The Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series is a community and continuing education program provided for Division of Developmental Disabilities staff, community provider agencies, people with disabilities, and family members to enhance their knowledge and skills in innovative approaches and state of the art practices for people with developmental disabilities.

Eight sessions of the Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series are held each year, four in the Fall, and four in the Spring. Nationally known speakers with expertise in their field serve as faculty for the program, each conducting a morning presentation and providing technical assistance in an afternoon forum. Over 1,500 people attend the Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series each year.

Read what families and self-advocates have to say about the DD Lecture Series

View list of the past 200 Sessions of the DD Lecture Series

View CD order form for audio recordings of the DD Lecture Series

See the descriptions for current sessions and registration information below.

Spring 2010 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series

Positive Behavior Support: Improving Quality of Life
While Addressing Problem Behavior

David Rotholz, PhD
Associate Director and Professor, Center for Disability Resources
University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC

Challenges posed by problem behavior to people with developmental disabilities and those who support them are well known. While there is no “magic pill” or “silver bullet” that will easily and quickly make problem behavior disappear, there is an approach that can be an effective and respectful way to address problem behavior. In this session, Dr. Rotholz will describe positive behavior support (PBS), an approach that relies on evidence-based strategies to increase quality of life and decrease problem behavior by teaching new skills and making changes in a person’s environment. Case examples and strategies will be discussed.

Think College: The Promise of Postsecondary Education for Students
with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Meg Grigal, PhD
Senior Research Associate, Transcen Inc., Rockville, MD

Today’s students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) are transitioning to college as well as to employment. Many students with ID/DD are now participating on college campuses, taking classes, and enjoying the new challenges associated with college life. This presentation will provide an overview of the current postsecondary education options for students with ID/DD, including findings from a recent “Think College” national survey of 250 programs. Additionally, participants will be provided with field-based strategies to increase both paid employment and access to typical college courses for students with ID/DD who are participating in postsecondary education.

Innovations in Individualized Supports: Making Community Connections Happen
for People with Developmental Disabilities

Hanns Meissner, PhD
Chief Operating Officer, Rensselaer County Chapter NYSCARC Inc, Troy, NY

The life of distinction framework emphasizes a holistic lifestyle orientation, one in which a person attains their highest potential in community life by way of many valued roles assumed in employment, in contribution to one’s community, and in relationship with friends and family. Individualized support is a critical ingredient in assisting a person with disabilities to realize a life of distinction. In this session, Dr. Meissner will describe the innovative frameworks and processes utilized by The Rensselaer County Chapter NYSARC to connect individuals to valued community roles and lifestyles; levels of individualized supports; and practical examples of community connections in action.

Exploring Alternatives to Guardianship for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Robert Dinerstein, JD
Professor of Law, Director of Clinical Programs, American University, Washington College of Law, Washington, DC

This session will explore the legal and ethical issues concerning guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, and decision making for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Topics to be covered include: the rationale for, and historical and current use, of guardianship (plenary and limited); the advantages and disadvantages of guardianship; and the advantages and disadvantages of such alternatives as durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, health care powers of attorney, and less formal methods of intervention designed to support, rather than substitute for, the decision-making capacity of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Registration Details

Fee information: Free of charge. Registration is required and space is limited.

Continuing Education Available: ASWB, CRCC, CCMC, DDNA, NJDOE. View Continuing Education details

Registration:

View the Spring 2010 DDLS registration brochure

Register online now

Please note: Submission of the online form is not a confirmation of registration. Submission of the online registration form sends an email request to The Boggs Center. When your form is received, Boggs Center
staff will register you for the sessions requested, based on space availability. You will receive a confirmation letter listing the sessions for which you are registered, and if full, the sessions for which you are on the waiting list. If you do not receive a letter, please call The Boggs Center at 732-235-9307.

For more information: Please email Carole Ramirez or call (732) 235-9307.

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Fall 2010 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series

Project Coordinator: Robyn Carroll
Program Staff: Ziba Arjmand, Wendy Kuziemski
Project Support Staff: Gail DiPane, Carole Ramirez