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.

Teleconference: National Conversation on Advising Self-Advocacy groups - "Growing With the Self-Advocacy Movement" - June 2, 2008

Link: Riot Teleconference

Register by: May 26, 2008

You are invited to join us in a National Conversation on Advising Self-Advocacy Groups!
The self-advocacy movement has grown stronger over the years and is here to stay. Success, though, often depends on self-advocates getting the support they need. This support is offered by individuals called “advisors.” We understand that advising a self-advocacy group is not always easy. Advisors want to be helpful. But sometimes advisors give too much help, or too little. And sometimes advisors don’t give the right kind of help at all. Anybody who advises a self-advocacy group understands how rewarding it can be… and how hard!

* How is the relationship between self-advocates and their advisors evolving?
* What support do advisors need to do their job well?
* What indicators can we use to describe "good" advising?

Begins at 3 pm est/1 pm Mountain runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Costs: $25 per phone