PA Developmental Disabilities Nurses Network
Connected Through Caring
Message from PADDNN President- Jack Toomey RN,CDDN
Annual Conference
Our third educational conference was held on October 9, at the Eden Resort in Lancaster. Approximately 50 nurses from various parts of PA attended.
Our keynote speaker, Gina Calhoun, addressed developing changes in the behavioral health system during her presentation "Mental Health System; Why Change?". Gina explored the way things were and the way things are becoming in the behavioral health system through she and her families' personal experience. Through self advocacy, Gina, her sister, and many consumers of services, have forced the "system" to recognize that having differences should not hinder people from experiencing "Everyday Life". The concept of recovery and the three core values of recovery: hope, opportunity, and supportive relationships were addressed in a very creative and thought provoking manner. Thank you Gina and family for your enlightening presentation.
We had two breakout sessions in the morning. George Brackman presented "The Challenges of Multiple Diagnoses", and encouraged teams to implement positive approaches and "look outside the box" when providing appropriate support. Dr. Kevin Caputo, MD, presented "Diagnosis and Treatment of Schizophrenia." He discussed many of the challenges practitioners encounter in recognizing symptoms of psychosis in persons with I/DD and those who are averbal.
Our afternoon sessions began with two breakout sessions. The first presented by Dr. DeWulf, a psychologist with many years experience in the I/DD field. He discussed diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD and Bipolar Disorder within our special needs population, with an emphasis on assuring accurate diagnosis. Our second breakout session was presented by Doug Pickens from the Office of Developmental Programs, on the topic of Debriefing. Debriefing is a method of evaluation used to analyze a significant event in effort to prevent future occurrences and/or to facilitate improved outcomes in the future for all involved. Mr. Pickens was able to provide tools for use in the debriefing process.
Our final presenters of the day were Dr. David Moore, MD and Richard Bolands, Disaster Training Specialist. Dr. Moore is a neurologist specialized in the treatment of epilepsy. He was an engaging speaker who shared his personal experience in the treatment and management of seizure disorders. Mr. Bolands demonstrated how to create and utilize "All Hazards Ready Kits", and discussed some adaptations and inclusions that may be beneficial to the population we support.
Thanks for our successful annual conference are extended to attendees, presenters, and our conference committee including co -chairs Ramona Bosse and Denise Cella. This ladies worked tirelessly to organize the presentations provided. I would also like to extend thanks to our conference committee members Thelma Reed , Kim Cahill, Toby Wolf and Melody Wolfe. Without their hard work we would not have a conference.
Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors. Rite Aid Corporation generously provided our conference handbook. Janssen Pharmaceuticals financially supported our speakers and provided for the delicious food. Abbott Pharmaceuticals also supported our presenters and provided PADDNN an educational grant to make this conference a reality. Thank you sponsors for allowing PADDNN to provide our annual conference to our members at the affordable fee of $75.00.
SAVE THE DATE...
2008 PADDNN CONFERENCE
OCTOBER 15, 2008
EDEN RESORT - LANCASTER, PA
