Podcasts about developmental services

Dental practices that open their doors to patients with developmental disabilities not only are rewarded with immense fulfillment in their work, but also a rapid expansion of their patient base through the powerful network of word-of-mouth marketing. They end up treating the entire family of the patient with the disability as well as their friends, relatives, and so forth. It is a fantastic way to grow your practice. To tell us more about helping patients with developmental disabilities get access to good dental care is our guest Jeanette Diaz. Jeanette is an educator, public speaker, and independent dental hygienist in California. She owns and operates a portable dental hygiene practice serving older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities. Jeannette currently works for the California Department of Developmental Services and teaches graduate and undergraduate studies.

The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative has become the first statewide virtual free mental health clinic, following a pilot phase. Through this initiative, eligible uninsured or under-insured Virginians now can access mental health services through a virtual platform. The program is operated under the leadership of the Virginia Telehealth Network in partnership with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the University of Virginia Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth, the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center, and VTMHI's volunteers and free clinic participants. The pilot program launched in December 2022 and has...Article LinkSupport the Show.

On this week's edition of Everything Under the Sun the Sopris Sun hosts interview the Executive Director and Greenhouse Manager of Mountain Valley Developmental Services.

Henrico County has received .6 million in funding from Virginia to help establish a 24-hour treatment center for adults experiencing mental health crises or requiring detoxification services. The new facility, which is part of Virginia's Right Help, Right Now plan, will be located at the Eastern Government Center on Nine Mile Road and will include 16 crisis stabilization unit beds, 16 detoxification beds and 16 23-hour recliners for evaluation, calming and additional treatment and support. The funding from the state's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will be combined with million already secured from the county and federal...Article LinkSupport the show

Today, we're thrilled to have Lynn Frith, Education Consultant from the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services at Connecticut General, in the studio. Discover how CTPIE, fueled by the RSA SWITCIE DIF Grant, is revolutionizing disability employment by shifting individuals from subminimum wage to competitive integrated jobs. With a focus on family input and multi-agency collaboration, CTPIE is at the forefront of innovating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.   Listen Here   Full Transcript:   {Music}   Lynn: We ended up branding the SWITCIE Grant here in Connecticut as CTPIE. The Connecticut Pathways to Integrated Employment.   Most importantly, individuals and family members, they have a strong voice in every step of the way that we are taking here in Connecticut.   I love what I do, and I was very in tune with this population. I care a lot about this population. I have always believed competitive integrated employment is the way to go and individuals have that right to be able to work.   Intro Voice: Manager Minute brought to you by the VRTAC for Quality Management, Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host Carol Pankow.   Carol: Well welcome to the manager minute. Joining me in the studio today is Lynn Frith, education consultant with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services in the Aging and Disability Services Department. So for short, that means you're with Connecticut General. So Lynn, how are things going in Connecticut?   Lynn: Well, first of all, thank you, Carol, for inviting me to this podcast. I'm really looking forward to our conversation this morning. Connecticut, we're busy, we're jumping, we're moving in grooving.   Carol: I love it. Yep. You're working with Dave and Kathy and all those guys. I'm like, you are all small but mighty. I love what's going on there. Lynn, just so our listeners know, I've had the good fortune to meet and work with you through some of our other technical assistance work that I do with Connecticut General. And in fact, for full disclosure to our listeners, Lynn and I were chatting the other day about something completely different and this topic of the DIF came up and you were bubbling over with excitement and I'm like, oh my gosh, we have to do a podcast. So for our listeners, I featured several of the Disability Innovation Fund Career Advancement Project grants, and now I'm switching over because each year there's been a different focus. I'm switching over to talk about the DIF subminimum wage to competitive integrated employment projects, or it's called SWITCIE for short. So I know we love our acronyms. RSA's focus for this round is they want to increase the opportunity for those SWITCIE program participants, students and youth with disabilities seeking subminimum wage employment and potential VR program applicants or VR eligible individuals with disabilities who are employed or contemplating employment at sub minimum wage to obtain competitive integrated employment. And so to achieve that purpose, the projects that were funded under this grants going to create innovative models, and they're hoping to have folks identify strategies for addressing those challenges associated with access to competitive integrated employment. Things like transportation and supports provide integrated services that support competitive integrated employment, support integration into the community, and identify and coordinate those wraparound services. So this is super exciting. I know Connecticut's always on the cutting edge of cool things. So let's dig into your approach.  Now Lynn, why don't you start out telling our listeners a little bit about your journey into VR, I know folks are always interested, like, how do people come? And I know you have a cool path as well.   Lynn: Well, Carol, It is an interesting story in my opinion. I started dating who is now my current husband back in college, and his parents were both deaf and he refused to interpret any of my conversations with his parents. And he said, you want to date me? You need to learn ASL American Sign Language. So once I graduated with my bachelor's degree, I then took sign language interpreting courses, and I ended up learning the language. I fell in love with the language, and I got my first job at the American School for the Deaf out of college, working in doing placement. And the American School for the Deaf at that time was a vocational community rehabilitation provider for the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. So once a position at Connecticut, BRS became available for a rehabilitation counselor for the deaf. My co-workers encouraged me to apply. And here we go. 20, almost 24 years later, I've been with Connecticut BRS.   Carol: That is so cool. I love this story. Everybody finds their way and just unusual, umm, places. And I think that is awesome. Can you give us a little bit of an overview as well about Connecticut General, like how many staff are in the agency and how many customers do you generally serve?   Lynn: So we have around 150 staff currently. Just like many other states, we are struggling with getting staff on board and maintaining staff. So that is a current priority for us. And right now we're serving approximately 5500 consumers each year.   Carol: Wow, that sounds good. I know Connecticut too, you know, I was thinking a lot of those East Coast states, you're small, but you are small but mighty and serving a good group of folks with a small group of people. I want to also get a sense of how many people in Connecticut are really kind of covered under that 14C certificate.   Lynn: That number is a little bit harder to be able to get an accurate number on. From what we can tell. And how I came to this number is tracking that annual career counseling and information referral. And we have about 850 individuals still receiving subminimum wage in Connecticut.   Carol: Wow. It's still a pretty significant number of folks. I know Minnesota, where I'm from, had been working on this for a long time, but I think we still have folks more in the thousands. So I'm really glad you guys are tackling this project. So let's talk about your proposal. Can you give us an overview of that grant proposal you all submitted? And I think you guys have a really cute name.   Lynn: So I'll share the name first. Because it tends to get a little bit tongue twisty. We ended up branding the SWITCIE grant here in Connecticut as CTPIE, so that would stand for the Connecticut Pathways to Integrated Employment, and we applied for the SWITCIE grant and were awarded it back in September of 2022. Our planning year began on October 1st of 2022 and we hit the ground running. We developed a partner workgroup, and that workgroup consists of all of our other state agencies who we partner with, as well as the workforce investment boards within the state school systems, community rehabilitation providers. We have some 14C key employers who sit on the partner workgroup, most importantly individuals and family members. They have a strong voice in every step of the way that we are taking here in Connecticut.   Carol: So what are you guys hoping to accomplish with your grant?   Lynn: As you know, this is a demonstration model grant, and we took that first planning year. And from our partner workgroup we then developed four subgroups. Those four subgroups were the pathways and business partners, individualized supports, messaging and outreach, training and TA. And we asked our partner workgroup members to refer members of their agencies, departments, their staff to be able to work with us on those subgroups and those individuals who served. And we met like twice a month for approximately nine months. So they really were committed to this project. They helped us develop, okay, what services should be looking for and how do we get there? We have strong commitments from employers in the state of Connecticut who recognize that hiring individuals with significant developmental and disabilities is the way they want to go. The messaging and outreach group that led us to, okay, we really need to brand what our SWITCIE grant is. So that's how we came up with CTPIE. We came up with a logo. They helped us develop a website. It helps us in terms of our outreach to individuals, outreach to school systems, and how we go about recruiting individuals for CTPIE. Our goal for CTPIE is, and these are the numbers that we stated in our application for our youth, we're hoping to get 356 individuals enrolled in CTPIE so they can be youth who are still in school, receiving special education services, or have recently exited from special education up to and including their 24th year, and they have to be contemplating Subminimum wage for the very first time. So you'll see that that's our larger bucket of individuals that we're hoping to serve under this grant. Our second population that we're looking at serving is 114 individuals who are adults who are currently earning subminimum wage. And that is a little bit more of a tricky population for us to get enrolled in CTPIE. These are individuals that have been in Subminimum wage for probably some period of time. They have developed friendships there. They love their work. They're used to working at that location. They know what's expected of them. Family members, they're viewing this as my loved one has a safe place to go to 35 hours a week. They have the transportation built in, so that's a higher mountain for us to climb, to be able to encourage those individuals to say, hey, come on over to CTPIE and try out competitive integrated employment.   Carol: So how do you address that challenge with the group? And I know that group really well. I used to work in a day training center in Minnesota years ago, and I understand that family deep. They form bonds with the staff and their loved one does, you know, and it's really hard to break through that. So what are you trying to do to kind of help bridge this?   Lynn: So we're very fortunate here in the state of Connecticut. We contracted with the University of Maryland, and they are able to assist us with providing training and technical assistance. So one of the ways that we're outreaching to this population is by contacting 14C key employers who are currently in the process of sunsetting their 14C certificate. We felt that we wanted to really reach out to those employers first because they've already made this decision. So now what? Let's help them transform. Let's help those individuals decide, okay, what's next after this subminimum wage closes, what are the opportunities available to me? And honestly, we have determined has been our best approach. So we've spent most of our time right there. We're still early on in the grant to be enrolling individuals. We just started enrolling folks as of October 1st of 2023. Currently, we only have two adults, but we aren't giving up.   Carol: Well, you got to start somewhere. You know, you start with one and then the second one. But I think you're smart in your approach, especially with the 14C providers that are looking at sunsetting that. Because that's a hurdle too. You know, you can kind of have a little bit of resistance in the backdrop going on, even though maybe face forward, they seem like they're on board with you. They may not be as much as you think. So that is really good. What other challenges have you faced to date? Because I know every grantee that I've talked to talks about that first year, like there's always a ton of challenges and things going on and I'm sure you guys were no different. What kind of challenges have you guys faced this first year?   Lynn: Well, we are having more success with the youth population. We have enrolled 29 youth, and really what we're hoping with that population is to as we move forward, a number of them are already in plan. They're receiving benefits counseling. We're in the process of still developing the specific CTPIE services. We're hoping to develop financial literacy. We're almost ready to go to contract for that.  Family and peer mentoring. Those are the two categories that have presented as our biggest struggles right now, and that is for that youth population as well as the adult population. And we're hoping, right now we're in the process of developing, So all of the individuals who are enrolled in CTPIE, we're going to start reaching out to their family members to get them together, let's get together, What's been successful about CTPIE? We want to develop a grassroots group for them to be able to walk through struggles with other family members. How did you get the funding? What does your DDS budget look like? Here's the VOC rehab and here's what VOC Rehab can do for you. And how can we get these two agencies to be able to work together? We are very fortunate in the state of Connecticut that we have excellent partnerships with our Developmental Disability Services Agency and our state Department of Education, and all three agencies are working very well together to be able to serve this population within this grant.   Carol: I think you couldn't do it if you didn't have that relationship with those other agencies, because all of that funding is so intricately interwoven. And so if you're not all kind of hand in glove working together, it will make it so much harder. So you're taking a great approach with that. I know you also are taking a really cool approach with the counselors that you have dedicated to this project. Talk about that training you're all going through. I really was intrigued by this.   Lynn: So as you mentioned, Connecticut is small but mighty. We have three regions. So we have our north, south and western regions, and we have one CTPIE counselor in each of the regions who will be working with CTPIE consumers. We also have a project coordinator, myself, who is the director of the grant, and we have a vocational rehabilitation supervisor that supervises the CTPIE counselors. We have all gone through Charting the Life course. We have become ambassadors. This, I felt was very important for all of us to be able to go through this training so that we are speaking the same language as our DDS agency. This language will then translate over to the consumers that we're meeting with and the family members. It's very important for us that they feel that sense of identity in terms of, okay, no matter which agency I'm going to, we're going to be talking about the same things. They're going to recognize me as an individual with a significant disability, and we're going to be working on the same things. And that's going to be to promote competitive integrated employment.   Carol: I love that. I think that was super, super smart. And I know we've talked a bit about your, you know, building and leveraging all of these different relationships that you have, which is great. And I think it maybe is almost a little easier in a smaller state as well to build that stronger coalition. How did you build that relationship and get connected with the state special ed directors? Because I know you did some work around that. That has been real helpful to the project. How did you go about that?   Lynn: Well, I have been very fortunate in my career here with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, and I've had different focus areas as a staff person working in central office, and I became pretty good friends with one of the contacts in the state Department of Education. She has my position under the Bureau of Special Education. So her and I, as soon as we got the SWITCIE grant, we started talking about, okay, how can we get this information out to the schools? How can we encourage students and families to enroll in CTPIE? And honestly, she's like, Lynn, whatever you need. I'm here to be able to assist you. One of the approaches that we have is that, and I know sending out letters is not the best way to communicate with folks, but we wanted to make sure that folks were getting at least the basic information of CTPIE. So part of our marketing was to develop using the letterhead and the logo, to be able to send out letters to all of the students who are exiting, who are eligible for DDS, that are exiting in June of 2024. So I made sure that my contact at the state Department of Education had those template letters. We emailed them to all of the special ed directors, so they had a copy of the letters that were being sent to students, and those letters were mailed out at the beginning of September. So we emailed the information out to the special ed directors the third and fourth week of August. So as they were starting their school year, they would get this information. And our hope was because the special ed teachers are the trusted source for the students and the families, once they got this letter at home, they'd be like, huh, what's this? Who's reaching out to me? So the special education teachers would be able to say, great opportunity. We got this as well. And we strongly encourage you to enroll in CTPIE. We also emailed the link to our website and I'll do a little shameless plug here. It is CTPIE.org, and I encourage all of the listeners to be able to click on our link and look at a little bit more about what we're doing here in the state. We also had the ability to work with our marketing company to do some videos. So we did a video specifically for special educators and family members, and we also had one of our DDS, Self-advocates. He did a video encouraging individuals with IDD and their family members to try out competitive integrated employment.   Carol: I liked that I had a chance to go out to your website, so I did watch all the videos and saw how you had structured that site to kind of target different audiences that were going to be impacted by this project. I thought that was really good. So in your work with this marketing team, I know folks nationwide, they're trying different ways. I know you said sending letters, do you have strategies developed, like to use different means of communication technology, whatever. As you're working through this project, what are you guys thinking about?   Lynn: So after we sent the letters to the special educators, we actually did get a number of emails back saying, hey, we want to know more, which was absolutely fabulous. The state of Connecticut, they also do a back to school event in September, and we were invited to set up a table at that event. And when they did their opening remarks, they also did a slide on the PowerPoint to all of the educators in the room about CTPIE with just some bullet points, explaining who we are, what we do, and the fact that we had a table outside. So we had a lot of foot traffic from the schools that attended the back to school event. And so a lot of questions were raised. We were able to take time to be able to walk special educators through who we are and what we do. We also get lists from the Department of Developmental Services for all the students who are exiting each school year, and those lists., it contains the information about where these students attend school. So we're able to reach out to those schools and say, hey, I'm the CTPIE counselor, and I would love to be able to get together with you to speak more about CTPIE. We would love to be able to do an individual and parent night if that would work for your students. So it was a lot easier getting that connection to our schools, the special educators.   Carol: That is good. I was going to ask about that. If the CTPIE counselors were going out to the schools, because I know that boots on the ground is always super important, if you can get at the local teachers and really get them excited and get the administration in all of that on board, you have an easier time to get something set up like a parent night and student night type of thing. That is really awesome.   Lynn: The other huge benefit that we had for our student youth population is for Pre-ETS. In the state of Connecticut, we have branded that Level Up. So our Level Up staff met with our CTPIE counselors and was able to do that introduction to those special education teachers out in the schools. So we really leveraged our Level Up connections. We work with wonderful schools here in the state of Connecticut. We have great relationships with our Level Up staff and that really, really assisted us. And, you know, being able to make that entry into the schools specifically for CTPIE, we also encourage our Level Up students who have that diagnosis of IDD to enroll in CTPIE. And then if we have a student who's coming to us to enroll in CTPIE, if they're not enrolled in Level Up, then we make that introduction to our Level Up staff so they can access our Pre-ETS services.   Carol: That's really cool. I like how that's all coordinating together. I still firmly believe that Pre-ETS is kind of the gift that keeps on giving. I know it really threw the country for a loop when we're switching from our primary focus on adults to these young people. But I think, oh my gosh, this investment in students younger is going to make such a difference in the whole trajectory of what happens in VR. And I think we're getting to a point where we're going to be able to start doing some of those longitudinal studies. So the investments that VR has made with staff and time and efforts in getting. All of that training and exposure and connectedness with the schools. Look at like how you can leverage here. That is perfect. That is really cool. So what advice Lynn would you give, you know, other people, I'm sure a new DIF will come up this year. Again, I know money was returned and there's excess funds sitting there, and I'm sure RSA is working on that as we speak. And we get calls a lot at the TA center. You know, people will be like, oh, I don't know, should I apply for a DIF or not or what? What advice do you have for folks that are maybe on the fence or thinking about, should I do it or not, what would you tell them?   Lynn: I love what I do and I had the opportunity of really working on section 511, so I was very in tune with this population. I care a lot about this population. I have always believed competitive, integrated employment is the way to go and individuals have that right to be able to work. So when this DIF came and it was announced, I was definitely interested in it. I work with a great bunch of staff here in Connecticut that share the same vision, have the same passion as I do, and I think that's the key. That's been the key for me at least. I also have a very, very supportive management team behind me. You know, Dave Doukus, Kathy Marchione, I report directly to both of them and they have been fabulous. They are very supportive for the things that maybe I haven't had that much experience within my role as a consultant with the Bureau working on contracts, probably not my most favorite thing, but I have a team behind me that's able to assist me and teach me. So it's a lot of patience having staff that are passionate about the project and just being able to have that infrastructure, those are the things that I would recommend and if anybody has, you know, if you're thinking about it, questions or concerns. Want to know a little bit more about my experience in Connecticut? Please don't hesitate. Reach out. Give me a call.   Carol: Excellent. Could you give our listeners your email address? Would you mind?   Lynn: Sure. My last name is a little bit of a tongue twister, so I'll go slow here. It's Lynn l y n n dot Frith F as in Frank, r i t h at ct.gov.   Carol: Excellent. Well, I'm really excited about what you're doing there, and I'm looking forward to following up with you later on down the road as you're starting to get, you know, more experience and more people are in and having those really good outcomes happening. But good for you guys. Thanks for taking time today. I really appreciate it, Lynn. Hope you have a great day.   Lynn: Thanks, Carol, for having me. I hope you have a great day as well.   {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time, brought to you by the VR TAC for Quality Management. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Paying the medical bills and determining insurance coverage can almost be as stressful as caring for your NICU baby (and sometimes more so). Kelley Coleman - author, disability advocate and mom of a medically complex child - shares questions to ask, provides an overview of programs and shares advice from both her lived experience, as well as insurance and medical billing experts.  

