11:00am - 12:00pm

Keynote Presentation

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Aging, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and The Meaning of Dignity in Aging: Dispelling the myths of old age 

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Dignity is defined as the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect including a sense of pride in oneself. For older adults, self-respect can be influenced by the way others speak about or interact in meaningful conversations, listen, or actually hear older adults’ speak. For older adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), lifelong disablism increases the risk for myths and stereotypes preventing others from seeing the basic essence and value. While the language changes, the fundamental underlying attitudes often remain the same. 

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Kathleen M. Bishop, PH.D. will focus on dispelling the myths and stereotypes about aging in adults with IDD including the long-held myth that Alzheimer’s disease is expected in adults with Down Syndrome even though current research indicates approximately 56% will likely exhibit the symptoms of the disease by 60 years old.  

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Dr. Bishop will discuss the commonalities of aging and practical tips for how together we can change attitudes and the social environments that maintain those attitudes. Becoming older is about transitioning into a new role, a change in expectations for how each person spends each day, a need for changes in policies or practices, and likely a change in the rhythm of life. She will also introduce these necessary transitions including change in clinical and day program and planning for the last stage of life that will be discussed in detail in the afternoon sessions. Dr. Bishop will draw on her many years of experience as a gerontologist with expertise in aging in persons with IDD.  

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This will be a dynamic presentation leaving attendees with information that can make a positive difference for older adults. 

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Kathleen M. Bishop, Ph.D. 

 

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12:00 - 12:30pm

Lunch
Boxed lunch will be available to all registrants.

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12:30 - 1:15pm

Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) with Dignity: State Government Initiatives 

 
This session will provide an in-depth look at the current efforts and initiatives by state governments to enhance the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) as they age. Attendees will learn about the various programs, policies, and partnerships in place aimed at promoting dignity, independence, and inclusion for people with I/DD and plans for the future. 

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• John Cochran, Chief of Staff, NYS Office for the Aging (NYS OFA)

• Willow Baer, Acting Commissioner, NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

• Facilitator: Ann Hardiman, Chief Innovation Officer, NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation

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1:15 - 2:00pm

Dementia Capable Specialized Training for Direct Support Professionals 

 

Merakey Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) has created a pilot program to train Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) and other front-line employees to become experts in dementia care for those with IDD. This program was funded through a grant from Polk Foundation, Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and ARPA (American Rescue Plan of America (ARPA). Currently Merakey has 100 DSP’s who have completed the certification through the National Alliance of Direct Support Professional (NADSP) E-Badge training program.   

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Carol Erzen M.Ed., Staff Development Executive, NTG Affiliated Regional Trainer 

 

2:00 - 2:15pm

Break

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2:15 - 3:00pm

Clinical Perspectives on Supporting People Aging with Developmental Disabilities 

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A new generation of people living with disabilities are entering their “golden years”. How can providers make these years truly enjoyable, particularly as people experience both physical and cognitive changes? 

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A team of therapists from the Arc Jefferson St. Lawrence will discuss the importance of therapeutic assessment and treatment plans for people receiving supports as they age. Topics will include dining assessment, mobility assessment, sensory issues, dementia awareness, environmental factors, and DSP training. Prompt assessment and intervention in these areas is vital for quality of life, as well as health and safety of a person supported.  

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Maraya Van Brocklin, OTR & Andrew Hockenberry,CCC-SLP, The Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence

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3:00 - 3:45pm

Mercy Doula Life Transitions Program  

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Six years ago, People Inc embarked on an exciting journey to innovation through the development of the Mercy Doula Life Transitions Program. Through the efforts of the program, people receiving services and those supporting them have had opportunities to explore end of life challenges, bereavement supports and awareness around the importance of planful discussions, conversations and dying with dignity. This session will discuss the development of the program prior to its inception, the journey of the Mercy Doula Life Transitions director and how the program came to be – as well as an overview of the function of the program and the umbrella of services included with the program. The goal of the session is to provide context, empowerment and encouragement to examine current agency services to promote and develop action planning around the development of support programs for aging and chronically ill within one’s one agency.

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Ashley Keagle, Mercy Doula Program at People, Inc.

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4:00 - 4:30pm

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

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5:00 - 9:00pm

Dinner on Your Own

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9:00pm

President's Reception in Caldwell's

Sponsored by eVero

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*Note: This agenda is subject to change.