I have my name tag, I shook hands with a bunch of stranger, I drank some beautiful tea and I sat threw two brilliant talks.... the conference has begun, it is here.
A few magic moments today.
First was the presentation on the NADD accreditation. A brilliant initiative that will certify people and organizations in their various capacity as to their competency working with people with a Dual Diagnosis.
What I loved about the presentation is not only did I get to meet the NADD team, I also got a chance to witness just how genuine and honest they were. They had obviously listened to many people and were willing to listen and not force an agenda. What they presented and how they presented it was with care and dignity for everyone involved.... Check out more on thier accreditation at their website - http://thenadd.org/products/accreditation-and-certification-programs/
I then had a fantastic lunch in china town in a Vietnamese soup and noodle restaurant. It was a quick walk down California street, one of the steepest streets in the world. I then had to climb back up, like mountain climbing... worth every bite.
My next course was on supporting people with an intellectual disability and an drug or alcohol addiction. Packed filled with information and a unique way to approach people with limited reasoning or deductive skills when it comes to the allure and deep addiction of drugs and mostly alcohol. Colorful and lively this presentation help my hand as I learned just what to do and the specific challenges.
All this from a tandem of presenters with more knowledge and courage that I could ever expect.
Favorite line came from Dr BJ Davis, "It's not about being politically correct, it's about being competent and accurate."
Last but not least, I went up to the top floor that overlooked San Fransisco Bay and I had a round table discussion with two talented observationalists from Montreal, a ex-Canadian and nurse from Ireland. We shared what was happening in our neck of the woods, what worked and what did not. We asked questions about funding, behaviors, politics and organizational initiatives.
We talked shop till we were the last ones in the place. We ate all the appetizers that came out of the kitchen and did what I hoped for, learned from each other.
What I learned from these wonderful people is that everyone, no matter where they come from, struggle with how to best support people with a dual diagnosis and how to care for them on an ever decreasing budget.
I was surrounded by golden-hearted people. A little idealistic but that is how I felt. Everyone there seemed so genuine and I felt so comfortable to be myself.
I could not have asked for a better first day.
A few magic moments today.
First was the presentation on the NADD accreditation. A brilliant initiative that will certify people and organizations in their various capacity as to their competency working with people with a Dual Diagnosis.
What I loved about the presentation is not only did I get to meet the NADD team, I also got a chance to witness just how genuine and honest they were. They had obviously listened to many people and were willing to listen and not force an agenda. What they presented and how they presented it was with care and dignity for everyone involved.... Check out more on thier accreditation at their website - http://thenadd.org/products/accreditation-and-certification-programs/
I then had a fantastic lunch in china town in a Vietnamese soup and noodle restaurant. It was a quick walk down California street, one of the steepest streets in the world. I then had to climb back up, like mountain climbing... worth every bite.
My next course was on supporting people with an intellectual disability and an drug or alcohol addiction. Packed filled with information and a unique way to approach people with limited reasoning or deductive skills when it comes to the allure and deep addiction of drugs and mostly alcohol. Colorful and lively this presentation help my hand as I learned just what to do and the specific challenges.
All this from a tandem of presenters with more knowledge and courage that I could ever expect.
Favorite line came from Dr BJ Davis, "It's not about being politically correct, it's about being competent and accurate."
Last but not least, I went up to the top floor that overlooked San Fransisco Bay and I had a round table discussion with two talented observationalists from Montreal, a ex-Canadian and nurse from Ireland. We shared what was happening in our neck of the woods, what worked and what did not. We asked questions about funding, behaviors, politics and organizational initiatives.
We talked shop till we were the last ones in the place. We ate all the appetizers that came out of the kitchen and did what I hoped for, learned from each other.
What I learned from these wonderful people is that everyone, no matter where they come from, struggle with how to best support people with a dual diagnosis and how to care for them on an ever decreasing budget.
I was surrounded by golden-hearted people. A little idealistic but that is how I felt. Everyone there seemed so genuine and I felt so comfortable to be myself.
I could not have asked for a better first day.