The September 2023 edition of the Ability Central monthly e-newsletter, Access:Ability.
Grantee Highlight: Upcoming Event
Thursday October 26th, 2023 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Mental Health Services and the I/DD Population
Join Ability Central grantee Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area (DSCBA) for a free online symposium from their Mental Health Alliance program. This event features trainings from two experts and will provide clinicians with:
- An overview of the challenges that individuals who experience I/DDs (Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities) continue to have in accessing needed mental health care/treatment,
- The therapeutic process for people with I/DD and mental health conditions, with a focus on adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome.
Join DSCBA to learn more about topics like:
- A brief history of the prevalence of dual diagnoses (I/DD and mental health conditions) among the Down syndrome population.
- Challenges clinicians may experience in providing care to an underserved population.
- An overview of information designed to support your ability to provide mental health treatment to individuals with disabilities, specifically related to cognitive considerations.
- The importance of early mental health intervention for people with Down syndrome.
- The overall therapeutic approach: cognitive-behavior therapy with an emphasis on family-centered positive behavior support, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and more.
- Barriers to therapy success as well as tools for success.
Register today to learn more about how you can start providing accessible, relevant mental health care to people with I/DD.
From the Community
October 20th, 2023
Exceptional Alliances
Engage in “Accessibility Transformation” with Exceptional Alliances from Exceptional Labs. Featuring leaders from the disability community and beyond, prepare for a free, virtual event that will take you on a journey of personal stories and expert insights on accessibility barriers.
Beyond listening, you’re invited to actively participate, share your experiences, engage in meaningful round-table discussions, and collaborate on solutions for a more inclusive future. Let’s address accessibility barriers together and envision an inclusive future.
Preview the event schedule, learn more about the presenters, and more on the Exceptional Labs website.
This live virtual event includes American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for all keynote and round-table sessions, with Closed Caption available via Zoom.
Resource Round-up
Alzheimer’s Disease: Where to Find the Help You Need
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) requires long-term care. Ability Central helps you understand federal benefits, how to get help, and where to find support groups.
Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms and Early Signs
Cerebral Palsy (CP) can mimic other conditions. Ability Central identifies potential causes, symptoms, and what to expect from the CP diagnostic process.