Providing Mental Health Services to People with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability

Providing Mental Health Services to People with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability

Presenter: Joseph F. Anastasio, MS, LCSW

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 NEW DATE

Time: 10:00-1:15 pm 

Description: This interactive workshop explores the complexities and possibilities of providing effective mental health services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/DD). Participants will examine the historical and current landscape of services, ethical responsibilities, and the evolving role of social workers in promoting dignity, inclusion, and self-determination. Key topics include guardianship versus supported decision-making, person-centered planning, and the impact of viewing individuals through a capacity-based rather than a deficiency-based lens. Special emphasis will be placed on culturally responsive practices, the importance of building trust, and supporting autonomy in decision-making. This training aims to deepen participants’ awareness and equip them with tools to improve service delivery and advocacy for this underserved population.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the historical development of mental health services for individuals with IDD/DD and it's ongoing impact.

• Differentiate between guardianship and supported decision-making and explain their ethical and legal implications

• Apply person-centered and self-determination principles to clinical and service planning.

• Analyze the implications of a capacity-focused versus a deficiency-focused framework in mental health practice.

CEUS: 3 CAT I

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