Community Living/Inclusion

Human bias is part of being human.  If our goal is to make decisions and interact with people in an unbiased manner, then how do we recognize and address our own biases?  This presentation incorporates psychological and sociological research regarding how and why humans develop bias, and provides practical tips for overcoming bias.  Emphasis will be place on how bias may impact individuals in the criminal justice system. Key Learning Outcomes Recognizing the different types of bias to which humans are susceptible. Understanding the potential impact of bias to individuals in the criminal justice system. Identifying steps to recognize our own biases and how to not allow them to unduly impact our judgment and actions.

Clients enrolled in training programs often have more than one disability, which can complicate established processes and may create barriers to learning. It is important to view individual cases holistically to identify and address those barriers as quickly as possible. In this session, we will focus on clients who have secondary cognitive disabilities and are receiving comprehensive services for the blind and visually impaired and those with combined vision and hearing loss. We will discuss functional issues clients may face in this environment, and explore the accommodations instructors can adopt to ensure clients have equal access to services. Key Learning Outcomes 1. Have a greater understanding of how a cognitive disability may impact client access to comprehensive training programs._x000D_2. Identify accommodations that can be implemented to address access concerns._x000D_3. Gain insight into the importance of identifying, understanding, and addressing coexisting disorders.

Bridging the gap between talented, capable blind job seekers and employers seeking a dynamic workforce. Preparing students to thrive in a competitive fully integrated work environment through non-visual skills training and confidence building. Taking the fear out of hiring blind employees through proven practical solutions and relationship building. Educating the community on the value and contributions that employees have when they are esteemed for what they can accomplish rather than what they can see. Key Learning Outcomes 1. Separating Fact from Fiction. The actual cost of not hiring blind people._x000D_2. Supporting a self-determined career path that embraces unlimited possibilities. Job selection based on skills, aptitude, and interests._x000D_3. Creating positive relationships with employers. Adding value to a team and professional network through a fully integrated workplace.

Adolescence is a challenging time for many youth and those with developmental disabilities face even greater challenges. Sexual maturation, decision making, risk mitigation, substance use experimentation and growing independence may test the youth and their parents. Anticipatory guidance for parenting youth will be emphasized in addition to preventive efforts to encourage improved decision making and prevention of harmful behaviors. Youth with developmental disabilities may have issues of impulse control, self esteem and sexual curiosity similar to their peers. However, peer pressure can place them at higher risk for exploitation and substance use disorders. This program will address adolescent sexuality (Dr Copeland) and substance use issues (Dr Dekker) concentrating on positive interventions and signs of risk. Parental anticipatory guidance and progressive independence to improve decision making and development of adult activities with responsible and safer outcomes will be discussed. Key Learning Outcomes 1. Participants will understand, describe, demonstrate an understanding of adolescent development and it relation to sexual decision making and substance use exposure 2. Participants will understand, describe, demonstrate cognizance of ongoing communication in adolescence and physical and emotional maturation in youth with developmental disabilities.