm - 02:45 pm |
Protecting Workers Amid Rising Scams Speakers: Barbra Anderson, Ombuds, Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services Hispanic injured workers in Oregon are facing new and concerning barriers, including a recent scam targeting Spanish speaking workers with fake workers’ compensation hearings. This session will unpack how these deceptive practices, combined with the broader political climate, immigration related fear, and evolving state protection laws, influence workers’ willingness to report injuries and seek help. |
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2:45 pm - 3:00 pm |
Break |
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3:00 pm - 3:45 pm |
Celebrating Impact: Ombudsman Success Stories This interactive session invites Ombuds to reflect on and share moments of meaningful impact in their work. Participants will break into small groups to exchange personal stories of success, accomplishment, and growth. This session provides an opportunity to highlight the practices, approaches, and values that make a difference. Attendees should come prepared to share one or more stories from their own experience. |
Download a printable agenda here.
Speakers
We are pleased to have experienced and knowledgeable speakers facilitate this program:
Lori D’Angelo
Ombudsman, Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission
Lorraine “Lori” D’Angelo has been the Ombudsman of Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission since January, 2021. She is the first Ombudsman after the Virginia General Assembly created the position to improve outreach to interested stakeholders. Ms. D’Angelo earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Memphis in 1999. She practiced law for over twenty years, obtaining a broad range of professional experience representing employers, insurers, and injured workers in workers’ compensation claims. Ms. D’Angelo is certified by the Virginia Supreme Court as a mediator. She is a member of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions, (IAIABC), their Ombuds Sub-committee, and is the Chair of their Dispute Resolution Committee. She is also a member of the International Ombuds Association, (IOA), and is the Co-Chair of the Conference Committee. She has passed the Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP®) Exam.
Caitlin Breitbach
Small Business Ombudsman, Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division
Caitlin has been serving as the Small Business Ombudsman since 2024. In this role, she helps employers navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and ensures they are empowered to make informed decisions for their businesses. She has worked in various areas of workers’ compensation for more than seven years and has been with the state of Oregon for twelve. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in human resources, as well as a master’s degree in organizational leadership. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her children and playing on a coed indoor soccer team.
Barbra Anderson
Ombuds for Oregon Workers, Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division
Barbra was named the new Ombuds for Oregon Workers in January 2023. Prior to this new role, she spent 23 years in various positions throughout the Workers’ Compensation Division including: office specialist in the Investigations and Managed Care Organization Program; Reimbursement Specialist in Self-insurance, Registration, and Reimbursements (SIRR); and ultimately moving into managing that same unit. She held other management positions over the next few years including Field Audit Manager, Employer Compliance Manager, and Employment Services Team (EST) Manager.
Joe Cavalcante
Ombudsman&Advocate of Injured Workers, New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
Ombudsman and Advocate for Injured Workers Joseph Cavalcante is concerned with the health and sanctity of the New York workers’ compensation system. He helps employees access their benefits on the most complex workers’ compensation and Paid Family Leave claims, including all fatality claims. Prior to this position, he was a spokesperson, representing the NYS Worker’s Compensation Board publicly and writing many of its publications. For the last 15 years, he has also been the Board’s primary liaison with the World Trade Center community.
Alex Aljets
Artificial Intelligence Strategy Director, SAIF Corporation
Registration Options
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Registration Options
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Price |
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Ombuds Training Rate
Registration Ends 10/25/26 at 11:59 PM CDT
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$99.00
Price will increase to $119.00 on
10/10/26 12:00 AM CDT
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