Fairfield District Supervisor Roscoe Cooper, III, will hold his first Fairfield District Forum constituent meeting Thursday, March 21 to provide updates about several Henrico County initiatives. Cooper will be joined by representatives from Henrico Public Works, Police, Planning, Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services and Henrico County Public Schools to address projects related to community development, public safety and schools, sidewalk projects and the Marcus Alert system. Residents can attend the 6:30 p.m. meeting in person at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, 11000 Telegraph Road, or virtually via WebEx. To join by phone, dial 1-415-655-0002 and enter the...Article LinkSupport the show

In 1993, a group of passionate Armenians knew they could make a positive difference by bringing together their resources and love for Armenia. That is how Developmental Services for Armenia came to be. Our guest, Raffi Bilemjian, walks us through how the foresight of a few passionate individuals has created lasting positive changes for Armenia for over 30 years.    Get in touch:  info@developmentalservicesarmenia.org   Follow on Instagram @DSAorganization

Qualifying faith-based organizations and community organizations will soon be able to apply for micro-grants from the Commonwealth of Virginia to improve access to mental health support and address the opioid crisis.  A total of nearly 0,000 has been set aside for community organizations to apply for a grant to provide training and direct care for people in their communities who are struggling with behavioral health issues.  The grants will be available in amounts up to ,000. Qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply for the grants through the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The grants may be used...Article LinkSupport the show

We're closing out our 3-part series 'AARP & You' - tapping expert sources from the national AARP network to provide critical information to better protect everyone in Connecticut. In this segment, you'll learn the 3 most important things to immediately do if you are the victim of fraud. Then we're circling back with CT Housing Partners CEO and one of their developers to provide some insight into Connecticut's much maligned 8-30g statute related to affordable and workforce housing. And we're connecting with the Commissioner of Connecticut's Dept. of Developmental Services to hear more about the recently launched STEP (Supporting Transformation to Empower People) program to shift and expand the continuum of supports to serve as many individuals in the most independent settings possible.

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services will host a free community event Wednesday, Oct. 11 to offer support, access to resources and a sense of belonging among the LGBTQIA+ community. The Visible Video Series, Panel Discussion & Vendor Fair will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Henrico Theatre, 305 East Nine Mile Road, in conjunction with National Coming Out Day. The vendor fair will open and close the event and will give youth and families access to inclusive and affirming resources and connect them with safe spaces and opportunities for community building. A showing of Visible:...Article LinkSupport the show

In the language of state agencies, it's “loss of custody.” In the vernacular of medical staff, it's being “street-ed.” Both refer to when an emergency medical department is unable to stop a patient deemed a threat to themselves or others from leaving the facility before receiving proper treatment. Whatever you call it, in Virginia, it's happening more frequently. Data obtained from the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shows the number of loss of custody events has nearly tripled since 2020, with 139 statewide for fiscal year 2022. In addition, last year 460 people under a temporary detention...Article LinkSupport the show

