Texas Health and Human Services Commission Adds Three New Modules to its Mental Health Wellness I/DD
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) added three new modules to its Mental Health Wellness for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MHW-IDD) training series. This series is a free e-learning curriculum on integrated approaches for working with people who have I/DD and co-occurring behavioral health challenges. The initial training on this topic included six modules that were developed in May 2016 through the collaborative efforts of state I/DD and mental health partners, along with national and local experts, community advocates, persons receiving supports, and their families.
Since its original release, the MHW-IDD training series has been widely embraced with up to 450 modules completed weekly and has received positive feedback from individuals and providers around the country. A supervisor at an adult Day Training and Work program in Florida who completed the series, wrote HHSC to inform the agency he is having all his staff take the training. “It is invaluable information and is superb in content and presentation. It’s nice to have my staff have access to knowledge I gained in college courses.”
As of January 2019, the MHW-IDD training series offers an additional three new modules designed to expand the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals (HCPs) – including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other providers who deliver care to individuals with IDD and a co-occurring behavioral health challenge. The modules discuss evidence-based and effective techniques that can be used to improve the delivery of health care, maximize outcomes, and enhance quality of life.
The full training series now consists of nine modules:
- Co-occurring Disorders: IDD and Mental Illness
- Trauma-informed Care for Individuals with IDD
- Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Support
- Overview of Genetic Syndromes Associated with IDD
- Overview of Medical Diagnoses Associated with IDD
- Putting It All Together: Supports and Strategies for Direct Service Workers
- Integrated Healthcare for Individuals with IDD – for HCPs
- Communicating with Individuals with IDD – for HCPs
- Trauma-informed Care for Clinical Providers – for HCPs
The intended audience for this training series is direct support professionals and others who provide support for individuals with I/DD and co-occurring behavioral health challenges. Continuing education credits are available for multiple clinical licenses within specific modules for a small cost as well as certificates of completion and continuing education upon successful completion of the course.