Constructive Conversations!

Newsletter Guide

Communication Training Series

• Constructive Conversations

Provider Capacity Survey

February Lunch & Learn: The Intersection of Bipolar Disorder & I/DD

2023 Lunch & Learn Schedule

New Recordings Available

The Communication Training Series Continues!

Creating engaging and collaborative conversations can be challenging whether it is in-person, over a video conference, or on the phone. Our final webinar in the communication series focuses on:

• Identifying when each communication approach is most effective

• Using constructive conversation strategies

• Self-reflection and identifying a personal growth area

• Creating an action plan with your goal partner to improve communication

Provider Capacity Survey

Thank you to all those who completed our Quarterly Provider Capacity Survey. We received 25 total responses from 16 organizations. The data will be used to inform Indiana BRS as they consider how to optimize supports for providers and participants. Below we’ve highlighted some of the preliminary data. The full report will be shared on the Level Up Indiana website.

• 23% of respondents reported their organization used flexible scheduling to recruit and retain staff.

• 19% of respondents reported raising wages to recruit and retain staff.

• 43% of respondents reported an average caseload size of

  16-20 cases.

• 85% of respondents reported being unable to reach the participant as having the greatest impact on delaying services.

Join the February Lunch & Learn

Friday, February 24th 11:00am-12:00pm ET

Each year, millions of adults in the United States are personally affected by bipolar disorder- including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bipolar disorder can significantly impact a person in many ways such as with employment, relationships, and physical health. There are also many ways people can learn to manage their bipolar disorder too. We invite you to join this webinar to learn about these strategies.

Join us in February to learn about:

• Different kinds of bipolar disorder

• How it can present differently in people with intellectual disabilities

• Myths and truths surrounding bipolar disorder

2023 Lunch & Learn Schedule

Register in advance for this year’s lunch & learns.

• The Intersection of Domestic Violence & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities - Mar. 31st from 11am-Noon ET

• The Intersection of Personality Disorders & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities - Apr. 28th from 11am-Noon ET

• The Intersection of Schizophrenia, Psychosis, & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities - May 19th from 11am-Noon ET

• A Trauma-Informed Accessibility Approach & How It Can Help Everyone - Jun. 23rd from 11am-Noon ET

We welcome you to visit our website and sign up for future Lunch and Learns! The 2023 schedule and sign-up links can be found on our Sign-Up page.

In case you missed our webinars, you can watch the recordings on our website. Here are some of the newest recordings!

Disability Disclosure & Reasonable Accommodations Training

Check out our recorded webinar with Barry Whaley, Project Director of the Southeast ADA Center. He shared valuable information and answered important questions including:

• When is the “right time” to disclose a need for accommodation?

• What is an employment specialist’s role in disclosure and accommodation?

• What can be done to ensure that the process is respectful of the employee with a disability?

You will find this recorded webinar, presentation, and transcript on our accessibility resource page by clicking the button below.

Effective Written Communication with VR Counselors

Check out our recorded communication series part 2 with Terry Donovan and Steve Upchurch on our website. Please share with colleagues and others who would benefit from this training. Click the button below to find the recording and other resources on our Beyond Basics page.