Home > Articles by: Kayla Bunch

Author: Kayla Bunch

By

The Intersection between Suicide and Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Paradise Ballroom C

Speaker(s):

Ellison, Kathleen, MS, MA, NCC

Description

Suicide does not discriminate. Perhaps you have heard that statement before. Suicide can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socio-demographics, or intellectual and developmental abilities. Identifying risk and protective factors in persons with IDD requires greater understanding for researchers and practitioners, in order to be more effective when assessing risk and developing safety plans. This session will stretch participants’ typical mindsets when providing services to clients with IDD.

Objectives

Define various intellectual and developmental disabilities

Identify the protective factors, risk factors and warning signs for suicide in individuals with IDD

Identify appropriate tools for assessing suicide risk in individuals with IDD

Develop equitable safety plans for individuals with IDD in their living environments

By

Hicks, Dawn, MA, BCBA

Dawn Hicks (she/her) graduated from Arizona State University in 2022 with an MA in Special Education and an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Completed her practicum under Nicholas Maio-Aether at Empowered: A Center for Sexuality, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2023. Prior to that, she worked in ISL homes in various positions ranging from a DSP to a QDDP.

Presentation(s):

Best Practices: Sexuality When Working with ID/DD Youth

By

Best Practices: Sexuality When Working with ID/DD Youth

Nautical Wheeler

Speaker(s):

Hicks, Dawn, MA, BCBA

Description

This presentation will address best practices regarding sexuality when working with ID/DD youth. We will discuss agency and practitioner responsibilities and how to navigate resources for sexuality and ID or ASD. Abuses committed in the name of ABA will be reviewed along with the direction ABA is going and how to remain ethical when practicing. We will determine who dictates acceptable behavior and how that may vary by person, setting and context. Lastly, we will describe behavioral techniques to reduce problem behavior and increase desired behaviors.

Objectives

Attendees will be able to identify which person/level/organization to contact when seeking specialized services
Attendees will be able to list a minimum of three different ways ABA can be abusive
Attendees will be able to list a minimum of three examples of ethical ABA
Attendees will be able to describe a minimum of three ways to reduce problem behavior and/or increase desired behavior

Benson Presentation

By

Teresa Cooley-Bennett, LCSW, LSCSW, CCPD-D, TTS

Ms. Terri Cooley- Bennett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MO), a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (KS), a Co-occurring Disorders Professional-Diplomate, and a Tobacco Treatment Specialist. She is a doctoral student at the Tulane University School of Social Work (TSSW). Ms. Cooley- Bennett is experienced in homelessness, mental illness, integrated treatment, substance use, sexual exploitation, trauma, and poverty. She currently works at Swope Health in the Behavioral Health Department. Ms. Cooley-Bennett has over 20 years of experience as a presenter, workshop leader, and educator and is a board member the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She is trained with the National NASW Office of Ethics and Professional Review and is an active member of the ethics committee for the Missouri NASW. She is a presenter on ethics training organizations such as the Missouri Coalition for Behavioral Healthcare, the Missouri National Association of Social Workers, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare Continuing Education Program, the Missouri Credentialing Board, and others. She provides field instruction for social work students, clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensure, and has held Adjunct Professor positions for City Vision University Addictions Counseling Program and the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare.

Presentation(s):

Ethics, Research, and Vulnerable Populations

By

Ethics, Research, and Vulnerable Populations

Paradise Ballroom C

Speaker(s):

Teresa Cooley-Bennett, LCSW, LSCSW, CCPD-D, TTS 

Description

In behavioral healthcare and research, professionals typically work with vulnerable populations. Research shows that when practitioners work with vulnerable populations, the tendency to experience more intense ethical dilemmas arises. Cultural competence, the client’s right to self-determination and autonomy, acting in the client’s best interest, informed consent, boundaries, and confidentiality are essential ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations.
In this workshop, participants will look at common ethical principles and applications to guide practice when providing services to vulnerable populations. Prevention and management, appropriate decision-making, and best practices will be reviewed regarding ethical dilemmas, whether in practice or research.

