I am off to the North American Dual Diagnosis (NADD) annual conference in San Francisco. I am going to spend three days learning, sharing, talking to people who help support those with a Dial Diagnosis.
Dual Diagnosis is a unique challenge when someone is diagnosed with a developmental disability (including autism spectrum) and a mental health need.
According to some recent studies people with developmental disabilities have a 35% greater chance of being diagnosed with a mental health need as the general population.
For a portion of the population that has been beaten, shunned, secluded, ridiculed, forced into lesser roles, lesser voices and lesser opportunities, I understand why there might be some mental health needs, on top of spending a lifetime in a ill equipped medical system.
There is usually very little support for those with a dual diagnosis, and less programming and workshops for those who support people with Dual Diagnosis.
So there is an obvious need to gather and share what we all know and I am so excited to go. I am excited to talk and share and listen and see what the world is doing in their communities.
It has been a dream of mine to travel to other countries and share what I have learned in my travels and learn from what other countries, cities and communities are doing to support people in their lives.
I am not a wealthy man, at least not in money. The work I so as a front line support worker provides me great riches, just not in monetary form.
I applied and was granted the Joli Fletcher Tlalka Direct Support Professional Scholarship that would pay for part of my way to the conference as well as my conference fees. (Thank You NADD for your support)
I had an angel supporter who helped pay the rest of the way. (Thank You Bobby)
So I booked my flight and hotel and I am off….
The conference is in San Francisco, a brilliant city of hills and magic. I look forward to spending time by the ocean.
I am going to blog about my experience there. I am going to share what I saw and learned every night.
I have so much to learn from the programs and people there.
I have so much to share about the programs and people here.
I am getting ready to leave and I am very excited.
Dual Diagnosis is a unique challenge when someone is diagnosed with a developmental disability (including autism spectrum) and a mental health need.
According to some recent studies people with developmental disabilities have a 35% greater chance of being diagnosed with a mental health need as the general population.
For a portion of the population that has been beaten, shunned, secluded, ridiculed, forced into lesser roles, lesser voices and lesser opportunities, I understand why there might be some mental health needs, on top of spending a lifetime in a ill equipped medical system.
There is usually very little support for those with a dual diagnosis, and less programming and workshops for those who support people with Dual Diagnosis.
So there is an obvious need to gather and share what we all know and I am so excited to go. I am excited to talk and share and listen and see what the world is doing in their communities.
It has been a dream of mine to travel to other countries and share what I have learned in my travels and learn from what other countries, cities and communities are doing to support people in their lives.
I am not a wealthy man, at least not in money. The work I so as a front line support worker provides me great riches, just not in monetary form.
I applied and was granted the Joli Fletcher Tlalka Direct Support Professional Scholarship that would pay for part of my way to the conference as well as my conference fees. (Thank You NADD for your support)
I had an angel supporter who helped pay the rest of the way. (Thank You Bobby)
So I booked my flight and hotel and I am off….
The conference is in San Francisco, a brilliant city of hills and magic. I look forward to spending time by the ocean.
I am going to blog about my experience there. I am going to share what I saw and learned every night.
I have so much to learn from the programs and people there.
I have so much to share about the programs and people here.
I am getting ready to leave and I am very excited.