Title: Providing Mental Health Services to People with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability
Presenter: Joseph F. Anastasio, MS, LCSW
Date: Friday, March 27th, 2026
Time: 10:00-1:15 pm
Description: This interactive workshop explores the complexities and possibilities of providing effective mental health services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD/DD). Participants will examine the historical and current landscape of services, ethical responsibilities, and the evolving role of social workers in promoting dignity, inclusion, and self-determination. Key topics include guardianship versus supported decision-making, person-centered planning, and the impact of viewing individuals through a capacity-based rather than a deficiency-based lens. Special emphasis will be placed on culturally responsive practices, the importance of building trust, and supporting autonomy in decision-making. This training aims to deepen participants’ awareness and equip them with tools to improve service delivery and advocacy for this underserved population.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the historical development of mental health services for individuals with IDD/DD and it's ongoing impact.
Differentiate between guardianship and supported decision-making and explain their ethical and legal implications
Apply person-centered and self-determination principles to clinical and service planning.
Analyze the implications of a capacity-focused versus a deficiency-focused framework in mental health practice.
CEUS: 3