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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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Drexel University is offering this course on December 12, 2023, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, for a Training fee of $45.

Location: Drexel Queen Lane Campus
Instructor: Karin C. Gladney, PhD, CAADC
CE Credits: APA-5, CPRP-5, LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-5, NBCC-5, PA Act48-5, PCB-5, PSNA-5, IACET-0.5

Addictive disorders are some of the most prevalent and stigmatized illnesses in our society. With a long history of moralized beliefs and attitudes toward those displaying addictive behaviors, many view addiction as a lack of willpower or weakness of character. Yet a significant body of research and recent neuroscientific advancements in the field assert addiction is a brain disease. Conversely, a body of scholars disagree with the disease model of addiction and propose addictive behavior is better described as a non-pathological mechanism of choice and motivation. Continued lack of agreement on the fundamental aspects of the phenomenon may explain limited treatment outcomes and inadequate recovery rates.

In this course, we will discuss the many concerns and frustrations related to working with addictive disorders. We will consider various explanations for the disorder and reflect on cultural and social determinants and their impact on the prevalence and proliferation of addiction in our society. We will review current treatment approaches including efforts to improve current practices, such as advances in biomarkers and brain research. Finally, we will examine the role of the practitioner and how we can best provide competent treatment while bringing awareness to the underlying stigmas present in helping relationships.

View the course details and registration information here.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared important workshops that continue the series on Technology. Technology has become a major part of all our lives. For people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, technology can offer opportunities for independence, entertainment, choice, and control. Remote Supports are now offered that provide more opportunities for services that can increase independence. Please join the discussion on Technology and Remote Supports and how they can impact an Everyday Life! These workshops are created by family members and self-advocates FOR family members and self-advocates.

Register for upcoming events.

Community Engagement Workshops

LifeCourse Workshops

Waiver Workshops

Support Groups

This year at RCPA’s Annual Conference A Decade of Unity, which was held in Hershey, PA, we were fortunate enough to have John Broderick, Jr. speak on mental health. His presentation and message are inspirational, and he continued to share his message on TEDx Talk. We encourage you to listen to his words on childhood mental health. You can view the speech here.

News from ANCOR:

Dear ANCOR members,

I write to call your attention to a segment that aired during Saturday’s episode of Good Morning America on the direct support workforce crisis. The story chronicling staffing shortages in group homes on Long Island and nationally included excerpts from an interview with ANCOR COO Gabrielle Sedor, as well as reference to ANCOR’s research on the State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis. Overall, the show did an excellent job of packaging complex issues into an accessible, three-minute story.

View and share Good Morning America’s feature on the direct support workforce crisis.

GMA is the latest among several high-profile outlets showcasing the direct support workforce crisis, illustrating growing acknowledgment of the significance of our field’s recruitment and retention obstacles. To that end, I hope you will consider sharing the link to the video on social media and in your advocacy so we can help further amplify this important message.

Finally, this high-profile feature simply would not have happened without the contributions of Michael Seereiter, President & CEO of the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation (who was also interviewed for the segment) who connected us with the producer, and Lauren Tilghman, Director of Strategic Communications for KenCrest who provided some of the photos that were used in the segment. Thank you, Michael and Lauren!

With gratitude,

Sean Luechtefeld, PhD, CAE (he/him)
Vice President, Membership & Communications
ANCOR