In the wake of the pandemic, our healthcare system's vulnerabilities were laid bare, exposing a pressing need for affordable medical care, particularly as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age. The escalating costs of healthcare have pushed countless Americans to the edge of financial ruin and beyond. The crucial question that arises is whether there exists a solution to address these systemic issues. Join me in this captivating podcast as I engage in an enlightening conversation with the esteemed Dr. Bill Bronston, delving into the depths of our healthcare system's challenges and exploring potential options for a brighter future. Dr. Bronston, a passionate advocate for healthcare reform and social justice, has dedicated his life to serving others. Born in 1939 in Los Angeles, he grew up in a family connected to the film industry and had a deep-seated desire to care for people from an early age. In 1961, he enrolled at USC Medical School, drawn to its reputation for clinical medicine and a desire to serve the underprivileged. However, he soon became disillusioned with the mechanistic and impersonal approach to medicine he encountered in his studies. Inspired by the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War protests, Dr. Bronston became an activist and organized medical, nursing, and dental students across the nation under the banner of the "Student Health Organization." Their goals included advocating for a socialized healthcare system, supporting the civil rights movement, and demanding curriculum changes in professional schools to incorporate a culture of care and progressive medical values. As a conscientious objector, Dr. Bronston pursued his psychiatric residency at the Menninger School of Psychiatry in Topeka State Hospital. During this time, he played a pivotal role in organizing an American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union, leading to a union job action that gained administrative control of all Eastern mental health hospitals in 1968. Relocating to New York, Dr. Bronston immersed himself in various activist movements, including the Black Panther Party, the women's movement led by Gloria Steinem, and the struggle against the Vietnam War. He also became involved with disability rights activists, working to connect their cause with the broader anti-institutional agenda. In 1970, he served as a clinical physician at Willowbrook State School, an institution for individuals with intellectual disabilities, where he exposed and helped shut down inhumane conditions through a federal class action lawsuit. Returning to California in 1975, Dr. Bronston assumed the role of medical director for the Department of Developmental Services and Department of Rehabilitation Services for the state, a position he held for over two decades. In the present day, Dr. Bronston remains committed to the ongoing pursuit of justice. He expresses deep concern over the current state of medical education, emphasizing the corporate influence, mounting costs, and burdensome debt that hinder doctors from engaging in community service. He strongly believes that healthcare should not be a commodity for sale, denouncing the current system as one that prioritizes profit over personalized and affordable care. Despite the opposition from the insurance industry, pharmaceutical companies, and hospital cartels, Dr. Bronston is confident that the single-payer movement will prevail. He argues that people are increasingly aware of these entities being adversaries and the need for universal access to the remarkable advances in healthcare and medical research. Dr. Bronston envisions a radical change occurring within the next decade, driven by a transformational shift in the pursuit of human rights throughout history, rather than a gradual evolution. Related websites for more information www.ourhealt.pub and www.publichostagepublicransom.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vibelivingpodcast/message

As part of the 2023 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Lauren Libero and Lucy Esralew provide an update on California's mental and behavioral health services. Dr. Ersalew, the senior supervising psychologist at the California Department of Developmental Services, and Dr. Libero, an Autism Program Specialist at the same department, discuss provisional eligibility for California regional center services for three and four-year-olds, updates on the DDS safety net initiative and related programs, and funding opportunities related to mental and behavioral health. They also provide an overview of the California Department of Developmental Services and its role in coordinating services for over 400,000 individuals with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38869]

As part of the 2023 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Lauren Libero and Lucy Esralew provide an update on California's mental and behavioral health services. Dr. Ersalew, the senior supervising psychologist at the California Department of Developmental Services, and Dr. Libero, an Autism Program Specialist at the same department, discuss provisional eligibility for California regional center services for three and four-year-olds, updates on the DDS safety net initiative and related programs, and funding opportunities related to mental and behavioral health. They also provide an overview of the California Department of Developmental Services and its role in coordinating services for over 400,000 individuals with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38869]

As part of the 2023 Developmental Disabilities Conference, Lauren Libero and Lucy Esralew provide an update on California's mental and behavioral health services. Dr. Ersalew, the senior supervising psychologist at the California Department of Developmental Services, and Dr. Libero, an Autism Program Specialist at the same department, discuss provisional eligibility for California regional center services for three and four-year-olds, updates on the DDS safety net initiative and related programs, and funding opportunities related to mental and behavioral health. They also provide an overview of the California Department of Developmental Services and its role in coordinating services for over 400,000 individuals with developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38869]

Generations continues to serve the local aging community, as well as others in need of services. We'll find out about different events and programs that are coming up.The sport of Pickleball continues to grow in popularity for those looking to keep active as they age. We'll find out just what this sport entails and how local folks can join in at the Vincennes YMCA.The Wabash Valley Friendship Clubhouse has a new and larger location to call home. We'll take a look at how the new facility will help the growing program.The North Knox Champions Together group continues to achieve success while also celebrating inclusiveness. We'll find out how.And the Developmental Services, Inc. in Daviess County recently held a basketball game to help promote awareness and inclusion for those with all abilities. We'll take a look at the competition featuring the DSI Terminators and some Daviess County “celebrities” on the court!We'll have these stories on First City Focus — Saturday night at 7:30 on Vincennes PBS!You can watch all episodes of First City Focus on demand HERE.First City Focus is supported in part by Duke Energy and Good Samaritan Hospital.

In this episode, Jeannette Diaz, MPH, MS, RDHAP, RDH shares what grief literacy is and why it's important to healthcare professionals. Jeannette currently works as a dental liaison for the California Department of Developmental Services. She also owns and operates a portable dental hygiene practice that primarily serves older adults and people with special healthcarehealth-care needs. Jeannette is also an adjunct faculty at the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene's online graduate program at MCPHS University. As dental hygienists, there will be times in our career that we encounter grief in our personal lives. Do we know how to cope? How can we continue to provide high quality care while grieving? Am I equipped with tools to help me while grieving? These are all questions we should be asking ourselves as healthcare professionals. Every day we talk to our patients and build patient rapport. We learn about their day to day and get to hear about exciting milestones. But what about when our patients experience loss? Do we know how to respond? Are we equipped to have that conversation with our patients? This is where Jeannette has raised awareness about grief literacy. Throughout this episode she provides helpful tips and tools on how we can speak to our patients and ourselves while grieving. If you are a hygienist or healthcare professional, you don't want to miss this episode! "Grief literacy promotes compassionate care in dentistry" by Jeannette Diaz, MPH, MS, RDHAP, RDH https://www.dentistryiq.com/resources/contact/14186397/jeannette-diaz-msdh-rdhap https://unique-pioneer-6675.ck.page/griefresource Connect with Jeannette email her at ⁠jeannetterdh@gmail.com⁠ or find her on Instagram @californiaRDHAP

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services and Virginia Housing will open applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List March 8 at 8 a.m. The program will accept applications online only, at virginiahousing.apply4housing.com, until 4 p.m. that day. The HAMHDS waiting list area covers Henrico, Charles City and New Kent counties. The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government's main program for helping very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled afford decent, safe housing in the private market. It was previously known as Section 8. The program provides rental assistance payments to qualified landlords on behalf of...Article LinkSupport the show

Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services has earned an additional three-year accreditation — the highest-possible endorsement — from CARF International, following a comprehensive review of its programs and services. It is HAMHDS' eighth consecutive three-year accreditation from CARF, which confirms conformance to more than 2,100 professional standards and a commitment to delivering programs and services that are measurable, accountable and of the highest quality. The accreditation covers the following programs and services: assertive community treatment; case management/services coordination; community integration-psychosocial rehabilitation; prevention; community housing for adults with developmental disabilities; community employment; community integration-Hermitage Enterprises and Cypress Enterprises and community...Article LinkSupport the show

This program provides an update on the California Department of Developmental Services and access to care with Lauren Libero and Leinani Walter. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Education] [Show ID: 38135]

This program provides an update on the California Department of Developmental Services and access to care with Lauren Libero and Leinani Walter. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Education] [Show ID: 38135]

This program provides an update on the California Department of Developmental Services and access to care with Lauren Libero and Leinani Walter. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Education] [Show ID: 38135]

Virginia has been severely affected by opioid abuse, particularly the abuse of prescription drugs, according to the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In 1999, approximately 23 people statewide died from abuse of fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, and oxycodone. By 2013, 386 individuals died from the abuse of these drugs, an increase of 1,578 percent. In Virginia Beach in 2015, there were 135 documented heroin overdoses, resulting in 34 deaths.The mission of the Human Services Department is to provide Virginia Beach citizens the opportunity to achieve the highest possible level of self-sufficiency, safety and quality of life through an array of coordinated services delivered in a climate of dignity, respect and accountability. Learn more about Human Services at www.VBgov.com/hs.In this episode of We Are Living Healthy, we will learn about the services provided by the City of Virginia Beach to help our community, services like:Lock and Talk Virginia, locking devices for medications and firearms Suicide prevention"REVIVE!" trains individuals to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose emergency with the administration of Naloxone, a prescription medication, Safe talk classes. The Department of Human Services provides citizens the opportunity to achieve the highest level of self sufficiency safety and quality of life possible through an array of coordinated services delivered in a climate of dignity, respect, and accountability.For more information go to: https://www.vbgov.com/prevention or call to 757-385-0803Did you know September is Suicide Prevention Month?Veterans Crisis Line number is 1-800-273-8255, National Crisis Line 988.Watch the Interview on Facebook HereFor more great We Are Living Healthy content, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on all major podcasting platforms. https://livinghealthy.buzzsprout.comAlready subscribed? Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast so that we can reach as many people that need the help as we can: https://3cstvshow.buzzsprout.com Follow us on Facebook: @WeAreLivingHealthyTVDISCLAIMER: THE CONSULTATIONS OR INTERACTIONS OFFERED ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A CONSULTATION WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN. THE CONSULTATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT STRUCTURED IN A WAY TO PROVIDE HEALTH COUNSELING / DIAGNOSING OF ANY KIND. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE LIVING HEALTHY IS NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION AS YOUR TREATING HEALTH COUNSELOR, PHYSICIAN, ATTORNEY, LEGAL COUNSEL, EMPLOYER, MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. We offer no guarantees or promise of results from event nor assume liability for any information provided. 

In this week's episode, we are chatting with Becky Kurtz, a Life Skills and Empowerment Coach with Aspire Community & Developmental Services. She is passionate about helping others and empowering them to be as independent as possible. She works with neurodivergent young people to see their ability and help them rise to their fullest potential. Tune into this week's episode to learn how you can use visual supports, positive praise and the use of a schedule/ routines to help your child reach his/ her full potential You can learn more about Becky and the services that she offers by visiting her website: https://www.aspireservices.ca/ Or follow her on socials! @aspireservicesontario,

On this week's episode, we're talking with Gail Maddox Taylor about listening to and investing in communities, building coalitions, and why prevention matters.    Gail Maddox Taylor is the Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Wellness for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, also known as the NPN, where she provides leadership in Virginia's prevention efforts. She also leads Virginia's statewide initiatives, including Problem Gambling Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Behavioral Health Equity and Disparities initiatives. Gail is the 2020 recipient of the National Association of Substance Abuse Director's National Prevention Network Ketty Award presented annually to a current NPN who has made outstanding contributions to the NPN organization and the field of prevention and received the 2021 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Outstanding State Award. These awards were received because of the hard work of the OBHW team, CSBs and Virginia community Coalitions. Gail has served as the NPN liaison on the Board of the Society of Prevention Research, is on CADCA's Coalition Advisory Council (CAC), and serves as the National NPN 1st Vice-President.    TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, substance use, trauma, domestic violence, and mental health issues are discussed in broad ways throughout this conversation.    Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services:  https://dbhds.virginia.gov/   The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

Never dismiss relationship red flags...you do not have to tolerate narcissistic abuse. In this segment, Amanda Kline shares her personal story of overcoming narcissistic abuse, heartbreak, getting mental health help and the healing journey. After going through her trials, she is now able to help others by sharing red flags. See video here - https://youtu.be/XUcMOYv6LZs WHO IS AMANDA? Amanda grew up in New Jersey and went on to Boston to pursue her undergraduate degree in Child Psychology and Development from Wheelock College. She then received her Psy. D from Suffolk University. Her career began in several mental health facilities for children in Boston, and then she transitioned into becoming an award-winning Child-Care Director in the private sector. After moving back to New Jersey, she became a Social Worker for a nonprofit that assisted children diagnosed with cancer and their families. Currently, she is a teacher in a private school and is the owner of her own tele-health business that focuses on child counseling and development. Amanda is a proud dog Mom and enjoys musical theatre and cooking. AMANDA'S CALL TO ACTION Go to www.childchounseling.net to book a consultation or just receive advice from what I have been through. Instagram-child_counseling_services Facebook-Child Counseling & Developmental Services of New Jersey Personal: Instagram-amanda.k1018 Facebook: amanda.kline.31337 GENESIS'S INFO https://thehello.llc/GENESISAMARISKEMP CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp Channel, Hit the notifications bell so you don't miss any content, and share with family/friends. **REMEMBER - You do not have to let limitations or barriers keep you from achieving your success. Mind over Matter...It's time to shift and unleash your greatest potential. If you would like to be a SPONSOR or have any of your merchandise mentioned, please reach out via email at GEMSwithGenesisAmarisKemp@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/support

Rachelle Casto, VP of Administration, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterMelanie Conforti, VP of Medication Assisted Treatment, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterChristy Majors, VP of Finance, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterMary Ward, President, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterTricia Zerger, Director of Child & Family and Developmental Services, NetsmartIn this episode, representatives from the McLeod Addictive Disease Center and Netsmart discuss where addiction treatment is now and how the use of technology can take treatment to a whole new level. While the COVID pandemic created challenges for treatment, it also provided many opportunities, creating many roads to recovery.The McLeod Addictive Disease Center has been operative throughout many areas of North Carolina since 1969, caring for up to 2800 individuals at any given time. The pandemic drastically changed the ways in which treatments were viewed. Thankfully, being deemed an essential location, the treatment centers did not close, however, Telehealth and other online treatments got created for caregivers and patients alike. Finding that many patients enjoyed and preferred Telehealth as opposed to in-person treatment, the focus became more centered on asking the patients how they themselves think they can receive the best care. During a time of fear and uncertainty, this organization embraced opportunity because of the pandemic, leading to more innovation ideas and greater success of everyone involved.Join us to hear their experiences as we discuss:Factors that have and continue to contribute to the addiction crisis in our societyThe challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemicThe advantages of technology in Telehealth and other online services and how they related to overall patient satisfaction.How the pandemic shaped their organization, bringing about great new ideas and successWhat the future looks like without having strict regulationsIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you stream your podcasts.

Suzy Requarth, Self-Determination Project Manager for the San Diego Regional Center, discusses the life-changing Self-Determination service of the State of California Department of Developmental Services that enables those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have choices and controls over eligible services. Requarth talks about how this news services has had a huge impact since July 1 when it became an official option.

On this week's episode, we're revisiting a conversation from Season 1 with Keith Cartwright to discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences, where prevention and health promotion should begin, and how we can build better relationships in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Keith Cartwright is a Behavioral Health Wellness Consultant for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In this role, he leads the statewide initiative to grow awareness in communities about the developmental impacts of adverse childhood experiences. To date, the initiative has trained over 200 ACE Interface trainers and presenters in Virginia. Keith also works part-time as the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College.  Mentioned Resources: ACES Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html Nadine Burke Harris – How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime Johann Hair's Lost Connections: https://thelostconnections.com/mobile/ ACES Trainers across Virginia are working to raise awareness through education and connect people to helpful resources in an effort to reduce ACES and ultimately improve the health of our communities. If you are interested in scheduling a custom ACES training for your group and are located in the City of Winchester or the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, or Warren, please contact Northwestern Prevention and Wellness at shannon.urum@nwcsb.com. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

In today's episode, we discuss: Why people are not able to let go. How it's affecting their business A stereotype Akondaye was brought up with that she had to overcome in order to become successful in her career and to live a stress free life. What people can do when they are stressed out. Akondaye is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and a dynamic speaker who has been empowering and uplifting listeners for years. She's the owner and founder of Fountain Counseling and Developmental Services, which offers a variety of mental health counseling and psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults. She's passionate about helping motivating and inspiring people to be their best self. Uh, once the professional athlete and a highly regarded leader, she has spent years motivating and inspiring athletes and competitors and clients alike build their confidence and move outside of their comfort zones and achieve their goals. Her happy place is GYM. Listen to this episode and subscribe to Akondaye's FREE COURSE ON https://akondayefountain.thinkific.com/courses/positive-mind ("How To Train Your Mind For Positivity") Connect with her on Instagram @akondaye. **FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM **SUBSCRIBE TO MY FREEBIES HERE

