Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities through Illness, Grief and Loss

HFA recently hosted a well-received one hour educational webinar that is now available on-demand as an archived program. A valuable educational offering for individuals or organizations, with CEs included--in an easy-to-access on-line format! One hour of continuing education is available for social workers, nurses and counselors. View the list of board approvals (PDF).

Nationally-known experts Claire Lavin, PhD, and Kenneth J. Doka, PhD discuss the importance of helping those with intellectual disabilities face illness and grief.

"For over sixteen years, HFA has been the leader in presenting high-quality educational programming on hospice care, grief and loss, and end-of-life issues through our annual teleconference," said Amy Tucci, President/CEO of HFA. "This webinar gives organizations a new opportunity to easily access this informative programming."

Participants say:

I and the other attendees today were very pleased with the information. And I always look forward to quality offerings by HFA. Thank you!

My employer offers many educational opportunities on site, however, this was a great chance to stay at home, save money and gain some valuable experience. I would definitely do this again. Thank you!

From the presenters:

"Persons with intellectual disabilities must have support to cope with normal grief reactions, and caregivers need to understand how to help," states Dr. Doka, Senior Consultant to HFA. Dr. Lavin and Dr. Doka discuss how persons with intellectual disabilities may respond to the illness and death of a loved one; the challenges involved when those with intellectual disabilities face their own end-of-life situations; and the role that caregivers play in providing education and support. The speakers also discuss how partnerships between organizations can better serve this population.

Claire Lavin, PhD, is a professor of psychology at The College of New Rochelle in New York. A licensed clinical and school psychologist, she works with children and adults with disabilities in facilities and schools. Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, is a professor of gerontology at the Graduate School of The College of New Rochelle. Dr. Doka has served as a panelist on all sixteen of HFA's Living With Grief National Bereavement Teleconferences. Dr. Lavin and Dr. Doka co-authored Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities.

Register now or learn more about the program here.