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Central West
Learning & Development
Learning Matters
What's News Bi-Weekly
January 5, 2024
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See all Learning & Development upcoming events in the latest version of Learning Matters HERE | |
Sexuality and Relationship Series Updates | |
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See Me as a Whole Person: Sexuality and People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
New Date:
Tuesday, January 30th
9:30am-2:00pm
This course is a prerequisite for Teaching Sexuality in Everyday life (offered March 20th) and the DDS Sexuality Training of Trainers (Fall dates TBA).
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A note on our Sexuality and Relationship Trainings
We are getting closer to announcing the dates for the Autumn return of the
Central/West Sexuality Training of Trainers: Supporting People to Lead Sexually Healthy Lives
If you are planning to apply for the TOT, you will need to have attended or be scheduled to attend all prerequisites to be considered. Most of these trainings are offered once or twice per quarter, so please plan accordingly if you are planning to apply for the fall session.
The following TOT prerequisites are offered this quarter:
- See Me as a Whole Person
- Self Determination & Informed Choice
- What’s Their Name? Supporting Gender Diversity in I/DD Services
- Teaching Sexuality in Everyday life
- Knowing Our Place: Understanding Professional Boundaries in the Workplace
The final prerequisite for the TOT, Ya Gotta Have Friends, is a two-part training that will be announced in our Spring calendar.
For course descriptions, registration links, and additional TOT information, please visit our Sexuality Landing Page here: More Information
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Direct Support Certificate Program | |
Direct Support Certificate Program Highlights
The Direct Support Certificate Program helps you take the next step in your human services career. Upon completion of the program, participants will have a Direct Support Certificate, community college credits, and a better understanding of the human services field and their role in it.
Some program highlights include:
- An opportunity to further your education through community college courses, with classes focused on your work in the human services field and a field placement with a special focus project of your choosing.
- 22-28 college credits, offered in-person, online, and in hybrid format depending on your community college, that can be transferrable to a degree program after program completion -- read more below.
- Flexible to your schedule. Classes are scheduled at times most likely to meet the needs of working students, making it possible for direct support staff to fit the program into a busy week.
- Low cost to students -- tuition at participating community colleges is discounted to $50 per class.
- Open to DDS direct care workers and direct care workers contracted by DDS provider agencies, and any interested supervisors.
The program includes community college courses in:
- English
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Developmental Disabilities
- Special Topics in Intellectual Disabilities
- And more!
More Information
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Central/West Direct Support Certificate Program
The DDS DSCP in Human Services is a seven-course educational program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of direct support workers in DDS settings (both private and public)...
Keep Reading...
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From the
Office of Human Rights
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Human Rights Networking Events
Next Meeting:
Monday, January 22, 2024 at 10am.
The Central/West Human Rights Specialist invites you to attend the regularly scheduled Human Rights Networking meeting that takes place every fourth (4th) Monday of the month from 10:00-11:30am. We use this time to connect with other human rights-minded folks, share upcoming events, brainstorm through concerns, etc. All are welcome!
If you would like to get more involved, have questions/concerns or have ideas as to how we can affirm, promote and protect the human rights within DDS, please reach out to Leo at:
Leonardo.Luczynski-Badia@mass.gov
Click Here for Updated Office of Human Rights Regional Contacts
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The Office of Human Rights will be joined by the Council on Quality and Leadership on:
Promoting Informed Choice Through ‘The Three Es’
Wednesday 2/14/24 at 10am (click here to register)
The Three E's - Education, Experience, and Exposure - is the foundation for informed choice. The knowledge we gain, situations we come across, and observations along the way, all help us as we encounter new circumstances, make decisions, and adjust to the world around us. The Three E's are especially relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) considering that their choices are regularly limited or even completely restricted.
In this presentation, we describe the role that the Three E's can play in the lives of those with disabilities in promoting choice, advancing self-determination, and protecting independence. You’ll hear real-life stories of how different provider organizations are using the Three E’s to positively impact people’s lives. Finally, we’ll share data that demonstrates the direct impact that Education, Experience, and Exposure can have on quality of life outcomes
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Additional Events & Learning Opportunities | |
Western MA DPPC Protect, Report, Preserve (PRP) Training
"Protect, Report, Preserve" (PRP) training is scheduled to take place in Chicopee, Massachusetts. This full-day, in-person event promises to be a transformative experience in understanding and responding to abuse against people with disabilities.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2024
- Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Breakfast & lunch will be served)
- Location: Castle of Knights Ballroom, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, MA 01020
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Register Here: Protect, Report, Preserve (PRP) in Western MA
- About PRP Training: PRP offers comprehensive education in recognizing, reporting, and responding to abuse. It is designed not only as an educational event but also as a "train-the-trainer" model, making it essential for direct care staff, training specialists, and provider administrators.
Key Topics Include:
- Prevalence of Abuse Against People with Disabilities
- Multidisciplinary Investigation with Case Scenarios
- Abuse Indicators and Mandated Reporting
- The Investigation Process
- Using PRP as a Trainer
Participant Benefits:
Each attendee will receive the PRP curriculum and media files, invaluable resources for integrating into your agency’s orientation and Mandated Reporting training programs.
Cancellation Policy:
Should you need to cancel, please do so at least a week in advance via the Eventbrite site. This courtesy helps us manage the event effectively. Note: No-shows will be reported to their provider agency.
Accommodations:
If you have specific dietary or other accommodation needs, please indicate within your registration form.
We encourage you to share this invitation with your networks. Your participation and contribution to spreading the word are crucial in promoting a safer environment for adults with disabilities.
Should you require further details or have any inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us at DPPC.Learning@mass.gov.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Best regards,
The Learning & Development Unit
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
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Click on Image above for 2 pages of detailed information | |
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American Red Cross Water Safety
This online course teaches parents and caregivers about the concepts of the circle of drowning prevention, water competency and the chain of drowning survival. It also provides guidance for applying water safety to common environments and situations where children are most at risk for drowning.
More Information
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Central West Learning & Development
1 Federal Street
Building 111-2
Springfield, MA 01105
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