Zafer Elcik - Otsimo   The following is the written transcript of the audio recording of my interview of Zafer Elcik of Otsimo, which you can listen to in the podcast version of this post. This transcription was aided by Otter.     SPEAKERS Anne Zachry, Zafer Elcik   Anne Zachry Thank you so much for being in this podcast with me today. I really, truly appreciate you making the time, especially since we're having to accommodate international time zones, and I'm here in the United States and you're in Turkey. If you don't mind, could you just go ahead and give us just a brief introduction of yourself and your product?   Zafer Elcik Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. My name is Zafer. I am co-founder of Otsimo. At Otsimo, we are developing apps for kids with special needs, mostly for autism, Down Syndrome, and mental challenge. What we are trying to do is to provide early intensive education to the mobile devices and the speech therapy, as well. I have a brother with autism. He has been vulnerable for a long time. And I realized that he has special interest in smart devices one day, but I couldn't find any suites or apps for my brother. The typical apps have a lot of advertisements, as well as, like, they have a lot of sounds, animations, and so on, and my brother actually liked to play with them, but he ended up with a bad situation. I decided to create app companies just helping kids on the spectrum. Well, right now we have kids all across the US, UK, as well as Turkey. We have already met the Minister of Education of Turkey. We reach education and speech therapy all across the world through the mobile device.   Anne Zachry That is so cool. That's such a powerful outcome to make happen. That's such an accomplishment. That's so cool.   Zafer Elcik Thank you.   Anne Zachry Oh, thank you. So well, one of the things that because we're here in the United States, and we're constantly advocating for kids with special needs to get the services they're supposed to be getting and the supports that they need. And, very definitely, the whole issue of alternative communication methods and kids who have language impairments who can't get their words out, but that doesn't mean they don't have words ... I mean, I've worked for over 30 years with kids with every kind of disability you can imagine, and lots and lots of kids on the autism spectrum with language challenges, but also across all age groups. And, so one of the things I wanted to ask you about - because I did download and install your app and mess around with it, so I could become familiar with it - the graphics and the imagery, and the age ranges that look like on the app max out at like seven and older. And, for my kids on the spectrum who are middle school and high school age or young adult age, they don't see themselves necessarily in the apps, and the tools that are are out there for children who are younger. And, the accommodations they need evolve over time as they get older, and they may still have the language skills of a very young child, but they are still a teenager on the inside. And, so, my question to you was, "Is there ... are there plans to expand the app to have a version that is more grown up and more adult looking and more age appropriate for teens and young adults that will follow them into college?" Because I'm seeing kids who everybody thought they would never go to college. But once they get the help was like "Oh, hey! That's a possibility for you, now ..."   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... but these tools can't follow them necessarily. And so my question to you is, "Are you looking to expand it to for to make the tool something that will support older users, especially as your kids get older ... your child users?"   Zafer Elcik Yeah, actually, it's a great question, because my brother is getting older and older. And, we try to test with my brother as well to what the level will be of the new content in the app. Like, at Otsimo, we approach early and intensive education, because, like, you heard a lot of the time that you know it, like, if the kids can get early and intensive education, it affects our ...   Anne Zachry Right, right. Those are my kids who are now growing up and going to college, who, when we first started when they were four and five years old, that wasn't even a thought. But, now that they're 18, it's like, "Oh my gosh! Look what you can do!", because we got all those services when they were little.   Zafer Elcik That's because, like, I realized that, in the US, as well as in Turkey - I mean - a lot of countries in the world, because, like, we have a lot of users all across the world, and we realized that, like, getting a diagnosis and, then after that, getting the first education is a really big hassle. Like, in the US, as well, like, you need to go to IEP meetings ...   Anne Zachry Yep.   Zafer Elcik ... to get what you need, and it's a big hassle and you lose a lot of precious months, sometimes a year, to just getting the education. That's because we, at first, we focused on the, like, really early and intensive skills, like, small hand gestures, or social skills, and so on. But, after that, we really found out that we need to create content for a really diverse community. That's because, like, right now we have more than 100 games, some of them is really easy, some of them is kind of middle school-ish. But we haven't, like, created, like ... I can set it up, like, we ... our apps are at pre-K to K-2, but after K-2, right now, we don't have real content. That's because, right now, we are developing new content every month, just to keep updated. I don't think so we will create content for university or high school and so on, but I believe it's so go we can go to like pre-K to K-8, and so on, in the near future. We will have a lot of content for that.   Anne Zachry Right. Well, definitely the early intervention is a huge part of it. I mean, that's certainly important. And, you know, my background is also in educational psychology. That's what my master's degree is in. And I can tell you from an instructional design standpoint ... but, also I've worked in IT. I've worked it ... I can do some coding, it's not my greatest skill, but it's not like I don't have any coding skills at all. I understand what it takes to build something from scratch in code. And you want to start with the simpler skills and move into the ... progress into the more complex skills, anyway. You know, that those simpler younger skills are foundational, not only for human beings, but also for technology. So, you build on that not only with the kid, but with the tech over time, I would imagine. So, that totally makes sense.   Zafer Elcik Yeah. Right now, we are developing these apps for more than five years, and still, I believe that we are in the, like, really beginning.   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik We have more than 20 people. Like, we have psychologist on team. We have educators, developers, designers, testers. A lot of people lately, designers working with us, and so on. And it takes a lot of ...   Anne Zachry I can only imagine. I mean, I'm just trying to envision what all the logistics are of making something happen, you know, like what you're doing. And, it's just ... you know, what you're doing is moving the earth. That's huge. And you said something a moment ago that ...   Zafer Elcik Thank you.   Anne Zachry Thank you ... that really caught my ear, and that was, you know, the diversity within the autism community. And, we have a saying over here that, "When you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry Because, no two people with autism are alike, you know. Just like everybody else, that no two brains are alike, even if they have a common disorder. And so, how it manifests ... and I've got, you know ... and this goes to my next question is, you know ... I've got situations out here where we have students with IEPs that will say in the IEP that they're supposed to have an AAC device, with hardware and software loaded on it, but they won't specify what they're using. They won't name the device and they won't name the software in the IEP, as though all AAC tech is interchangeable. And, it's not! Each technology is different and nuanced, and every student has to learn that piece of technology as a way to learn language. Like, if you start a kid out on ProLoQuo2Go, and then you move that kid to another school, and they see that, "Oh, well. You've got an an AAC device with some kind of software in your IEP. We have to implement your IEP that you came in with, but we don't know what you were using." And they'll go off and get, you know, a Samsung smart pad with some kind of who-knows-what software installed on it. And it's not the iPad with the ProLoQuo2Go the kid knew how to use from the last school. And so, what happens is their language gets taken away. And so, I guess my question to you then becomes, "If there's other technologies that are going to be used as these children get older, like ProLoQuo2Go, going into the adult world, do you think that it's wise to start them off on something different and then switch them, or does it make more sense to get them accustomed to one piece of technology and have it carry them through, or does it make sense to teach them more than one type of AAC tech so that if one goes out of business, the other one's still around?" I mean, that's my concern. It's about the people in the public schools who tend to think that AAC technology, if they're not specifically trained in it, they think it's plug-and-play, and you can pull one out and push another one in. And, I wonder what your feedback on that what would be.   Zafer Elcik Yeah, my feedback on that, like, is, we have also AAC solution in our special education app.   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik We are targeting mostly young children instead of, like, ProLoQuo2Go or other AAC devices as well. And I believe in ... so, like, we need to introduce the AAC to the people and individuals on the spectrum as soon as possible, because, like, we have a lot of research also going on there. AAC actually doesn't have any disadvantages to learning a language. It also have advantages to learning language or concepts of vocabulary, and so on. I believe ... so, we need to, we need to show the AAC in really early stages, because it's helpful for them. And the second thing I need to say: We need to find a way to, like, a different kind of solution. Like, sometimes you need Tobii Dynavox with a eye-tracker device on it ...   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik ... and so on, and sometimes you need also some AT with a light reading cue and open source system with you. I think that, like, the schools doesn't ... like, schools must not mandate an AAC over others. They need to accommodate the diversity, the diversity of different assistive technology. That's because, like, I also came across some schools, like, they're using just one tech and they don't want to change, but it doesn't help anyone. Like, it just helped the teachers, maybe the managers there. It doesn't help the kids and the family. Because I think that, like, teachers also have a lot of goals, as well, because of the ... I don't want to say that, but, like, teachers need to accommodate the diverse kids ...   Anne Zachry Yeah. Right.   Zafer Elcik ... diverse problems or ... the diverse solutions of the kid, and find a way to use the ... what the kids like, what the individuals like. Because, like, communication is essential, and when you are changing a device, you're actually changing the whole communication system. And, you force them maybe to voiceless.   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik And that's a huge drawback for diverse communities. That's because, I believe it. So they don't need to see a lot of different AAC, but they need to stick with what they feel comfortable.   Anne Zachry Right. It's doesn't do any good to teach a kid how to speak using the tool and then take the tool away from them. And...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... and that's our concern. And that, again, goes back to how special education is legally regulated here, because you can't just go and change things up once it's written into the IEP. That's a legally binding contract that the parents can hold the school to that says, "Hey, these are the things you're supposed to do for my kid." But if the contract itself is flawed, if the what it describes in writing is not appropriate, then that's what's enforceable. And, what we run into is ... Yes, I agree with you that you have way too many school districts that will standardize on a particular technology, because they get bulk discounts. If they buy in bulk from the vendor, they get it less per unit.   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry And so, it's cheaper to get multiple licenses of a particular AAC and a particular device because they can buy those in bulk, because all of these vendors have realized that they can sell more in quantity to the schools if they can convince them that their technology will solve all these problems. And, for a lot of kids it will, but you have to specify what it is in the IEP. Because, if a kid has started out, say, on your technology and it's part of what's being done in the classroom, if it's not written into the IEP, and that child moves to another area, and that IEP has to follow them to the new school, but it doesn't say in there ... that they were using your technology, the new schools not going to know to put that in. And so, what we run into is sort of a mixture of too vague of a description of the accommodation, as well as what you were talking about, what is sometimes is over-specified to the point where there's no flexibility to try anything new.   Zafer Elcik Yeah ... Yeah.   Anne Zachry So, you don't ... you have to strike a balance where there's enough flexibility with the way the document is constructed that trying out new technologies is not prohibited, but what the child is familiar with is also not taken away. And so, it comes down to the wording of the document. And I think that that's something that a lot of solution developers find frustrating when they enter into the American special education system because they're thinking, "Oh, America loves special ed! They actually have laws and they make it free and they do all this stuff!" But, when you actually try to participate in it, it looks a lot different to live through it than it looks like on paper. Yes, there's an embracing of it. But there's also all of these rules that get in the way of actually doing something about it, sometimes. And so, sometimes the rules are there to help, and sometimes they get in the way. And I think that, especially as an international developer, for you coming in to try and insert your product into that kind of situation and have been successful, that's enormous. Because that's not an easy thing for anybody to do. And for you to come from outside of the country, and insert yourself into such a heavily regulated situation, with a solution that people are actually adapting and accepting and using, I think that's huge. So that's ... congratulations on that. That's enormous.   Zafer Elcik Actually, like, the system in the U.S. is changing by state-by-state. And that's because like, maybe it's district-by-district.   Anne Zachry Yeah.   Zafer Elcik You are right. They're involved in that kind of stuff. We here are actually trying to be a company like family-friendly, or special individual-friendly. What we try to provide is an additional value. Like, they can pick what they want. Mostly ... most of the other companies, like there are big corporations in the U.S., like, they are selling bulk, but they don't update the software for a long time or doing anything like that, specifically.   Anne Zachry That's true. Right.   Zafer Elcik That's because, like ... and also, some states and district doesn't ... they need to cover by IEP by law, but they have a lot of that system. That's because kids couldn't reach out for, like, the AAC they need.   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik That's because we try to find a way to be an affordable and accessible solution for all families, instead of, like, binding the districts or states to just forcing them into one single product. But, you are also right. On the other side, if the kids started some sort of specific AAC, I think, I believe it, so they need to follow the same system in the other schools or other districts because, like, they learn how to communicate through that. Like, it's something like you learn in English in one nursery; while you carry on your school, you need to ... you're forced to talk in French and ...   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik ... it's impossible for you to actually ... it's something like that.   Anne Zachry I agree.   Zafer Elcik ... take a special tech from their hand just because of the bulk discount or so, but it doesn't help anyone.   Anne Zachry Right.   Zafer Elcik It's helping the ... maybe the district managers and so on.   Anne Zachry Exactly. And that's a lot of what we run into is ... we run into administrators who spend zero time in the classroom, who are business office people making decisions that affect the classroom based on finances, which is illegal, but it happens all the time, because they don't know any better. They don't realize their decisions are going to have that big of an impact on a kid. They're not even thinking about that because their business office people. And so, that's I think it's ... we're running into an issue over here with respect to how the bureaucracy is organized. It was created during the Industrial Revolution and emulates a factory. And, even though modern business technology has evolved well beyond that, public education technology has not. Public agency technology has not. The public sector, our government agencies, are decades behind technologically speaking, which I'm sure you've encountered with all of their different business systems ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah, yeah.   Anne Zachry ... and things and accounting systems and was like, none of them are running the same operating system. None of them are running the same software. So, it's a highly disparate situation. And it kind of reminds me when I was working in IT years ago, around the, like, the late 1990s, early 2000s. I went through that whole Y2K thing ... and ... when I was working in IT. And, at the time, the customers that I had for the company I worked with were mostly in the freight forwarding business. And, it was when U.S. Customs was switching to paperless. And, my goodness! The pandemonium and chaos that broke out amongst all of the people who handle paperwork for shipping goods back and forth overseas. I mean, this was all a paper driven processing, and now Customs wanted to go paperless, and it was something. And, nobody had the same operating system. Nobody had the same software. But, everybody's stuff was somehow supposed to magically talk to U.S. Customs electronically. And, making that all come together over the span of like five to seven years was outrageous. But at the same time, I see that now happening in public education where we're finally starting to reach that place where we're just going to have to deal with it in do the upgrades. And, I think that once the upgrades get done, and we get to a more cohesive modern system, that it'll be a lot easier because ... we have better technology being implemented in the classrooms than we having implemented in the business offices. And, I think that that's a lot of the problem is that we have this antiquated bureaucracy responsible for teaching modern children. And so, we have all these innovators like you bringing technology in, but what's it supposed to integrate with? It's like a green cursor on a black screen or an amber cursor on a black screen. I mean, some of the tech is so old. And so, I know that you're having to go in and blaze a trail in a place where, you know, in a space in an industry where technology is not as easily as embraced as it is in other places. So that's another thing that you have to be proud of yourself for, because it's another accomplishment, to be able not only to come into the American market, with all of the regulations involved, but also just all of the backwards technology that you're going to have to overcome. And so you've really taken on something that's enormous. You know, I have one last question. I have a young man on my caseload that I've been with for a very, very, very long time, and he's severely, severely, severely autistic. But he's even more severely intellectually disabled. I think the intellectual disability gets in his way more than the autism does. But, when he was much younger, he was very self-injurious. And he would hit his head against very hard surfaces, like floors, and roads, and walls and ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... and so he was a head-banger. And, he would hit himself and he would hurt other people. And, it was because he couldn't get his words out. And, when he would speak, people wouldn't take him seriously, because he did a lot of scripting. So they didn't listen to anything he said, even when he was trying to speak for real. And so, it got to the point where the behavior became his method of communication. And it took a long, long time; he had to be institutionalized to break him of that habit, and teach him to use his words again, and to get him to, you know, where he could be more functionally communicative without engaging in these violent behaviors. Unfortunately, in the course of all of this before I, you know ... by the time I got involved with him, a whole lot of harm had already been done. And he had managed to, as best as we can tell, detach his own retinas from head-banging. So, now, he's permanently blind.   Zafer Elcik Oh, wow!   Anne Zachry He hit his head so hard that he blinded himself, or at least that's what the doctors are saying, because he just ... all of a sudden, his retinas peeled off the backsides of his eyeballs and he couldn't see anymore, and, so, you know, and it was after years and years of head-banging against really hard surfaces. And, his school would ... they didn't know what to do with him, so they would just put them in a seclusion room and leave them in there to whack his head on the wall for 45 minutes at a time. And, needless to say, there was a lawsuit. And, you know, we got compensatory services for him. But what we can't do with him, now, is teach him to use a traditional AAC or any kind of device-based technologies where, you know, all these wonderful things like what you created, because he doesn't have eyesight anymore. He can't see the screen.   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry And so, you know, we've had him evaluated by experts to help figure out what we can do for this guy, you know. And, he's now my friend. I love him to death. He's my sweet little lamb. He ... I mean, I don't have any behavior problems with him. But, here he is now, you know, as a young adult finally starting to say, "Okay, well, I think I want to have a life and do something with myself," and the tools and the resources are so now limited for him because of the eyesight loss, because everything for autism was all about visual schedules and visual cues.   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry And, you know ... and I can't do that with him. And so, what we've had to do is, I create tactile schedules for him where I take dollhouse miniatures, and I glue them on a great big piece of foam board. And, I make like a visual schedule, but instead of looking at it, he's got to touch each item, and it moves through a progression so that he can, you know, follow the flow of what it is we're going to do. And once he learns the routine - once he gets that ritual down - he knows the order of events, I don't have to use the schedule with him anymore, because he already knows what's coming. Now he knows the routine. But, to teach him new schedules, I would have to glue together $200 worth of dollhouse miniatures off of Amazon onto a piece of board to give him an idea of what was about to happen. And, what I'm not seeing ... and so, I'm kind of putting it out there, hopefully you'll ... this is something you can think about ... are tools for individuals with autism who are also blind or are deaf and have these sensory impairments on top of the autism that makes the typical solutions inaccessible to them. And just your your thoughts maybe of what you think might be a good way to go in terms of adapting a device for use with someone. Like, I can see if someone has hearing loss ... hearing loss, you could do vibration. You could make the device vibrate ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... in the absence of sound. But when for someone with vision loss, I don't know how you replicate a visual schedule, other than to just audio record yourself, like in the voice recorder, you know, just speaking your way through it. I've done that, too. But it doesn't seem to be as powerful as a tactile schedule. And I'm curious as to, you know, when I talk to developers, what do you think about that? What do you think could be done for someone who's got multiple disabilitiees and the autism is just one of many?   Zafer Elcik Yeah, it's a nice question. Like, we also came across like, people with hearing disorders with autism, and so on. We try to make our product as much as accessible for that. I don't know, literally, like, because we are not doing visual schedules. I don't know, in specific people region schedule basis. But for the Apple devices, there is, like, assistive disability techniques. And I know that, for example, ProLoQuo2Go has a system. You can actually use the switches or you can ... they will actually scan the screen with them. But, you need to teach them this assistive tech on the Apple devices to the kid. And, I believe it, we are also ... there will be our apps right now. I can't say we are 100% accessible for vision problems, or hearing problems and so on, but you can use that assistive settings in the settings in Apple devices. And, combined with that assistive settings with the apps like us or ProLoQuo2Go, or if you're using a visual schedule app, you should reaching out to developers and saying them, like, "Could you implement assistive settings to our device on your app, because we are using it for for this, this this?" And, that's the only chance I can see from my point of view ...   Anne Zachry That stands to reason.   Zafer Elcik Apple has a great assistive settings for people with vision problems, as well as hearing problems. That's because, if he or she can use them assistive techniques while using the device, apps also can be a part of it and you can use that settings in the specific apps, and you can just scan the screen instead of picking seeing regionally, and so on. You will see here what you, like, the device actually loudly saying that what they're clicking, and they can actually talk thanks to that, while just memorizing what they were seeing. That's doable and a lot of companies are doing but, yeah, it's a one more additional step of teaching.   Anne Zachry Is it like an API where you if you're a developer, you could reach out to Apple and say, "Hey, we want to link in with your accessibility tools. What's the code?"   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry Okay.   Zafer Elcik Yeah, it's kind of an accessibility feature. You use that kind of specific codes in your app. At times, too, the Apple accessibility feature actually can be used in the app as well. The name is ... or ... you can use voice over, or you can use in the voice over settings. You have, like, Braille alphabet, as well as, like, the others. And also hearing devices can be connected to the Apple devices and you can use for specifically hearing disorders and so on. That's because like, the settings if the app using that specific API or SDK, for just specific assistive technology settings, you can use it in the app as well. And Facebook, Google, using these APIs a lot. You can test it out there. You can see how they ... how it's working. And if you're using one, we just schedule it out. You just reach out to developers and say what you want. That I believe in, so they will implement it in near future.   Anne Zachry That's a really good point. I know that one of the colleagues that I work with who I've actually have involved with this student in the past to teach independent living skills, she herself is blind. And she ... her whole house is an Apple smart house at this point, because she's become so dependent upon the Apple technologies to ... as her accommodations ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... but it's interesting you would say that because the first time I introduced the two of them to each other, we met at a restaurant in the community that is entirely staffed by individuals with mental disabilities. And, we were there to meet each other - for him to meet her - and I went inside to go get the menu. And, there was a line! And, I had to wade through a sea of people before I could even get the menu to bring it back out to him and read it to him and ask him what he wanted. And my colleague had already looked up the menu on their website, and had her phone read it out loud to the both of them so that, by the time ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... I got back outside with the menu, he already knew what he wanted.   Zafer Elcik Yeah. Like, Apple devices are expensive, but Apple as a company, really pro assistive technology. That's because, like, they devices are best in case for using that kind of technology.   Anne Zachry Right, they've got the most experience working with this kind of stuff; they've been doing it longer. And well, it just for the for the benefit of our listeners who are hearing this conversation, I mean, here in the United States, if you if you're on the autism spectrum, especially if you have other disabling conditions, other developmental disabilities, you're also going to be eligible for services from Department of Developmental Services. And every state has a Department of Developmental Services. Now, again, federal regulations that come down from the top, just like special education law, but then how each state ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... implements the federal regs varies from state to state. And so with Developmental Services, some states, the DDS is its own thing, and you just go to the DDS office and that's who you deal with. It's the state agency, and they have offices in different communities around the state. But in California, and in other states, it's a little bit different, where you have what's called regional centers. And, regional centers are non- ... here in California, are non-profit organizations that contract with California's Department of Developmental Services. And, their function is to provide anything that someone with a developmental disability needs above and beyond what any of the other generic agencies have to do. So, for example, for a child who's in, you know, K-12 age, the school district is going to have the primary responsibility for meeting their needs in terms of publicly funded programming for people with disabilities. But if there's anything that doesn't have to do with school, like afterschool childcare, or social skills in a non-school setting, like a Boy Scout troop, or something like that, there's services above and beyond what the school is obligated to do, those things fall to regional center. So, if a child gets an iPad with your technology - with Otsimo - loaded on it, for example, at school, that's only for school. If they need to be able to use it to communicate with people outside of the school day, they need a second separate iPad that they keep at home and take out into the community, and that's regional center. Because the school's ...   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry ... only responsible for what happens at school, or anything to do with homework, you know, anything that's school related. But, if it's beyond that, if it's just life in general, now, you're talking about regional center. And, for our individuals who have graduated from high school with a diploma or aged out of special ed, and now they're young adults and they're going out into the world, regional centers and the Department of Developmental Services are obligated to serve these people their entire lives, not just when they're children. So, if someone is using an iPad with your technology, or ProLoQuo2Go or anything else, and then they're no longer a public school student - they've grown up, they've gone on - but they still need that iPad with that technology on it to communicate with people, then they have to go back to DDS, or regional center, depending on how its configured in their state and say, "Okay, well, this is a life functional skill thing for me. This is an activity of daily living. If I don't have this device, I don't have a means of communicating with people." And so, the laws very definitely protect their communication rights. And so, it falls on a different agency to purchase that equipment. It doesn't automatically fall on the shoulders of the families to come up with all this money to buy all of this tech. There's public dollars out there for it. Just, people need to know which agency to go to for which circumstance. If you're talking about someone who is an adult who's looking to get a job and needs to have this technology to communicate in order to be employed, well, now you're talking about the Department of Rehabilitation, which is also federally funded and also regulated under the same bodies of law as special education law on a federal level. But again, every state does it different. Some states will roll their Department of Developmental Services and their Department of Rehab together as one solid agency that takes care of both of those responsibilities. Where others, like in California, DDS it's its own thing and it's got its regional centers, and the Department of Rehabilitation is a completely separate entity that you have to go to separate from everybody else and go ask for their help. And so, getting all of these different agencies that each may have an individual responsibility to one person can be a lot, but any one of these agencies could end up having to finance the technology, the communication device and software, that these individuals would need. And so, I'm just putting it out there not only for you, but for our listeners, that there's more than one way to get the job done, and if one avenue is not appropriate for an individual, there may be another avenue that is, and that could still make your technology accessible to people outside of just the schools, even if they can't afford to buy it personally. And so, I just, you know ... Yes, I want my families who can afford it, they can just go straight there and get it. It could even be something they could get reimbursed on by the schools, if they buy it themselves because the schools haven't given them anything appropriate, and that ends up working for them. And so, there's a lot of different ways here in the United States where families can access these tools, including your technology, even if it's not through the public schools.   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry There might be another way to do it. So I just wanted to put that out there. Have you worked with any other agencies other than the school districts out here?   Zafer Elcik Not yet. But we will like to working with agencies and so on. Right now, we are on track to complement ...   Anne Zachry I think what I'm going to do is I'm going to share your information with, here in California, we have First5, which is an early childhood intervention program, separate from the schools, but it works with them, sort of, but it's separate. And, it is all early intervention. And, very often they're the ones making the referrals.   Zafer Elcik Yeah, that would be awesome.   Anne Zachry Yeah, they're the ones often finding out, especially when you're talking about children from low-income, non-English-speaking families, immigrant families ... they don't know what to look for necessarily, or, even if they see something's up, they don't know what to do.   Zafer Elcik Yeah.   Anne Zachry Very often, First5 will be the one that catches it and makes the referrals and gets these kids into the appropriate supports and services. And so, this is the kind of stuff that they're going to want to know about. So I'm very definitely going to share it with them. And, then I'll also have it on our website and everything and I'll put it out there on our social media.   Zafer Elcik So, I forgot to mention we have also a Spanish version, as well.   Anne Zachry Ooooh!   Zafer Elcik Many families are using our apps in U.S., is reaching out to special education.   Anne Zachry Oh, that's huge. That's enormous to know. I'm excited to see what your project is going to be doing as it expands use through here in the United States, and as it evolves over time. I'm going to be putting links to it on our ... on this ... the post for this podcast. Wanted to ask me about anything?   Zafer Elcik No, thank you for your time. Like, it was a nice coffee talk with you. Like, I haven't imagined that, like, we are going to talk in this prophetic situations, and how I am thinking about it. It was nice questions. It was the one of the best questions I ever ask. Thank you for that and thank you ...   Anne Zachry Oh, of course! Thank you!   Zafer Elcik ... for your time and showcasing our product, as well as me. Happy to see you in two years, three years after this podcast, out with the new products focusing on adults on spectrum. That will be really awesome!   Click here to see Zafer's TED Talk (go into the video settings on YouTube to turn on English or other language translation), and see how disability rights advocacy and smart device-based interventions transcend borders and can put evidence-based practices into the hands of the people, regardless of whatever rules and regulations may apply where they live.

