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

Claire E Benway :: National Training Consultant


Adele F Dimian :: Research Associate


Staff

Nicole K Duchelle :: Education Program Spec 2


Danelle R Dunphy :: Adjunct Instructor


Dupree M Edwards :: Lead State Advisor on Systems Change


Rachel L Freeman :: Senior Research Associate


Amy S Hewitt :: Director, Institute on Community Integration


Barbara A Kleist :: Director, Entrepreneurial and Development Programs


Mark R Olson :: Project Coordinator


Susan N O'Nell :: Director of Curriculum Development


Megan L Sanders :: National Workforce Consultant


Jessica J Simacek :: Director, TeleOutreach Center


Chet Tschetter :: National Workforce Consultant


Staff

Caroline L Roberts :: Post-Doctoral Associate


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