Mental Health & Aging for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
February 9, 2023 -
 May 25, 2023
2nd & 4th Thursdays
12:00 PM -
 1:00 PM
Register Now

Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) experience increased health disparities, receive less preventative care, and have a higher incidence of chronic and mental health conditions. Accessing health care services is a serious challenge for many adults with IDD and too few health professionals are trained to care for adults with IDD.

Join us to address the unique and complex needs of aging adults with IDD and increase your skills to provide culturally appropriate and effective preventative, behavioral, and mental health care.

Led by a multidisciplinary panel of providers and caregivers with professional and personal experience caring for adutls with IDD, we seek to share effective interventions to address health issues affecting aging adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and discuss strategies to build trusting relationships with providers. 

All health professionals, community organizations, and families are encouraged to participate in the learning community to empower aging adults with IDD to live their best lives.

Series Leaders

  • Lucy Esralew, Ph.D., Psychologist, NTG Board member 
  • Seth M. Keller, MD, Past President, American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD), Co-President National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia practices (NTG), Chair Adult IDD Section, American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 
  • Dr. Lanisha Makle-Ridley, MAS, MPA, DM, Project Director/Coordinator, SPAN Advocacy Network, Inc
  • Leone Murphy, APN, Nurse Administrator, S-COPE, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, Founder and Co-Chairperson for the New Jersey Family Support Group for those who have IDD, Aging, and Dementia.  
  • John Nevins, DO, Medical Director, Chatham Family Practice, Atlantic Health System
  • Rotating Patient Advocate, Community member

Learning Objectives

After participating in this ECHO, providers and caregivers will be able to:

  • Identify barriers and health disparities that affect care for adults with IDD 
  • Recommend appropriate physical, behavioral, and mental health treatment and community resources for adults with IDD 
  • Describe challenges to addressing dementia and aging care needs for adults with IDD 
  • Apply strategies for effective communication and supported decision making for adults with IDD 

Continuing Education Accreditation

To view the CE Accreditation for Physician (CME), Nursing (CNE), Psychologist (APA), Social Work (SW), Certified Counselors (NBCC), and pending credits for Marriage & Family Therapists (NJDCA-MFT) click here.

Additional Information

This ECHO is made possible by support from the WITH Foundation. The WITH Foundation’s mission is to promote the establishment of comprehensive healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities that is designed to address their unique and fundamental needs.

Sessions

Health Disparities and Barriers to Care for Adults with IDD
Thursday • February 09, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Common Health Conditions: Importance of Managing Chronic Disease & Oral Health
Thursday • February 23, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Neurolgic Complications in Adults with IDD
Thursday • March 09, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Mental Health Concerns: Pharmacologic & Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Treatment
Thursday • March 23, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Dementia Care in Adults with IDD
Thursday • April 13, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Supported Decision Making: Effective Communication for Providers and their Patients with IDD
Thursday • April 27, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Long-term Support & Services: Appropriate Transitions of Care Across the Lifespan
Thursday • May 11, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Strategies for Working with Families & Caregivers
Thursday • May 25, 2023
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM

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Rutgers Project ECHO is administered by Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School with generous support from NJ Department of Health, NJ Department Human Services, and other funders.