AUSTIN – During National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Disability Prevention for Children (ODPC) is hosting a free statewide virtual conference featuring a series of weekly webinars on prevention, identification and diagnosis and early intervention with developmental disabilities in children.
“We are focusing on early identification and diagnoses, prevention of disabilities and promotion of health and wellness for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” said Joe Perez, Texas HHS interim deputy executive commissioner of Health, Developmental and Independence Services. “We will equip parents, caregivers, health care professionals and all Texans with strategies for preventing disabilities in children where possible, while raising awareness of the many services offered by HHSC and the wider community.”
The virtual conference will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government, health care professionals, educators, families, caregivers and others to discuss and learn about strategies for implementing positive change in the lives of children and families across Texas. Several state and national prevention professionals will share information about current trends, initiatives and practical information for attendees.
For additional information and to register, the four free virtual sessions are listed below.
- Session 1 – Tues., March 9: Prevention of disabilities caused by maternal health issues by promoting healthy lifestyles and managing health conditions during pregnancy.
- Session 2 – Tues., March 16: Prevention of disabilities caused by childhood injuries by raising awareness and implementing strategies to promote safety.
- Session 3 – Tues., March 23: Early identification and diagnosis of disabilities to ensure early intervention, treatment and related services.
- Session 4 – Tues., March 30: Promotion of mental health wellness in children with intellectual and development disabilities.
Find the full conference agenda and register for all four virtual sessions here. Continuing education credits for multiple disciplines can be earned for attending this event.
There are an estimated 485,000 children with intellectual or other developmental disabilities in the state of Texas. The Office of Disability Prevention for Children works to prevent developmental disabilities while seeking to minimize the losses developmental disabilities cause, especially in infants and young children. ODPC strives to prevent intellectual and developmental disabilities in infants and children from conception to age 12 through provider and public education, partnerships with other state agencies and stakeholders and evaluating state efforts to prevent developmental disabilities.
Learn more about the Office of Disability Prevention for Children on the HHS website.