Training Description 

As many of you are well aware, our community has achieved a huge victory when the Autism Omnibus bill passed in 2014. One piece of the bill has broadened the definition of developmental disability to include autism, Smith-Magenis syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. This change will assist many individuals on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) whose functional needs are not reflected by their intelligence quotient (IQ) score and who were previously denied access to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

There is a lot to stay abreast of given the passage of the aforementioned bill. At this training, you will learn about the implementation phase of the bill, such as expected number and service needs of individuals who now qualify for DDS services. There is a pressing need to serve hundreds of adults with ASD in which many have different service needs, such as "site-less" employment, and support needs, such as mental health services. 

 You will also learn about the goals and activities of ADDP's Autism Blueprint and Training Committees.  Members include representatives of ADDP, The Arc of Massachusetts, and DDS who are working to address the urgent wave of service and support needs.

1. Recognize service needs for people who are newly eligible for DDS services.
2. Understand who is considered to qualify at DDS given changes in its eligibility system.
3. Describe one intervention utilized across the country that is deemed an evidenced-based practice.

Audience 

Information will be geared to mid-level managers, senior directors and executives, and clinical staff.

 Register here!