Group Facilitation with Heather Fossen and Kevin Kelly About the Episode Date: November 29, 2021 Episode 13: Group Facilitation with Heather Fossen and Kevin Kelly Summary Group facilitation is a common task for a peer recovery specialist. A skilled facilitator acts as an architect, pilot, and guide leading a group toward its intended purpose. Within the profession of peer support, group facilitators seek to create an environment that inspires, informs, and integrates the topic at hand, by encouraging empathy, creativity, and engagement among group members.  Heather Fossen is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, a Crisis Intervention Team instructor, a Copeland Center Certified WRAP Facilitator, and has facilitated extensive workshops at Visions day program for the local community services board in Culpeper. Kevin Kelly serves as a Certified and Registered Peer Recovery Specialist, a Copeland Center Certified WRAP Facilitator, a Qualified Mental Health Professional, and a Crisis Intervention Team trainer/presenter at Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services located in Glen Allen.

Welcome to Accessible Housing Matters! In today's episode, I welcome Steve Robinson Steve Robinson is the Director of Community Services at the Regional Center of the East Bay.  The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) is one of 21 Regional Centers that is a community-based, private non-profit corporation under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. RCEB works in partnership with many individuals and agencies to plan and coordinate services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, family members, and community leaders in the Alameda and Contra Costa counties.  Steve has worked in the regional center system since 1998, beginning as a social worker at Golden Gate Regional Center then coming to RCEB in 2004.  At RCEB he has held multiple positions including case manager, case management supervisor, and senior resource specialist/quality management specialist for the Agnews Developmental Center closure   In 2015, he became the Director of the RCEB  Community Placement Plan leading RCEB's work in the current developmental center closures from acquiring new homes, developing providers, and shepherding the complex transitions so that individuals could safely move to their community homes.   Steve is a licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned a Master's in Social Work from Yeshiva University. He has a B.A. from the University of Delaware in music with a minor in psychology.  Steve lives in the East Bay with his family.  Listen to find out more about: [00:01 - 04:06] Opening Segment I welcome Steve Robinson to the Show Bio The Regional Center of the East Bay What is an intellectual/developmental disability? [04:07 - 26:13] The Regional Center Model The Role of the Regional Center in Housing Who are its stakeholders? What are the options available? Independent Living Skills and Independent Living Services There is always an opportunity. How the Regional Center Funds their Projects  The Community Resource Development Plan Steve shares about their partnerships with developers A multi-Unit model in place Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) A Unique Long-Term Investment for People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities We're in the Bay-Area: A Challenge on Affordability Why There Has to be New Development It's on us to communicate for the people we serve. Addressing end-of-life planning in a subtle manner  An Affordable Housing Success Story [26:14 - 27:16] Closing Segment See links below to know more about Steve Robinson Final word Tweetable Quote/s: “People do want to live independently.” - Steve Robinson “Finding affordable housing is the main obstacle.” - Steve Robinson “It's important to advocate for housing so that people with developmental and intellectual disabilities get counted.” - Steve Robinson You can connect with Steve through srobinson@rceb.org or LinkedIn.  Visit the following links: Regional Center of the East Bay, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, California Department of Developmental Services.  To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit our website, or contact us on Facebook and Twitter.  Like what you've heard?  Please review us! That helps let other people know about the podcast. Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing, and getting conversations going. I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind, and get your feedback about the show. Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.

