An Introduction to Developmental Disabilities

To better serve individuals with developmental disabilities in all settings, it is important for social workers and other social services professionals to have an understanding of the various developmental disabilities covered under the federal and state definitions. The focus of this webinar will be to provide participants with this basic knowledge along with the structure of the various service systems most utilized by individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages as they are supported in the community. The participants will be given the opportunity to discuss various approaches to supporting people throughout their life span. [Required for Developmental Disabilities Certificate Program]

Fee: $60.00
Continuing Ed. Hours (CEH): 3.00

Click Here to Enroll

Instructor: Melissa Cheplic, MPH Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm ET Location: Zoom (Interactive Webinar) Online Live Webinar, Online, NJ

Webinar Objectives

At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
• Identify definitions, presentation, and causes of common Developmental Disabilities covered under federal & state definitions
• List types and eligibility of services available to people with Development Disabilities
• Recognize the importance of person-centered approaches to supporting people with DD across settings

Webinar Outline

9:30 am Welcome and Review of course expectations

9:30 am Definitions and causes of Developmental Disabilities

10:00 am Working across service systems: review of structure, eligibility, and available supports:
• Department of Education
• Department of Children & Families
• Department of Labor & Workforce Development
• Department of Human Services: Division of Developmental Disabilities Division of Disability Services

10:20 am Common Developmental Disabilities: Diagnoses and symptom presentation

10:45 am Key movements and Laws in Disability History: Milestones and Legislation

11:10 am Activity: improved practice in DD supports in NJ “advocacy, language, media”

11:20 am Person Centered Approaches: “Charting the Life Course”

12:00 pm Examples and Application

12:20 pm Conclusion/Q&A

Target Audience

Social Workers and Allied Health Professionals

Content Level

Beginner - Advanced

Webinar Completion Requirements

To earn CE credit, social workers must log in at the scheduled time, attend the entire course and complete an online course evaluation. Certificates of completion will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.

System Requirements

• Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher
• Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible.

About the Instructor

Melissa is Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at Rutgers Medical School. She provides training and technical assistance to community and state agencies, building capacity in behavior and mental health, and coordinating clinical supports for people with IDD/MI. Melissa holds a Master’s Degree from the Rutgers School of Public Health. She holds a clinical certification through NADD. She has designed and delivered nationally recognized curricula, and coauthored the training manual, “Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability.” She serves as the Chairperson of the NADD Direct Support Professional Committee and co-chairs the NADD US Policy Committee.