Strategies for Working Successfully with People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and

This session is for anyone who has an understanding of the changes people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience as they age and they begin to exhibit signs of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.  Strategies for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and dementia will be shared.  Participants will learn techniques to engage consumers, communicate more effectively with them and to support them through the stages of the dementia disease process. 

About the Instructor:

Marsha Berry is the Professional Education Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota.  Marsha has a Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University.  She began her career teaching students with special needs in public schools.  She then managed professional education programs for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter.  Most recently she offered training to master’s level consultants in Ceridian’s LifeWorks Services employee assistance program.  That training focused on family issues including support of older family members and elder care services.  Marsha is certified by the Alzheimer’s Association to offer Foundations of Dementia Care and Activities Based Alzheimer’s Care to health care professionals.  She is a Certified Alzheimer Educator (National Certification Board for Alzheimer Care).