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Learning Matters

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January 19, 2024

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There is still room in the following upcoming events:



01.24.24 DDS Central/West: De-escalation Strategies

01.24.24 DDS Central/West: Teaching & Learning


02.01.24 DDS Central/West: Person Centered Approaches: Beyond the ISP


02.01/24 DDS Central/West: Positive Behavior Support (PBS)


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...

From the

Office of Human Rights


 


Promoting Informed Choice Through “The Three E’s”


February 14, 2024

10am- 11am on Zoom


The Three E's - Education, Experience, and Exposure - are 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.


Register here :

 https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gIQQ1gF6S8G4KxJuyFV2-Q

 

CQL will be using Zoom's built-in live transcription (closed captioning) features during the webinar. ASL interpreters have been scheduled for this presentation.

 

Thank you and see you on February 14th!

 

Joseph Weru, DDS Director of Human Rights

Nate Hoover, Southeast Region Human Rights Specialist

Amy Boone, Metro Region Human Rights Specialist

Leonardo Luczynski-Badia, Central/West Region Human Rights Specialist

Alexandra Selman, Northeast Human Rights Specialist

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
  • 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


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
  • 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



Registration and Information
SRV Workshops and Registration

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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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