Welcome back listeners! Today we are talking about all the CHRIS (Computerized Human Rights Information System) database and what we do with it. The CHRIS database is information we receive every day from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services regarding serious injuries or incidents that occur across the state involving people with disabilities. We receive this data into a database and then have a team of reviewers and volunteers read each report and assess any need for follow up. Sometimes we use this data to inform projects for upcoming years, monitoring goals, or we open investigations based on the reports. We hope this episodes gives you a glimpse into the important work that we do and how you can get involved! We always need volunteers to help us read these important reports. You can learn more about becoming a volunteer at www.dlcv.org/volunteer. As always, full transcriptions are available online at www.dlcv.org and you can follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.

Maricris Acon and Reyna Ambriz of the California Department of Developmental Services discuss the Early Start program.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A national research pilot is helping Nova Scotia families who have been waitlisted at the IWK for their children's developmental issues.

On this week's episode, we're sitting down with Keith Cartwright to discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences, where prevention and health promotion should begin, and how we can build better relationships in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Keith Cartwright is a Behavioral Health Wellness Consultant for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In this role, he leads the statewide initiative to grow awareness in communities about the developmental impacts of adverse childhood experiences. To date, the initiative has trained over 200 ACE Interface trainers and presenters in Virginia. Keith also works part-time as the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College.  -------- ACES Trainers across Virginia are working to raise awareness through education and connect people to helpful resources in an effort to reduce ACES and ultimately improve the health of our communities. Register Here: February 17th ACES Training: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsd-2prT0rH9BEH_RGGXm3wC7nYm1N88ic February 24th ACES Training: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqdeGvrD0jHdERb8_WYngzWyZpSEqYi2Lu March 18th ACES Training: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpce6srT4rH9fDUfOsNaeG-srK98F1KB3_ -------- ACES Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html Nadine Burke Harris – How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime Johann Hari's Lost Connections: https://thelostconnections.com/mobile/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.  

LOVE IN YOUR NONPROFIT Have you lost your passion for your work?  Do you wish you could feel engaged, create an engaged team and enjoy the work you do? All of that comes from allowing your heart to be involved in your work. Too often, we've been told to stop being so emotional. To no be so caring. We've been told we'll burn ourselves out.  But we are burning ourselves out by not caring, not feeling and numbing out. In this episode, Elizabeth and I engage in a dialogue about bringing your heart back into your work!  You'll learn strategies, mindsets and most importantly, you'll gain the permission to once again feel the love in the workplace! ABOUT ELIZABETH  Elizabeth holds a diploma in Developmental Services, a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Religious Studies and a Masters degree in Adult Education. For thirty years, she's been working in Human Services and Education, putting the Conscious Service Approach to work in her personal and professional life. Now, she's helping other Helping Professionals do the same. Learn more about putting the conscious service approach to work here: https://elizabethbishopconsulting.com/ LINKS The Training Library Membership Site https://www.kathyarcher.com/library.html   ABOUT Kathy: Hi, I am Leadership Development Coach Kathy Archer. I help women leaders ditch survival mode and enjoy impactful leadership! You do that when you: * Develop your CONFIDENCE * Maintain your COMPOSURE * Lead with INTEGRITY FIND ME HERE: My Website: https://www.kathyarcher.com/ My book - Mastering Confidence The Training Library Membership Site https://www.kathyarcher.com/library.html Twitter  @kathydarcher Instagram  @kathydarcher LinkedIn  @kathydarcher Facebook  @kathydarcher YouTube  @kathydarcher

M. Melissa Earley, RN, BSN, QMHP-C, NHDP-BC, is a survivor of domestic minor sex trafficking who has dedicated her life to working in healthcare. She earned her National Registry Certification as a Paramedic at The Medical College of Virginia in 1988 and has maintained her Paramedic Certification ever since. Throughout her EMS career she has held many leadership positions, including an appointment to the inaugural State Childhood Injury Prevention Committee. Ms. Earley later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. Choosing to devote much of her career to child and adolescent behavioral health afforded her the opportunity to register with the Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional- Child. Ms. Earley is also a National Healthcare Disaster Professional – Board Certified by the ANCC and is a member of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Disaster Behavioral Health Team and actively volunteers with the Medical Reserve Corps. Ms. Earley has been involved in advocacy at the level of the state legislature for decades. To date she considers her greatest achievement as an advocate to be notifying her main perpetrator’s wife after learning that her perpetrator had three young children, all girls, about his history. His wife confirmed the information and was able to safely leave the marriage and prevent further contact with the children. Ms. Earley has used her past experience to educate and train various organizations and groups in order to raise awareness of human trafficking and to give the unique perspective of a survivor through the lens of a healthcare provider.

What can you do if dealing with COVID has got you down?  Craig Camidge, Director of the Office of Emergency Management at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services  joined me to discuss the crisis counseling that is available free from Virginia COPES. Virginia C.O.P.E.S. has Crisis Counselors  available during the following times to take calls. Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and on Saturday-Sunday from 5pm-9pm. VA C.O.P.E.S can be reached by phone or text at 877-349-6428.  Spanish speaking counselors are available.  VA C.O.P.E.S is available to all Virginia residents who may be struggling to cope with the effects and circumstances such as isolation, fear, grief and anxiety around COVID 19. VA C.O.P.E.S. counselors are prepared to refer and provide additional information for callers as well but shouldn't be utilized as an emergency or suicide hotline. More information can be found at: vacopes.com and on our Facebook page (VA COPES).  The Rural Health Voice is proud to announce that US Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams will be our special guest at the Rural Health Voice conference.  Dr. Adams will be discussing the opioid crisis in rural America.  Visit our website to reserve your virtual seat today!  Go to vrha.org, click the events tab, and then select ‘annual conference' for details.

Today's episode is all about COVID-19 and how it is affecting those in institutions. We hear from Nicole DuRose as well as Becka Herbig from dLCV and they share with us all about how COVID-19 is affecting people in state hospitals and in jails. While dLCV does have access to reports and records that the general public does not, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services has a very up to date and informative home page all about COVID-19, which you can find http://www.dbhds.virginia.gov/covid19. The Department of Corrections also has a very accurate and up to date webpage here: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/news-press-releases/2020/covid-19-updates/. This page is for prisons in Virginia, as jails do not fall under the Department of Corrections but each jail has their own webpage. View the Full episode transcriptions. For more COVID related updates check out our website at www.dlcv.org and follow us on Twitter @DisabilityLawVA and on Facebook!

Don't Get in the Way of The Deep State PsyOp! They'll Take Your Kids! The Deep State Does Not Want You Exposing Their Works of Darkness Millie Weaver, a correspondent for Infowars, was arrested on Friday for alleged burglary and domestic violence charges.  She was taken in front of her children with no paperwork, no warrant, just told to come with the officer and the paperwork would be provided later. Why would this matter?  Friday just happened to be the date when she was releasing her new movie "Shadow Gate" revealing the Deep States on-going psychological attack waged against Americans via social media. https://youtu.be/TK5GcxkRtsM It is quite interesting that the arrest and the movie's release coincide.  Some have called it a hoax for more ratings but today, CPS is going to court to take her children.  That's an awfully extensive "hoax". Watch the full movie here. Attention All Maskientious Objectors!  Be Sure To Have Your Papers Ready! The CoronaHoaxers have pushed the Makientious Objectors too far.  Do you have a medical condition which prevents you from wearing a mask?  Do you have religious objections that cause you to "Pass on the Mask"?  Be sure to have your doctor's note ready, because this is coming to a town near you: HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Now, any Connecticut resident refusing to wear a mask in public must show written documentation from their doctor that they’re exempt due to medical reasons. An executive order, signed by Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz on Friday, said those claiming to be exempt must “provide written documentation that the person is qualified for the exemption from a licensed medical provider, the Department of Developmental Services or other state agency that provides or supports services for people with emotional, intellectual or physical disabilities, or a person authorized by any such agency. Such documentation need not name or describe the condition that qualifies the person for the exemption. Masks or face coverings must be worn by those over the age of two when in a taxi, ride-share, public transit or in any public space where social distancing is not possible. If you wish to leave the Imago Dei uncovered, you'll suffer shame and embarrassment at the hands of a part-time retiree greeting you at Wal-Mart. You Will Conform To The CoronaHoax Politically Correct Police - Or Be Drugged All you damned "Patriots" crying about your "Rights" refusing to wear face diapers need to be re-educated!  There's one more thing that may happen before you get thrown on a one-way rail car to Covid Camp - forced medication.  An ethics professor has decided the best way to help people make moral decisions is to immorally medicate you.  Whether you like it or not. From LifeSiteNews: In an article so shocking it at first reads like satire, an ethics professor at Western Michigan University advocated for the promotion of psychoactive “morality pills” in order to alter the behavior of those skeptical of lockdown regulations, suggesting that such drugs could be made compulsory or administered secretly via the water supply. The article was published earlier this week in The Conversation, a news site focusing on content “sourced from the academic and research community” and supported by universities from around the world. The Conversation lists a number of U.K. universities as its “founding partners.” In the article, Parker Crutchfield argues that “[w]hen someone chooses not to follow public health guidelines around the coronavirus, they’re defecting from the public good” and that such “defectors” require chemical “moral enhancement” substances to help them “reason about what the right thing to do is.” Is this really surprising?  The government has been lacing your water supply with fluoride for 75 years.  Some municipalities have added lithium to the water supply here in the United States and across the pond. It seems to be completely wasted on this #DeepStat...

Burnout wreaks havoc in nonprofit leadership. But when it does, it diminishes our work to lead effectively.  Leaders do not have to burnout, though! There is a different way! Through her 30+ years in the nonprofit, Elizabeth has realized that as individuals providing services to people and communities, we MUST recognize that our number-one commitment must be to our OWN health and growth.   When we do that, the highest-evolved versions of ourselves capable of the most meaningful contributions and greatest change emerges!   Commitment to our health and growth is a responsibility we have to OURSELVES.   To do this work, Elizabeth has created the Conscious Service Approach. Learn more in this episode what it takes to be a confident conscious leader! A bit about Elizabeth  Elizabeth holds a diploma in Developmental Services, a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Religious Studies and a Masters degree in Adult Education. For thirty years, she's been working in Human Services and Education, putting the Conscious Service Approach to work in her personal and professional life. Now, she's helping other Helping Professionals do the same. Learn more about putting the conscious service approach to work here: https://elizabethbishopconsulting.com/ ABOUT Kathy: Hi, I am Leadership Development Coach Kathy Archer. I help women leaders ditch survival mode and enjoy impactful leadership! You do that when you: * Develop your CONFIDENCE * Maintain your COMPOSURE * Lead with INTEGRITY FIND ME HERE: My Website: kathyarcher.com My book - Mastering Confidence Twitter @kathydarcher Instagram @kathydarcher LinkedIn @kathydarcher Facebook: @kathydarcher YouTube: @kathydarcher  

Crisis Peer Support with David Rockwell About the Episode Date: May 11, 2020 Episode 2: Crisis Peer Support with David Rockwell Summary Crisis peer services support an individual who is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, providing a strengths-based approach to stability and safety, modeling the principles of recovery, and assisting in the navigation of health services and community resources.    Key Topics Advocating for crisis peer support within community services Daily crisis peer support tasks with examples (confidentiality respected) Common challenges and skills needed in providing peer support within a crisis David Rockwell is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Trainer based in Richmond, Virginia. He identifies as someone with lived mental health experience. He previously spent twelve years working with Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services, in Glen Allen, Virginia. David worked with the Emergency Services Team and at the Henrico County Crisis Receiving Center for eight of those years. He supported persons with lived mental health and substance use experience, and their families, by providing empathy, direct support, recovery education, and community resource education. David was also a member of the STAR (Services To Aid Recovery) Team, which is a proactive, multi-disciplinary, mobile response to citizens needing mental health intervention. He is a certified Crisis Intervention Team Instructor, a certified WRAP Facilitator, a Mental Health First Aid Trainer, and a Virginia DBHDS Peer Recovery Specialist Trainer. He continues to be a presenter at local, state, and national mental health conferences and workshops. A graduate of Campbell University, David pursued additional Masters’ education with Pastoral Care and Counseling. David is also a 2007 graduate of the Virginia Human Services Training Program, which prepared him for work in the Peer Specialist field. David has spent over 35 years in the Human Services field with faith-based, non-profit, private, and government organizations. His passion is to empower other mental health and substance use peers toward recovery and wellness, and to educate all citizens about the power of recovery.   David can be reached by email at virginiaforrecovery@gmail.com.