Objectives

Participants will define common ethical principles in their work with vulnerable populations

Participants will identify common ethical dilemmas that occur in specific populations with vulnerabilities

Participants will describe processes for making ethical decisions that will aide in the prevention of ethical violations

By

Glass, Kayette, LPC, PsyD

Dr. Kayette Glass is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Health Service Provider. She has worked in the mental health field since 1998 in different capacities, e.g., Community Support Worker, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Coordinator, Qualified Developmental Disability Professional, Licensed Psychologist, Director, Military Psychologist, and now Vice President of Clinical Services with The Arc of the Ozarks. The Vice-President of Clinical Services is responsible for planning, initiating, directing, coordinating, and implementing all care and treatment activities for individuals served by The Arc of the Ozarks and individuals served in the community. Currently, she supervises several teams, e.g., Psychological, Behavioral Analysts, Registered Behavior Techs, Behavior Consultants, and students. The design of the clinic is to provide wraparound services to individuals seeking assistance. She provides clinical services, crisis interventions, and has begun her training as a Suicide Prevention Trainer. She continues to provide community trainings and presentations to assist with educating others the importance of seeking mental health services and/or working with those who suffer from mental illness and a co-occurring IDD. Dr. Glass is also specially trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition and is a Certified Mandt Instructor. Dr. Glass assists with in-home services for individuals with IDD and dementia.
Presentation(s):
By

“Breaking Down the Silos” of IDD and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions  

Nautical Wheeler

 

Speaker(s):

Glass, Kayette, LPC, PsyD

Description

Presentation focuses on the gaps in the system between IDD and comorbid mental health conditions, especially requiring inpatient psychiatric care. Supporting and assisting individuals dually diagnosed continues to be a struggle. Research continues to suggest that individuals with IDD and mental health conditions are not receiving adequate mental health care in the community. A holistic approach is needed to address IDD and mental health issues. Greater attention to comorbidities and increased awareness to improve overall wellbeing is imperative. Understanding various techniques and strategies to work with IDD and comorbid mental health outpatient or inpatient increases quality of life.

Objectives

Prevalence of IDD and psychiatric disorders
Multiple domains to improving quality of life
Strategies and techniques to utilize in treating IDD with a comorbid mental health condition

 

By

Positive Identity Development

Nautical Wheeler

 

Speaker(s):

Harvey, Karyn, PhD

Description

This presentation will introduce the positive identity development approach to working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). First, It will explore the developmental stages and the associated challenges of each stage as experienced by people with IDD. The unique impact of those challenges on people with IDD will be discussed. Then, the importance of the adolescent stage of identity development and the struggle faced by many with IDD will be explored in depth. Next, developing a positive sense of identity will be discussed. Finally, techniques and approaches that can be utilized for those supporting people with intellectual disabilities in order to facilitate positive identity development will be introduced.

Objectives

Participants will be able to identify each developmental stage.

Participants will be be able to name the challenge to resolve during adolescence.

Participants will be able to describe the positive identity approach.

By

Nesbitt, Donna, BA

Donna Nesbitt is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Missouri. She currently works at Ozark Center in Joplin as a Mobile Crisis Specialist for the 988-Lifeline. Her experience includes four years as a counselor in substance use and as a case manager. Donna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and in Sociology from Missouri Southern State University while having recently started the Master’s in Social Work program at Liberty University. Donna sits on the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ozark Center. She is an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ and recovery communities as well as being a part of both herself, identifying as a Lesbian woman and celebrating 11 years of sobriety this year. Donna has spoken previously at the Spring Training Institute and provided trainings within her agency as well as to others on various topics related to her competencies.

Presentation(s):

The Rainbow Road to Recovery

By

Inclusion & Affirmation: Improving SUD Treatment for the LGBTQIA+ Population

Paradise Ballroom B

 

Speaker(s):

Nesbitt, Donna, BA

Description

This presentation will focus on the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking treatment for substance use. It will examine important considerations for success in recovery as well as which interventions are most effective for long-term sobriety. Those attending will be educated on updated terminology, current societal issues, and concerns regarding treatment that all contribute to the prevalence of addiction among this community. The presentation will be given from the perspective of someone who specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ clients and has been one. The hope is to increase awareness, improve inclusivity, shift treatment protocols, and demonstrate to providers how they can be more affirmative in the support they are offering. The presentation will also give tips and ideas for increasing involvement with advocacy and potentially increase the number of clients that reach out.

Objectives

Define common terms important to know for working with the LGBTQIA+

Increase knowledge of changes occurring within & outside community

Identify the unique issues LGBTQIA+ individuals face which contribute to SUD

Describe the difference between inclusivity versus affirmation in treatment

Utilize suggestions in order to improve current practice for better outcomes