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Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center

The Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities National Training Center offers free easy-to-read online learning modules for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their family members, and their supporters, to learn more about mental health. There are also modules for mental health professionals, so they can better serve people with IDD. Check them out here: https://www.mhddcenter.org/learn-now

PAY Check interns at Andrea’s Restaurant: “Their textbook is a cookbook.”

PAY Check interns from Jefferson Parish were featured on WGNO this week. They are learning Italian family secrets from Metairie’s finest chef, Chef Andrea Apuzzo, in a paid internship. Watch the full video here:

HDC recognizes the passing of Dr. Lou Brown, a scholar and advocate who revolutionized the field of special education

A word from Human Development Center Director, Dr. Phillip Wilson:

“Perhaps the most influential and effective leader for deinstitutionalization and community participation for people with significant I/DD of all. Dr. Brown taught and inspired many of the most effective leaders in the move to end segregation of people with I/DD. His contributions to the field, and to the lives of countless individuals with I/DD and their families can not be understated. This is a huge loss to the field. His legacy will live on through the efforts of people like yourselves- and the many professionals, families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that he has touched through his work.”

Read the announcement of Dr. Lou Brown’s passing from University of Wisconsin-Madison

The pictured image of Dr. Lou Brown was taken from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

ABLE Webinar: Mental Health Awareness Month and the Power of ABLE Accounts

This article appears as shared by the ABLE National Resource Center.

Join our ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) Ambassadors as they discuss ABLE accounts as a wellness tool for people who have a mental health diagnosis (psychiatric disabilities). Our panelists will share how ABLE accounts empower them to build economic resilience while promoting better mental health outcomes.

Deafblind International Youth Network Virtual Open Door Event

Virtual Open Door Event
June 16th, 10:00 AM CST

Drop in to DbIYN’s “virtual open door” event to learn about the youth network activities and other topics, such as: Membership, Activities Update, Webinars, Conferences, Publications, Country Reps.

An opportunity to find out information about the network and plans for 2021 and beyond!

To register for attendance and obtain the Zoom link, please contact the Youth Network Coordinator at simon.allison@sense.org.uk.

Register for the Interprofessional Preparation Program

Are you a graduate student in the Allied Health Professions and considering work in a school system after graduating? Get acquainted with this unique environment by participating in the Interprofessional Preparation Program.

Deadline to apply is May 31st.

Complete the application packet

Not sure if this program is right for you? Complete this interest form.

Become a Family Mentor

The Louisiana Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program is now seeking family mentors for the 2021-22 cohort.

HDC Spotlight: Liz Gary

Trainees in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program are generally knowledgeable about their respective disciplines. However, many don’t realize the ways in which public policies directly affect families and individuals with disabilities (IWD). As the Policy Coordinator for the Human Development Center and Louisiana LEND program, Liz Gary educates LEND trainees on policy and helps them feel comfortable connecting with elected officials and policymakers. Liz teaches trainees to remain neutral while educating elected officials and policymakers about the perspectives and priorities of the disability community. That is, LEND trainees do not directly advocate; rather, they provide elected officials and policymakers with the information related to how public policies and/or legislation may impact members of the disability community.

Expansion of Money Follows the Person

Big news for those transitioning to community living! Money Follows the Person (MFP) was extended for three years and has two significant changes. Read more at the link below. The Money Follows the Person (MFP) program has helped states expand community living opportunities for people with disabilities and older adults. Since first authorized in 2005, MFP has helped more than 100,000 people move out of institutions and into the community.

LaCAN Action Alerts Meeting

Action Alert? What is that?

Join Nicole Williams of Families Helping Families NOLA and formerly of LaCAN Region 1 on Monday, April 19, at 6:30 PM to talk about Action Alerts: what they are, what to do when you receive one of them, and other advocacy topics.