The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities is offering a new ECHO Series: Transforming Care for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilites. This five session online training series is intended to provide education and resources to individuals, families and healthcare professionals about transforming care for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

ECHO Series webinars are free to attend. RSVP to receive Zoom meeting registration info for any or all of the five sessions. All webinars are from 12-1 p.m. EST.

Register: https://wvu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAofu-qqzsiG90F6d5m64c79SUOSVhguWF1#/registration

January 24 - IDD Institutionalization
Didactic: Robert Hansen, MS Special Assistant for I/DD Services, Bureau of Behavioral Health
Case: Amy Ingles, Regional Director/Statewide Development Director, Starlight Behavior Health System
Objectives:

• Describe and discuss the Project ECHO format and purpose of this ECHO Series.
• Summarize and evaluate evidence supporting increased institutionalization of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Identify and explain factors associated within increased institutionalizations of this population.

February 21 - Measurement and Functioning
Didactic: David Clayman, Ph.D., Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
Objectives:

• Describe and illustrate how intellectual and/or developmental disability is measured.
• Compare and analyze how different measures are associated with different approaches and outcomes.
   

March 20 - Transitional Placement Decision Making
Didactic: Lesley Cottrell, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, Director of the WVU CED
Case: Heidi Thomas, MBA/HCM Division Director I/DD Services, Westbrook Health Services
Objectives:

• Summarize available transitional living options for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Describe, illustrate and analyze the decision-making process for determining transitional living arrangements for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Review temporary placement arrangements for stabilization and discuss role of crisis placements.
   

April 16 - Differences Between Behavioral and Mental Health Services
Didactic: Lauren Swager, MD, Behavioral Health Medical Director at Aetna Better Health of West Virginia
Case: Elma Fisher, Healthways, Inc.
Objectives:

• Compare and contrast behavioral and mental health approaches.
• Describe, illustrate and analyze trauma-informed approach for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Generate discussion on influence of client co-morbidities, I/DD and care.

May 15 - Delivering Effective Interventions in the Real World
Didactic: Kim Shontz, LCSW, Director- Illinois Crisis Prevention Network Support Service Team
Case: Charlene Bennett, EdD, Co-Founder and CEO/Executive Director of Individual Advocacy Group
Objectives:

• Review common interventions shown to be effective for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Classify and discuss challenges to implementation in the field (e.g., limited staff, space).
• Review how to maintain staff and client safety in times of crisis.
• Discuss liability issues.

If you have any questions, please contact Melina Danko at mdanko@hsc.wvu.edu for more information. 
 

This program is being presented with financial assistance as a grant from the West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.