The course consists of 6 weekly, webinar-style sessions via Zoom (105 minutes each) where the course facilitator will demonstrate how the information reviewed during sessions can be applied in the day-to-day support of people with IDD-MH. Each session will host 75-minutes of instruction and a 30-minute office hour session will follow for more in depth discussion with questions and answers.
Registration is $149 per person and participants can receive University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Units and a Certificate of Completion for MHIDD Training for Direct Support Professionals.
Facilitators: Lacey Eaton, Micah Peace Urquilla, Anne LaForce
Who Should Participate?
It is highly recommended for the following providers:
- Direct Support Professionals (both MH and IDD)
- Functional Support Specialists (both MH and IDD)
- Residential/AFL/home care providers & staff
- Day habilitation & residential supervisors
Contact ncss.training.iod@unh.edu for more information.
Session 1: Foundations I: Introduction to the Course & Guiding Principles
- Course Overview
- Positive Psychology & other Guiding Principles (Positive Psych/Strengths-based, Family & Person-centered, Cultural & Linguistic Competency, Trauma-Informed, Biopsychosocial, Wellness-based)
Session 2: Foundations II: Overview of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Common Vulnerabilities
- Overview of IDD & Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Core BioPsychoSocial Vulnerabilities of IDD (Executive Functioning, communication, sensory)
Session 3: Foundations III: Mental Health Aspects of IDD
- Identifying signs and symptoms related to mental health
- Overview of the most common mental health diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression & Trauma
- Exploring how core vulnerabilities of IDD impact mental health
Session 4: Foundations IV: Mental Health Aspects of IDD
- Trauma
- Emotional Regulation
Session 5: Therapeutic Interventions I
- Positive Identity Development
- Trauma Informed Care in Action (resiliency)
- Promoting Wellness (PERMA+)
Session 6: Therapeutic Interventions II
- Emotion Recognition & Regulation
- Relaxation & Stress Reduction
- Creative Expression
Course Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, participants will….
- Demonstrate an understanding of IDD and the presentation of mental health conditions
- Demonstrate a biopsychosocial understanding of an individual’s strengths and vulnerabilities
- Apply strengths-based therapeutic practices, interventions and skills to support individuals
- Effectively facilitate therapeutic activities
- Engage in positive and wellness-focused interactions with individuals, families, and colleagues
Continuing Education
This course is designed to improve the supports provided to individuals who experience IDD-MH by….
- Enhancing DSPs’ understanding of important aspects related to wellness and positive supports for people with IDD-MH
- Equipping DSPs with practical approaches to use in their daily work
- Increasing job satisfaction and preventing burnout
- Providing assurance to supervisors that DSPs are adequately trained and equipped to provide quality, strengths-based supports
Participants who attend all 6 sessions of this course will receive a Center for START Services Certificate of Completion and 0.75 CEUs from the University of New Hampshire (CEUs are available for individual sessions).