Environmental and Sensory Modifications in Healthcare Settings for Patients with Disabilities: Lessons from the Adaptive Medicine Sunflower Pilot

Monday, Aug. 31, 2026

12:00pm MDT

This presentation examines the design, implementation, and preliminary outcomes of the Adaptive Medicine Sunflower Pilot, a multidisciplinary acute-care model for patients with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, dementia, traumatic brain injury, communication differences, and other non-apparent disabilities. The intervention integrates early identification, individualized needs assessment, staff education, sensory and communication resources, environmental modification, and a coordinated behavioral-escalation response. Early findings include a downward trend in sedating medication use among autistic patients, alongside decreased length of stay, and improved staff capacity.

Supporting the Whole Person

Wednesday, Sept. 2 and 9, 2026 

10:00 AM MDT

Via Zoom

Join us for a training designed for professionals who support individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

Empower yourself with insight and skills to navigate the complexities of sexuality with confidence and compassion. Prepare to confront social barriers self-advocates face and how you can change the narrative.

Healthcare Transition Made Easy: Tools for Youth and Families

Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026 

7:00 PM MDT

Via Zoom

Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Join us to learn practical strategies for navigating adult healthcare systems with confidence. Discover tools and resources to help organize important medical information, keep track of documentation, and prepare youth with disabilities to advocate for their healthcare needs.

Lunch and Learn Webinar Series: Personal Emergency Preparedness

Thursday, October 15, 2026 

1:00 PM MDT

Via Zoom

This webinar will show simple steps for making a personal emergency plan, including helpful tools and resources you can use. You’ll learn how to be ready for different situation.

Lunch and Learn Webinar Series: Accessible Events

Thursday, December 8, 2026 

1:00 PM MDT

Via Zoom

This session is designed for people with disabilities, family members, and community members who attend events and gatherings.

We’ll talk about what makes an event, like meetings, parties, and holiday celebrations feel welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. You’ll hear real experiences, learn what to expect, and get ideas for how to ask for what you need so you can fully participate and enjoy events.

Research Brief

State Innovations in Improving Access to Care for Adults with Complex Needs in Rural Communities

This brief highlights Medicaid policy and financing strategies that can help improve access to care for rural older adults, people with disabilities, and others with complex health and social needs.

Online Learning Resource

10 Lessons We've Learned About Person-Centered Practices

The team at the Center for Advancing Person-Centered Systems at the Human Services Research Institute (CAPS@HSRI) has deep experience providing technical assistance to state and local service agencies to drive systems change. We have supported systems to implement customized strategies to shift services and supports to be more responsive and person-centered while fostering cultures of inclusion and respect. Changing systems is hard work. This resource shares 10 key lessons we’ve learned about person‑centered practices to help support ongoing change across systems.