24 APR 2024 · It can be tough to find the right balance between respecting the rights and needs of people with IDD who commit sex offenses and keeping the community safe. But it is important to support them in a way that leads to growth, reduces risk, and improves their quality of life. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kyle Lucas, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping people with developmental disabilities. With years of experience in treating individuals with problematic sexual behavior, Dr. Lucas sits down with us to discuss the strategies and approaches to create lasting change.

14 MAR 2024 · may face skepticism, disbelief, or stigma from others who cannot understand the extent of their disability or needs.   In this insightful podcast/vodcast episode, we sit down with a remarkable young adult, entrepreneur, and self-advocate, who explains the reality of growing up with an invisible disability. Even at a young age, he is determined to have a voice, as he speaks up for himself and others with disabilities. Join us for a story of resilience, creativity, and living life to the fullest!

26 FEB 2024 · The journey of raising a child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) may require unwavering support from parent advocates who champion their children’s rights, voices, inclusion, and overall needs. For parents of children, both adults and youth, navigating this advocacy path often becomes a lifelong commitment.

31 JAN 2024 · A bonus episode within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Systemic Gaps and Policy Solutions with Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet. - Treatment gaps for people with co-occurring disorders and disabilities - Harm Reduction policy in Colorado - Lived experiences and data needed to reduce stigma and improve policy - Policy change needed to address barriers and discrimination in treatment services - Reach out to your legislators to tell them the barriers you or someone you know is facing when it comes to substance use and having a disability.

19 DEC 2023 · The third epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Treatment, Recovery, and the Barriers Featuring Dr. Chad Johnston, MD, Medical Director of https://urbanpeaksrehab.com/ - The process of treatment and being in recovery; - Overview of harm reduction; - Communication between disability and addiction service systems; - Barriers to seeking treatment for people with IDD; and - Improving access to treatment.

19 DEC 2023 · The second epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode talks about the Prevalence of Substance Abuse among People with IDD Featuring Erika Spraker, LSW, ACA, Program Director of https://lifelonginc.com/ - Research around SUD and IDD; - Reasons for high prevalence; - Prescription medication management; and - Signs of SUD to look out for.

19 DEC 2023 · The first epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode offers a Primer on Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Featuring Ann C. Noonan MA, CAS, LPC, from https://noonanconsults.com/ - Spectrum of Substance Use Disorders; - Exposure and prevention; - Risk factors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and - Treatment and intervention plans.

28 SEP 2023 · A place to call home, one that is truly safe and reliable, is the foundation of well-being. But, housing instability ripples out into every part of one’s life, from physical and mental health to financial growth. For people with developmental disabilities (DD), living independently can be the first step to a life of dignity and fulfillment. But, unfortunately the barriers to achieving stable housing can seem almost insurmountable when you have a DD. As a population that is already disproportionately low-income, the lack of affordable housing is just the start. Many options are not accessible and the path to housing support can be really confusing. Housing Challenges and People with Developmental Disabilities explores four perspectives in the largely untold story of the ongoing housing crisis in the United States, shedding light on the unique issues faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their advice on how to make meaningful change. Why you should listen •Hear first-hand accounts from people with DD and their struggle to find affordable, accessible housing in Colorado; •Gain insight into the significant barriers people with DD face in navigating the housing system; •Learn about the heightened effects that housing instability has on those with DDs; and •Understand the need for the disability perspective when it comes to the government’s response to the housing crisis. Who should listen •Advocates and activists fighting for accessible and affordable housing; •Policy-makers addressing the housing crisis; •Real-Estate and Housing Professionals endeavoring to create an equitable housing market; •Community members invested in equity work; and •Social workers and crisis response teams.

28 SEP 2023 · This episode features Elizabeth Lucke, long-term DSP Caregiver • Falling in love with being a DSP; • Duties as a DSP and caregiver; • The best part of being a DSP; • Self-care and preventing burnout; and • Ways to help improve the lives of DSPs. Timestamps: - 2:15 – Falling in love with being a DSP - 3:30 – Elizabeth’s duties as a DSP - 7:40 – The best part of being a DSP - 8:45 – The importance of a DSP in an individual with IDD’s life - 13:40 – Why become a DSP? - 17:35 – Self-care and preventing burn out as a DSP - 21:00 – Learn more about Host Home Providers by https://www.thinkchange.academy/p/living-well-host-home-service-delivery-option - 21:25 – How to make DSP’s lives better - 24:00 – What to know if you are thinking about becoming a DSP? - 28:10 – We need to come together to support vulnerable populations and include them in our communities, closing thoughts from Elizabeth Lucke. Quality Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are vital to the lives of people with disabilities. They are the professionals that provide supports such as helping with employment, providing personal care, and are sometimes the support that someone with a disability needs to be able to live independently. A shortage of DSPs has been mounting in the United States for years now, with a 2022 report finding that 71% of case managers are struggling to find available providers for direct support services. With DSPs being such a vital workforce, tune into Addressing the Direct Support Professional Shortage TRAINING series, to learn more about the challenges and solutions! Why you should tune in Understand the everyday lives of Direct Support Professionals and the need to support this essential workforce. Being a DSP is not just a job, but a skilled career and must be valued as such! Tune into this podcast/vodcast series to learn about the variables behind this workforce crisis and how you can get involved in the solutions.

28 SEP 2023 · Featuring Pascale Adou from the Department of Healthcare and Financing (HCPF)’s Direct Care Workforce Collaborative • Strategies in addressing the shortage; • Approaches to successful DSP recruitment; and • How to get involved in making change. Timestamps: - 2:15 – Refresher on the reasons behind the DSP shortage - 6:20 – Strategies to address the shortage - 13:00 – Recruiting DSPs right now - 15:45 – Getting involved in making change for DSPs - 20:50 – Change will come and Appreciation for DSPs, final thoughts from Pascale Adou Quality Direct Support Professionals (DSP) are vital to the lives of people with disabilities. They are the professionals that provide supports such as helping with employment, providing personal care, and are sometimes the support that someone with a disability needs to be able to live independently. A shortage of DSPs has been mounting in the United States for years now, with a 2022 report finding that 71% of case managers are struggling to find available providers for direct support services. With DSPs being such a vital workforce, tune into Addressing the Direct Support Professional Shortage TRAINING series, to learn more about the challenges and solutions! Why you should tune in Understand the everyday lives of Direct Support Professionals and the need to support this essential workforce. Being a DSP is not just a job, but a skilled career and must be valued as such! Tune into this podcast/vodcast series to learn about the variables behind this workforce crisis and how you can get involved in the solutions.