The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3183.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - 1:30 PM

Abstract #65776

Growing Children, Growing Needs: What healthcare practitioners need to know about adolescents and young adults with MR/DD

Joel M Levy, DSW, YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities, 460 West 34th St., New York, NY 10001, 212 273-6110, jmlcares@yai.org

People with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities (MR/DD) have needs that present a challenge to health care practitioners and other service providers. They draw on an array of services, which must be integrated with school, work and family life. In this session, the challenge of how to plan and deliver healthcare services that address the employment, educational, habilitative and family support needs of transitioning or young adults with MR/DD will be discussed. We will present the model of care that we have developed to provide services that emphasize the development, growth and success of adolescents and young adults with MR/DD by maximizing behavioral potential, meeting healthcare needs, connecting to the community, and keeping families functioning. We will also describe the core components in-service staff training that sensitizes our healthcare practitioners and support staff to the needs of adolescents and young adults who have different types of developmental disabilities, belong to diverse ethnic and economic groups, and live in various family settings and constellations.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Adolescents, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Health and Wellness Promotion--Innovative Programs

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA