DDD Communication August 31, 2021

Division of Developmental Disabilities Community Provider Trainings

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to provide the following training series for our community-based, waiver funded providers. These webinars will provide an opportunity to learn more about Division expectations for provider operations, system and policy changes, as well as best practices. The Division requests that at least one individual staff member attend from each provider organization, if not more. All webinars will be recorded and be posted upon completion. All webinars must be registered for individually. We look forward to your participation.

Questions: Christina Suggs

Supporting Sex Education: What Providers Need to Know

September 9, 2021

1pm-3pm

Presenters:

Diana Braun, Self-Advocate
Kathy Carmody, CEO, Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
Teresa Parks, Deputy Director & Human Rights Authority Director, Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
Linda Sandman, Co-Director, Blue Tower Solutions, Inc.
Cynthia SchierlSpreen, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Quality Management, DDD

This webinar will review what providers need to know about the amendment to the Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Code that requires access to sex education and related resources and support for interested individuals with I/DD living in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA), State Operated Developmental Centers (SODC) and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF/DD), as well as Community Day Services. The webinar will include an overview of provider responsibilities, guardian roles and online resources developed to assist agencies and families including Train the Trainer curricula, FAQs for guardians and agencies and IDHS-approved sexual education materials. Expectations from the Division for providers will also be discussed and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a self-advocate on the importance of sex education and support in her life.

Employment Webinar: What's New, What's Now!

October 13, 2021

1pm - 3pm

Presenters:

Jeanine Zlockie, Director of Special Projects, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
Casey Burke, Supported Employment Administrator, Division of Developmental Disabilities

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), join the Supported Employment Leadership Network and the Division of Developmental Disabilities to discuss the national landscape of employment supports for people with I/DD. Learn about proposed and pending changes to SEP services, rates and requirements.

Using Assistive Technology to Increase Independence of Adults with I/DD

October 27, 2021

1pm - 3pm

Presenters:

Derek Hedges, Medicaid Waiver Supervisor, DDD
Kathy Hooyenga, Occupational Therapist & Rehabilitation Engineering Technologist, University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC)
Fani Lee, Occupational Therapist, UIC
Patricia Politano, Speech-Language Pathologist, UIC
Vincent Smith, Self-Advocate

This webinar will review ways providers can use assistive technology to help people with I/DD be more independent. This will include information about apps and devices that can assist consumers with self-care tasks, reminders, reading, writing, and travel in the community. In addition, low-tech assistive technology that can enable consumers to handle many tasks around the home environment will be presented. Information will be shared about ways AT can be funded. Attendees will also hear from a self-advocate on how they use assistive technology in their life.

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Working with People with Dual Diagnosis

November 3, 2021

1pm - 3pm

Presenters:

Amie Burke, BCBA, Illinois Crisis Prevention Network
Kim Shontz, LCSW, Illinois Crisis Prevention Network

Supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also have mental health diagnosis to live their best lives can be challenging! Positive support and understanding along with interventions can go a long way in providing a foundation for success. This webinar will explore behaviors that may occur within the context of a mental health crisis, as well as interventions from a clinical therapy and applied behavior analytic method. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from a self-advocate on how positive support and understanding has made a difference in their lives.

Accessibility 101 for Providers working with Adults with DD who have Physical Access Needs

December 8, 2021

1pm to 3pm

Presenters:

Glenn Hedman, Rehabilitation Engineer, University of Illinois at Chicago, Assistive Technology Unit (UIC-ATU)
Kim Kavanagh, Division of Developmental Disabilities
Chris Stucki, Architect
Kathy Waldera, Occupational Therapist & Rehabilitation Engineer, UIC - ATU
Marcus Williams, AT Specialist, UIC - ATU

This webinar will discuss universal design principles that promote access and independence by adults with DD in the home environment. Information will also be shared about environmental modifications and adaptive equipment that can maximize accessibility and safety in the home. Information will include funding opportunities for home modifications. Attendees will also hear from a self-advocate on how they have moved into an accessible home in the community.