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August 2, 2022
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NEWS & VIEWS
Featured Spotlight
Happiness Happens Month

August is Happiness Happens Month which is dedicated to celebrating what makes us happy. This month of celebration grew out of The Secret Society of Happy People (SOHP) which was founded by Pamela Gail Johnson in 1996. They initially began with one day in August dedicated to celebrating happiness but in 2000 expanded it to the whole month.

“The month reminds us that happiness happens one small moment at a time and it’s our job to recognize those moments when they happen. It reminds us that sometimes a small action boosts our happiness. It reminds us that happiness is a personal experience and it’s also contagious!”

In the work we do to support people, the word ‘trigger’ is often used to describe something that precedes a challenging event or situation. ‘Trigger’ is mostly used in this negative context.  As we celebrate Happiness Happens Month, let’s think about this word in a different context.  What are your ‘happiness triggers’? What are those things that precede a feeling of happiness? What makes us smile and makes us feel warm inside? 

We would like to hear from you. Use this form to share your ‘happiness triggers’ and we will bring all this together at the end of the month and show what triggers happiness in the START network!

Full URL to form: https://unh.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0V5QVkaHwVZkaLc

SIRS Feature
In an effort to align more closely with the DSM 5 TR, we have made some changes to some of our documents and SIRS categories. We are moving to the use of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) to refer to a group of conditions that begin in the developmental period and affect personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning. In our documents, this will replace Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Within SIRS, we have added a  table to categorize neurodevelopmental disorders separately from psychiatric disorders- note that Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD will fall under this category and not under psychiatric disorders. Previously entered data will automatically be re-classified in the updated categories. The other change you will notice is the use of Intellectual Developmental Disorder, otherwise known as Intellectual Disability. Both terms can still be used in our daily work, but our documentation will include “Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability)” to mirror the DSM. Look for these changes in our documentation and in SIRS by mid-August.
START Telehealth Study
Evaluation of telehealth services on mental health outcomes for people with idd
We want your opinion about START telehealth!
Why: We will use what we learn to improve START telehealth services

Who:
  • START service users ages 14-35 AND their family members
  • Living in states North Carolina, New Hampshire, Iowa, New York, and Texas
  • Had at least 3 months of START telehealth
What will happen:
  • We will meet on Zoom for 1-2 hours.
  • You can take breaks and have help
  • We will ask you some questions about your experience with START telehealth services
  • You will receive a $50 gift card at the end of the meeting
When:
  • July & August 2022
What’s next?
There are three ways to get in touch with us to learn more:
  • Scan the QR code and we will contact you
  • Email Start.TelehealthStudy@unh.edu
  • Call us: 1-866-807-0987

Want to know more? Use the links below to learn more about this study and learn how to be a part of this research.

English

Español

Resource Center Feature
New Hampshire START Sensory Garden

NH START Resource Center has created an outstanding sensory garden this summer. Guests shopped for the plants and did a tremendous job choosing those that have a  variety of scents, textures, colors, and those that will grow food with a variety of tastes. Amanda Morasse, NH START Resource Center Nurse Practitioner, has led the team with ensuring it is watered daily and cared for, with our guests learning and participating. The resource center holds a NH grown therapeutic group called “Sensory Stroll” that fits perfectly with this garden as they go out to the garden every day to experience mindfulness and enjoy every element the garden has to offer.
National Research Consortium on MH-IDD

The National Research Consortium on Mental Health
in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Request for Research Project Proposals
Applications Due September 15, 2022
 
The National Research Consortium on Mental Health in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MH-IDD) is seeking innovation research grant applicants with a focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals with MH-IDD service needs. The application must clearly articulate how the project meets the National Research Consortium's mission. The National Research Consortium prioritizes four areas of grant funding:
  1. Expanding the use of positive psychological methods;
  2. Developing and scaling evidenced-based interventions;
  3. Expanding capacity and reducing service disparities; and
  4. Revising and/or developing accessible measures.
Additional information about the National Research Consortium can be found on our website. This year, the National Research Consortium will prioritize applications that also address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.
 
The National Research Consortium will fund grants up to $35,000. Applications that request less funds are welcome. Applications require an institutional match, often represented as coverage of effort/salary. For other information about grant requirements, please visit the National Research Consortium webpage. Applications are due 9/15/2022.
Training & Professional Development
NCSS Professional Development Series

MHIDD Course for Direct Support Professionals

Next  course begins September 20, 2022

The course consists of 6 weekly, webinar-style sessions via Zoom (105 minutes each) where the course facilitator will demonstrate how the information reviewed during sessions can be applied in the day-to-day support of people with IDD-MH. Each session will host 75-minutes of instruction and a 30-minute office hour session will follow for more in depth discussion with questions and answers. Registration is $149 per person and participants can receive University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Units and a Certificate of Completion for MHIDD Training for Direct Support Professionals.
Learn More & Register
MHIDD for Care Coordinators & Case Managers
The next course begins October 24th, 2022
 
The course consists of 6 weekly, live sessions via Zoom. The weekly instructional session is 75 minutes immediately followed by a 30-minute discussion session. Session topics include guiding principles & approaches to effective MH-IDD case management; mental health aspects of IDD; understanding the service needs of people with MH-IDD; working with families; systemic engagement; & leadership. Registration is $299 per person and participants receive University of New Hampshire Continuing Education Units and a Certificate of Completion for MHIDD Training for Care Coordinators & Case Managers.
Learn More & Register
Have a healthy and happy week,

National Center for START Services

 
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Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire