Part 1: Improving Mental Health Care for Clients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Description of Activity

Part 1 of the Providing Accessible Mental Health Care series, this foundational course prepares mental health professionals to provide accessible care to clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health diagnosis.

After taking this course, learners will be able to

  • Recognize the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to inform effective and individualized care. 
  • Evaluate and challenge personal biases and assumptions to provide more inclusive, respectful, and equitable care. 
  • Identify and address systemic barriers—such as administrative burdens and limited resources—that impact access to quality mental health care. 
  • Apply effective communication strategies, including the use of clear language and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, to enhance client interactions. 
  • Build strong therapeutic relationships with clients with IDD by fostering trust and rapport. 
  • Commit to ongoing advocacy. Take actionable steps and collaborate with peers to create lasting change. 

FACULTY DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

In accordance with the requirements of the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and independence in Accredited Continuing Education, each person involved in the development or delivery of this CME activity has been asked to disclose any financial relationships with ineligible companies (defined as: any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients). In addition, all members of the Continuing professional Development office have nothing to disclose. All of the financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE

Rachel Benson, MSW - Nothing to Disclose

Rhonda Eppelsheimer, MSW, LCSW - Nothing to Disclose

Ashley Klein, MPA - Nothing to Disclose

Jana Peterson-Besse, MPH, PhD - Nothing to Disclose

Sandra Smit, MPH - Nothing to Disclose

INSTRUCTORS/MODERATORS

Maureen DeLongis, LCSW - Nothing to Disclose

Ashley Klein, MPA - Nothing to Disclose

Kelly McCauley, Self Advocate - Nothing to Disclose

Jana Peterson-Besse, MPH, PhD - Nothing to Disclose

Janice Staehely - Nothing to Disclose

OHSU employees access the on-demand training on Compass. Search the course title or keyword “IDD”.

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

OHSU School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Original Launch Date: August 15, 2025

Content Review Date: August 8, 2025

Termination Date: June 30, 2027

For more information, visit the OODH Mental Health Provider Training page at https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-office-on-disability-and-health/mental-health-provider-training-program