Resources:COVID-19 resources from Virginia Department of Social ServicesDonate to JABA to help support their meal delivery to seniorsPetition for Emergency COVID-19 Support for UVa Graduate StudentsDepartment of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services receives $2 million in federal aid for substance abuse prevention

Your organization is awesome.But sometimes you want to be even awesomer!The Official Do Good Better Podcast is here to help!Each episode features (fundraising expert, speaker, event creator and author) Patrick Kirby interviewing leaders and champions of small and medium nonprofits share their successes, their impact, and what makes them a unicorn in a field of horses. Patrick will also answer a fundraising question, and most importantly, showcase how you can support these small nonprofits doing great big things!Today’s guest is Nell Nutaitis of Child Savers, based in Richmond, Virginia. ChildSavers is the only nonprofit in Virginia using a coordinated prevention and intervention model to prepare children for school, address mental health, and recover from trauma. Nearly 100 years ago, ChildSavers was established to create an innovative agency “for the purpose of giving complete physical and mental examinations, free of charge, to all children who may need the same.” They were one of the first ten child guidance clinics in the United States--and the first in the South, and they are the oldest provider of mental health services for children in the metro Richmond area licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. As their knowledge grows and the community changes, they adopt new models and best practices to meet the needs of children.Their success is impressive: - 80% of their clients in therapy improve overall functioning, 82% say they've learned to better express themselves, and 88% see an improvement in their self-esteem. These statistics come from children at their clinic.- Almost half of their school-based clients saw a decrease in school conduct referrals and an improvement in grades. These children see a ChildSavers therapist, stationed at their school. - Last year they served more than 13,000 children across VA! This includes Mental Health and Child Development Services.Nell’s BIG QUESTION is: “Do you have advice about nonprofit CRM solutions? How do we pick the best solution for us?”Learn More: www.childsavers.orgEmail Child Savers: https://childsavers.org/contact/Donate: https://childsavers.org/donate/#behavioralhealth #richmond #childhealth #childhoodtrauma #trauma #nonprofitCRM #CRMLove the show? Then you’ll love Patrick’s book! Fundraise Awesomer! A Practical Guide to Staying Sane While Doing Good Available through Amazon Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1072070359Email Patrick: Patrick@dogoodbetterconsulting.com Follow On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoGoodBetterPodcast/Follow On Twitter: @consulting_do Follow On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fundraisingdad/#fundraising #fundraiser #charity #nonprofit #donate #dogood #dogoodBETTER #fargo #fundraisingdad

I know the episode is a mess but heres my personal story on how I decided to employ my own support staff, or go with an organization. My decision is my decision, and your decision should be your decision.

This was the process that I took and the next steps for becoming eligible and applying for developmental services Ontario services.

In this episode of “A Presence on Your Journey” podcast, Ed Wilson, Self-Directed Manager for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, will discuss, what is Self Directedness and how this model can be utilized by consumers within the Department of Developmental Services. He is joined by Jan Randall, Resource Specialist for Community Autism Resources on accessing choices in programs and services.Support the show (http://community-autism-resources.com/donate/)

This is the process I went through to become eligible for adult developmental services in Ontario Canada. The process may be different for you as every situation is unique. I'm not a professional please talk to a professional about the process you need to take. I'm posting this so that you or someone you know can have a better understanding of the process you need to go through to gain access to more services for people with disabilities. I hope that this helps you to easier understand the process you may have to take.

At CDS, our goal is to provide a wide range of developmental services to the families that need them most, all under a single roof, right here in Upstate South Carolina. We work with our partners to connect you to services that best fit the needs of you and your family, and we constantly consult with each other to give you the most specialized and comprehensive care possible. Find out more at https://www.cdservices.org/ Our new website has launched at www.tosharollins.com Here you will find all episodes to the Autism in Action Podcast, Autism Resources, and more information about working with Tosha Rollins. Please check out the Autism in Action Facebook group for more autism resources, and connect with other families affected by autism. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2433480950016553/ The launch of the Piece by Peace parenting program has taken off and is available for parents to help them learn to advocate and navigate through the world of autism. Please join our email list to learn more about the program at https://mailchi.mp/4504135de926/piecebypeace You can also email me at toshadrollins@gmail.com or find my handle on facebook @tosharollinslive PLEASE share this podcast and leave a comment or review to help us grow and spread the word about all the services available for families affected by autism. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/autisminaction/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/autisminaction/support

Today, we continue our conversation with Elizabeth Bishop, creator of the Conscious Service Approach. We talk about service-based relationships as a container for self-discovery and enlightenment. We discuss why you don't need to “protect yourself” from the negative energy of others and what you can do instead. Elizabeth shares with us her methodology for how each of us can create a personal philosophy to integrate who we are with how we serve. Anyone who has ever been a teacher, healer, service professional or cared for an ailing love one, will love this heartfelt episode. --- Elizabeth Bishop is the creator of the Conscious Service Approach designed to support helping professionals to reconnect with and fulfill their desire to make a difference in the lives of those they support. Following the completion of a diploma in Developmental Services and a degree in Psychology and Religious Studies, Elizabeth completed a Masters in Adult Education through St. Francis Xavier University, providing the opportunity to test and refine the elements of the Conscious Service Approach. The Conscious Service Approach is intended to offer a source of inspiration, information, and tools to assist helping professionals to transform their practice into one that not only results in high quality service, but is also an expression of their soul. For more information about the Conscious Service Approach, programs and services, please visit elizabethbishopconsulting.com.    Special Guest: Elizabeth Bishop http://elizabethbishopconsulting.com/   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/ New yoga series ELEMENTAL all about the lower 4 chakras: www.brettlarkin.com/elemental   Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper www.zmcmusic.tumblr.com   Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com   Support the Show:   Please consider leaving us a rating or review on iTunes! Not sure how? Follow the steps at www.sivanaspirit.com/review   Use code TAKE25 for $25 off anything in your shopping cart at SivanaSpirit.com – new customers only

Empaths, teachers and healing professionals often experience burnout, exhaustion, and compassion fatigue. Today we tackle the question: How can we passionately serve others without sacrificing our own personal wellbeing? I interview Elizabeth Bishop, creator of the Conscious Service Approach, designed to support healing professionals to reconnect with and fulfill their desire to make a difference in the lives of those they support. We discuss: caring for students, clients or a loved-one with an injury or chronic illness, tips for self-compassion, and how to avoid overextending yourself. --- Elizabeth Bishop is the creator of the Conscious Service Approach designed to support helping professionals to reconnect with and fulfill their desire to make a difference in the lives of those they support. Following the completion of a diploma in Developmental Services and a degree in Psychology and Religious Studies, Elizabeth completed a Masters in Adult Education through St. Francis Xavier University, providing the opportunity to test and refine the elements of the Conscious Service Approach. The Conscious Service Approach is intended to offer a source of inspiration, information, and tools to assist helping professionals to transform their practice into one that not only results in high quality service, but is also an expression of their soul. For more information about the Conscious Service Approach, programs and services, please visit elizabethbishopconsulting.com.    Special Guest: Elizabeth Bishop http://elizabethbishopconsulting.com/   Creator & Host: Brett Larkin http://www.brettlarkin.com/ New yoga series ELEMENTAL all about the lower 4 chakras: www.brettlarkin.com/elemental   Sound Engineer: Zach Cooper www.zmcmusic.tumblr.com   Producer: Benn Mendelson www.sivanaspirit.com www.sivanapodcast.com   Support the Show:   Please consider leaving us a rating or review on iTunes! Not sure how? Follow the steps at www.sivanaspirit.com/review   Use code TAKE25 for $25 off anything in your shopping cart at SivanaSpirit.com – new customers only

"California Regional Centers are nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. They have offices throughout California to provide a local resource to help find and access the many services available to individuals and their families." Ok, so that is from their website, but you might wonder what it is they actually do, are they any good, who has access to them and for how long.  

Dr. Hughes Melton, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, sat down with VACo's Dean Lynch to discuss major issues in behavioral health, including efforts to address the addiction crisis and the effects of Medicaid expansion.

A coversation with Warrrior Momma Stephanie Katleman and her journey with her son who was diagnosed with Autism in the early 2000's.  She shares her strength, struggle and courage in advocating for Austin and his walk through early mis-diagnosis, misunderstadning, the not-so-supportive school system and when she finally met her tribe of advocates.  She has since moved towns to re-locate her son in a non-public school after advocating for funds from the public school sytem and has watched her son thrive in an supportive high school envoironment. Listen to her journey and take a note of the list of amazing resources that she shares with us.   (1) Valeries List: San Diego based autism newsletter with great resources www.valerieslist.com (2) Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF): Oganization dedicated to improving communities in San Diego and The Bay Area by assisting with Education, Advocacy, Early Intervention Preschool Screening, Research and Mentoring for families impacted by autism. Programs for early childhood through adulthood. http://www.autismtreeproject.org (3) USD COMPASS Family Center: Special Education advocacy and workshops http://www.sandiego.edu/COMPASS (4) Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA): Helping to protect the legal and civil rights of all individuals with disabilities. Online resource and access to professional who can help families navigate special education. www.copaa.org. (5) Regional Center: Nonprofit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities from infancy through adulthood. They have offices throughout California. www.dds.ca.gov (6) Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) is an employment and independent living resource and support for people (18 years+) with disabilities. https://www.dor.ca.gov. (7) Mental Health and Autism Insurance Project: Assists families with children with autism spectrum disorders (and later other mental health conditions) to obtain medically necessary treatments through their health plans, so that they can ultimately reach their full potential. https://mhautism.org (8) If your listeners have questions or need a parent advocate to help with Special Education issues they can reach out to me skatleman@me.com  

Today's guest is Dr. Ken Boyd, Executive Director of The Coastal Center for Developmental Services here in Savannah. He's a great storyteller and I really enjoyed learning about the history, purpose, and future goals of CCDS and Quantum Inc. From a business perspective, it's really amazing how they've created several micro-business under their umbrella in order to employ more people and provide better services. It's one of my most popular interviews for a reason.   CCDS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCDS.Quantum/ CCDS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCDSQuantum/   You can follow the Savannah Business Showcase on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sbswruu/ Subscribe on YouTube: Savannah Business Showcase Don't Forget You Can Listen To More Savannah Focused Community Radio at www.wruu.org

Amy Westling, MPA. (Introduction by Elizabeth Grigsby, Client Advocate, GGRC) Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 32200]

Amy Westling, MPA. (Introduction by Elizabeth Grigsby, Client Advocate, GGRC) Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 32200]

Sheldon Dent, California Department of Developmental Services and Eric Zigman, Golden Gate Research Center. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 32190]

Sheldon Dent, California Department of Developmental Services and Eric Zigman, Golden Gate Research Center. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Education] [Professional Medical Education] [Show ID: 32190]