The DC Department on Disability Services is holding two notable events this month for people in DC with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

One is this month’s Community and Provider Forum being held on Zoom on Friday, October 23 starting at 12:00 p.m. Leigh Ann Kingsbury, national expert with The Learning Community for Person-Centered Practices, will be presenting on Future Care Planning. Major life events like changing physical and cognitive abilities, serious medical diagnoses, and loss of natural supports can create confusion and gaps in care for people with IDD when the person hasn’t made it clear who their support network is, how they want their support network involved, and what their wishes are for future housing, healthcare, and decision-making. These issues are difficult for all people to discuss and plan for, but it’s critical for people with IDD, their families, providers, and DDS to plan ahead, before a major life event occurs. Leigh Ann will offer resources and guidance for having these difficult but necessary conversations. Please contact Charlisa Payne at [email protected] to be added to the monthly Community Forum meeting invitations.

The second event is focused on improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities supported by DDS through either its Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The topic is timely since October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and employment rates for people supported by DDA or RSA continue to be very low and below national averages. The event will be held in person at DDS, located at 250 E Street SW, on Thursday, October 29 at 2:00 p.m. Please contact André White at [email protected] to request accommodations or language translation.

I look forward to learning more and supporting efforts to improve future care planning and employment of people with IDD!