Project Description:
Our project will adapt an existing curriculum, Women Be Healthy: A curriculum for women with developmental disabilities, Training Kit. The Project Team was introduced to the curriculum based on information from the Breast Health Access for Women with Disabilities (BHAWD) web site. While not available outside of CA, the Team was referred to the North Carolina Office on Disability and Health, where a facilitator's manual was loaned to the Team in preparation for this proposal. The curriculum will be adapted to the unique features of Alaska, specifically the climate, small population, and public transportation systems. It will be presented at the Full Lives Conference sponsored by the Center for Human Development. Full Lives is a statewide motivational, educational, and networking opportunity for direct service staff providing support in developmental
disabilities, behavioral health, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse/alcoholism, and senior services. This event is the only comprehensive conference celebrating the Alaskan direct support
professionals. Fully attentive to the intellectual ownership of the curriculum, we will adapt the curriculum for direct support professionals caring for women with developmental disabilities in
Alaska. The curriculum will feature "hands on" BSE experience with models and employ ongoing support such as shower reminder cards.
The Project Director will work with various community organizations, such as the Alaska Division of Public Health and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, to gain input from experts regarding the curriculum content. Dr. Ward, Director of the Center for Human Development, will offer valuable insight and access to leadership among community organizations serving women with disabilities. Further, the Center for Human Development has training staff with expertise in delivering effective messages to the community of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Urban, Specific Groups
