Minnesota DHS Systems Change and Capacity Building Through Research, Training, and Technical Assistance Projects
Description
Conducts research, training and technical assistance activities that enhance Minnesota's capacity to support community living for individuals with disabilities and/or mental illness. Primary areas of focus include expanded professional competency in, and statewide and organization-wide use of, person-centered service approaches, effective Positive Behavior Support interventions, evidence-based practices promoting a recovery approach to mental illness, integrated models of residential services and supports for children with autism spectrum disorders, and early intervention services for young children with autism spectrum disorders. Research and training activities are also conducted to promote interdisciplinary teamwork among service professionals and improved use of employability data on people with disabilities by agencies and programs. In addition to the focus on professional development and system improvement is an emphasis on building capacity to support individuals leaving congregate care settings through use of competency-based training for families and others in their circles of support, as well as peer support leadership training for self-advocates.
- Director
- Rachel L Freeman, Amy S Hewitt
- Contact
- Amy S Hewitt
- Funder
- Minnesota Department of Human Services
Staff
Topics
- Community life
- Community supports and services
- Positive behavior support
- Self-advocacy and self-determination
- Specific life stage
- Children
- Adolescents and young adults
- Adults
- Seniors
- Housing and residential services
- Consumer/self-directed services
- Family supports/in-home services
- Employment and postsecondary education
- Employment and workforce development
- Specific disability
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Activities
- Research
- Training and professional development
- Technical assistance
- Evaluation