Sample Featured Video from the Class
Ever wonder about the legal and ethical implications of providing therapy for those with developmental disabilities? This workshop will explore the history of the civil rights of persons with disabilities that have led to our current laws and protections on both a state and federal level. The workshop will also review the often misunderstood spectrum of decision-making capacity of these individuals from the individual, personal, social, and legal standpoints. The distinction between guardianship and power of attorney in PA will be presented as well as the process of appointing substitute decision makers, should they be necessary.
Finally, we will demonstrate the opportunities for mental health professionals to play key roles in advocating for this population with a goal of moving away from discrimination and stereotypes to assist persons with developmental disabilities to live their best lives. (3 CE)
The history of the emergence of civil rights for persons with disabilities from turn of the century to the Americans with Disabilities Act to present day.
The role of professionals in advocating for persons with disabiltiies in various settings will be explored.
Determining when a person has the ability to consent to medical and mental health treatement and the role of substitute decision makers.
Recent changes to the PA Guardianship provisions. will be discussed and their potential implications for individuals, families, and practitioners.
A brief overview of resources for professionals and families to seek guidance on consent, guardianship and substitute decision-making.
Maleita Olson, LCSW, is a co-founder and former executive director of Spectra Support Services, LLC. She is a licensed clinical social worker in PA. During Maleita’s 30 plus year career, she has worked for in community-based, institutional, government and medical settings, with a primary focus on serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Maleita has a master of social work degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She is a certified clinician with the National Associaton for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD). She is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences on topics related to autism spectrum disorder, the transition to adulthood, and impacts of disability on the family.
Maleita lives in Springfield, PA with her husband and four children, three of whom are neurodivergent. She is a past president of ASCEND: the Asperger and Autism Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Arc of Delaware County, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Autism Society of America.
