This course will run for 6 weeks beginning on Tuesday February 2, 2021 from 1:00-2:30PM EST. You can view a list of session topics by day below.
February 2, 2021 | Assessment: Getting help for mental health concerns
Families play a key role in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to understand and get help for mental health concerns in the context of pandemic restrictions. This session will focus on risk factors for mental health issues and strategies for promoting wellness during COVID-19.
February 9, 2021 | Empowering family caregivers to improve health care communication
This session will focus on key communication tools to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to get the best health care possible. We will introduce the Family Matters Toolkit, a resource to help: 1) manage common health issues; 2) talk about health issues and health care; and 3) navigate the health care system.
February 16, 2021 | Managing mental health during COVID-19: An introduction to strategies for mental health concerns
This session will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people with developmental disabilities, strategies to manage mood and anxiety difficulties, and knowing when and where to get help.
February 23, 2021 | Healthcare planning: Promoting decision-making capabilities
The session will focus on healthcare decision-making for you and your loved one with an intellectual and developmental disability, including advance care planning. We will also share tips and practical tools to make this process easier.
March 2, 2021 | Grief and loss
This session will focus on understanding the impact of grief and loss (e.g., loss of routines, loss of contact with family and friends) during COVID-19. We will also discuss the impact of grieving the loss of loved ones and strategies to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities grieving during this time.
March 9, 2021 | Self-care: Caring for the caregiver
This session will focus on the family experience of caregiving, including the impact on parents and siblings during COVID-19. We will build awareness of family distress screening tools and evidence-supported inventions to promote caregiver mental health.