Jordan Smelly is a certified peer support specialist with intellectual and developmental differences, shares his inspiring journey of self-advocacy and empowerment. From navigating college challenges to championing legislative reform activities in Texas, Jordan emphasizes the importance of tailored support and empathy for individuals with intellectual differences and mental health challenges. He highlights the transformative impact of virtual peer support and offers invaluable tips for effective advocacy, urging viewers to embrace curiosity and empathy in understanding and empowering others. Key Points: Relevant Resources: … [Read more...] about Take Action with NTTAC: Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Introducing SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) for Children and Youth
This presentation introduced the SOAR child curriculum developed to increase access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children and youth under the age of 18 with disabling conditions. Participants learned about the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center tools and resources for using the SOAR model with SSI for children, and ways that you can get involved in the initiative. This cross-TA Center session was hosted through NTTAC and delivered by SAMHSA's SOAR TA Center. … [Read more...] about Introducing SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) for Children and Youth
Family Exchange – 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support
Siblings of children with disabilities play important roles in their families, and often experience similar concerns and opportunities as parents. This interactive session will present some common issues that siblings experience and share seven simple ways that parents and providers can help minimize sibling concerns and maximize opportunities to build close bonds with siblings.Learning Objectives: Participants will come away with an understanding of seven simple, daily strategies that parents and providers can utilize to help minimize siblings’ concerns and maximize opportunities in order to build close bonds with typically developing children. … [Read more...] about Family Exchange – 7 Simple Strategies for Sibling Support
Supporting Justice Impacted Youth with Disabilities
This recorded session will include two 25-minute presentations. Presentation 1Decriminalizing Disability: Supporting Youth to Dismantle the School-to-prison Pipeline In this session we will discuss the how cross-systems advocacy is utilized to address the behavioral and mental health needs of justice involved youth across three distinct settings: 1) school through the IEP process, 2) the community through Medicaid/children’s behavioral health services, and 3) court through reasonable accommodations. Research shows that 65 – 70 percent of justice-involved youth have a disability, and the majority of which are behavioral health needs. We will review the overrepresentation of youth of color with behavioral health needs in the justice system and how effective education advocacy and community supports can be tools for preventing mis-incarceration through both out-of-court and in-court advocacy and training. Assisting these youth to transition out of the justice system, or even prevent … [Read more...] about Supporting Justice Impacted Youth with Disabilities
Peers and Clinicians Together – Onset Psychosis in Youth
The mental health system is vast, complex, and often confusing. Peers and Clinicians Together (PACT) is a free monthly series where you can ask anything that’s on your mind of a mental health clinician and peer support provider! Whether you have a question of general nature or you work in the field, PACT is open to anyone. Each month, the featured clinician and peer speakers will be prepared to discuss a specific topic that draws on their expertise, but the majority of the session’s time will be an audience-driven Q&A, so bring your questions! Here are a few of the topics covered in the past: ACEs, providing mental health services in non-traditional ways, mental health within the juvenile justice system, music’s impact on one’s well being, and much more. MARCH SESSION:Dr. Olivia Hamrah and Bethany Boik will discuss the onset of psychosis in youth. The session will begin with a brief presentation outlining the most common causes of psychosis in youth and reviewing diagnosis, … [Read more...] about Peers and Clinicians Together – Onset Psychosis in Youth