PLUK Training & Events Calendar

Teleconference: Top Ten Things to Remember about Individuals with ID and MH Disorders -May 13, 2008

Link: NADD

Lauren R. Charlot, PhD, University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA.

In this presentation, critical factors affecting the accurate diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in people with ID will be reviewed. Included among these are: the manner in which one’s developmental profile might impact on the clinical features of a psychiatric disorder; challenges in conducting a usual mental health evaluation of a person with ID; medical problems and medication side effects that may provoke or worsen alterations in mood, mental status or behavior; the ubiquitous nature of aggression and other challenging behaviors in patients with ID referred for psychiatric evaluation; disorders that may be over-diagnosed and problems which may be under-recognized. The importance of considering the effects of stress and change on mood and behavior are also emphasized with some discussion of how newer, positive behavioral assessment and treatment approaches can help to guide multimodal treatment of individuals with ID and psychiatric disorder.

Teleconference: Comprehensive Community-based Services for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Needs - May 29, 2008

Link: NADD

Joan B. Beasley, Ph.D., Center for Developmental Disabilities Evaluation and Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, Waltham, MA

A community assessment process used in various states in the U.S. to evaluate services for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs is presented. A major goal of the assessment is to identify resource gaps that may lead to the use of expensive and restrictive services, emergency services, and lengthy or unnecessary psychiatric inpatient hospital stays. In the case of children and adolescents, service outcomes include the trend toward out-of-state placements for some individuals. A process to analyze the system, include all stakeholders in problem solving, identify gaps, and develop effective solutions will be discussed. A model program to better meet the needs of children in their communities will be presented.

Montana Mental Health Association Conference - May 30-31, Bozeman MT

Link: MMHA
It will include a variety of speakers and workshops on mental health issues ranging from geriatric populations, rural workforce creation, suicide, and biological interactions with psychiatric drugs, plus much more. As part of the conference, we are hosting a “Heroes in the Fight” dinner, which recognizes and celebrates the heroic work of many people who fight for better mental health and better lives on a daily basis in their community. Persons who best exemplify ongoing care and dedication in this field are nominated by their peers within the local mental health community. We are looking for nominations for this dinner, please go to heroesinthefight.org or contact MMHA for more info.

Jana Lehman, Program Director
Montana Mental Health Association
205 Haggerty Lane, Suite 170
Bozeman, Montana 59715
406.587.7774
jana@montanamentalhealth.org
www.montanamentalhealth.org

Accommodating Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities in the Workplace - Jun 17 - Audio conference

Link: Audio Conference Series
Psychiatric conditions are the leading charge category for complaints filed with the EEOC. Data gathered by the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that more than one in five American adults experiences some diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Employers are often concerned that accommodating individuals with psychiatric disabilities is more difficult and costly than accommodating those with physical disabilities. This session will address the realities of accommodating individuals with disabilities in the workplace and offer practical solutions for employers.

Developing Local Systems of Care - Jul 16-20, Nashville TN

Link: Georgetown University
The Training Institutes will focus on developing local systems of care for children and adolescents with or at risk for emotional disturbances and their families. Systems of care emphasize community-based care, comprehensive and individualized services and supports, services provided within the least restrictive environment, full participation of families and youth, coordination among child-serving agencies and programs, and cultural and linguistic competence. In-depth, practical information will be provided on how to develop and operate systems of care and how to provide high-quality, effective, clinical interventions and supports within them.
The Institutes are designed for a variety of individuals including state and local policy makers, administrators, planners, providers, clinicians, case managers, families, youth, advocates, managed care organizations, educators, researchers, evaluators, students, and others concerned with improving services for children and families. Individuals representing local mental health and other child-serving agencies, including education, child welfare, health, juvenile justice, early childhood, and substance abuse systems, together with families and youth, are encouraged to attend, as well as state-level partners from all of these sectors. Opportunities will be provided for networking among state and local stakeholders.