Training and Workshops

Clinical Services Bureau (CSB) offers workshops covering a variety of areas of interest to nurses and therapists and are provided around the state.

The Participatory Approach to Assistive Technology

This workshop provides an introduction to the Participatory Approach Philosophy of providing therapy services and Assistive Technology services to persons with developmental disabilities (DD).  The Participatory Approach says that no individual is too disabled to benefit from therapy interventions and Assistive Technologies that assist them to actively participate in daily life activities.

The Participatory Approach encourages therapists and teams to use strategies and Assistive Technologies that help an individual engage actively in life as much as possible.  This philosophy emphasizes immediate functional participation at whatever level of assistance may be needed at the time.  The Participatory Approach philosophy rejects the idea that individuals have to meet certain developmental milestones or develop certain pre-requisite skills before certain therapy and Assistive Technology interventions can be effective.  The emphasis is on the therapist's role in assisting individuals to meet their visions and goals in life is emphasized.

About the Workshop Sessions

The Participatory Approach to Assistive Technologies Workshop introduces participants to specific therapy supports and Assistive Technologies that are particularly relevant to the needs of many individuals with developmental disabilities.   Sessions include: Seating and Positioning for Function, Electronic Aids to Daily Living, Environmental Modifications, Communication Supports, and Integrating Assistive Technology Supports into the Individual Service Plan (ISP).  This workshop is mandated by the Developmental Disability Supports Division for therapists in their first year of service under the NM Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver.

Therapy Provision and New Therapy Service Models Workshop

This workshop is geared toward familiarizing new and current DD Waiver Therapists (and other interested team members) with the newest DD Waiver Standards focusing on the therapy portion.  This training covers information on how to apply the standards and related guidelines to provide therapy services.  Participants become familiar with the new therapy service models including integrated, clinical and group models.

Important Information About the Workshops

All workshops are submitted for approval for NM Continuing Educational Units (CEU) from the New Mexico Practice Boards on Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology. For more information for scheduled workshop dates see the CSB newsletter, "News You Can Use." For more information about the workshops or to suggest specific workshop titles contact us at AT.Coord@state.nm.us.

Read on for more

To see other training offered by DDSD click here.

Read more about the Clinical Services Bureau (click here).