Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual / Developmental Disability ― A Resource for Trainers

Mental Health Approaches to Intellectual/Developmental Disability: A Resource for Trainers is a landmark contribution to the field of support for persons with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Mental Health concerns. This book can be used by a myriad of different professionals and care providers for a variety of different purposes. It may be used: (a) to train others for professional development (train-the-trainer model), (b) as a resource guide for individual study, or (c) as a reference guide. Proper support of mental wellness among persons with IDD requires a significant body of information and knowledge, and the authors of this book are happy to offer it as a means for educating professionals and care providers. The overall mission of this book is to provide an overview of mental health assessment, treatment, and supports for persons with IDD over the lifespan. The book is arranged in modules, allowing reader or trainer to select those topics that are of interest.

Dr. Dan Baker's focus at The Boggs Center is on positive behavior support, models of community and educational support, transition services, and mental health services for persons with disabilities. Dr. Baker earned his PhD in Educational Psychology in 1992 and a Teaching License in 1990 from the University of Minnesota. He has worked with people with a range of disabilities; his applied work includes efforts in schools, residential settings for people with disabilities, recreational programs, and employment supports. Dr. Baker is well published in both edited books and literary journals. Melissa Cheplic is a Training and Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. She works in the area of Positive Behavior Supports and Mental Health, developing and providing training and technical assistance to community support agencies and families. Ms. Cheplic has worked in the field as a trainer, counselor, advocate, and behavior specialist for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Robert Fletcher is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the NADD. His vision and leadership have brought NADD to a position where it is recognized as the world’s leading organization in providing educational resources, conferences, trainings, consultation services, as well as accreditation and certification programs in the field of dual diagnosis. For the last forty years, Dr. Fletcher has dedicated his professional career to improving the lives of individuals who have a dual diagnosis (MI/ID). Juanita St Croix graduated Western University with a BSc. when it was still the University of Western Ontario. She has 22 years of experience in human services, primarily in developmental services with organizations providing services to people with complex behavioral support needs and a dual diagnosis. Ms. St. Croix has been a facilitator with the Southern Network of Specialized Care since November 2010.