2026 Spring Registration Brochure

18 NJAMHAA's Spring Conference 2026 APRIL 15, 2026 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM COURSE DESCRIPTION: This session addresses the critical need for inclusive disaster response protocols, with a focus on accessibility, mental health supports, and specialized services for individuals who are dually diagnosed (mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities [IDD]) and/or neurodiverse. Recent research (Morales, 2024) highlights the heightened vulnerability and psychological distress experienced by individuals with IDD during emergencies. In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (2025) reported a significant increase in both the severity and cost of disasters, underscoring the urgency of improving preparedness and response efforts. Participants will explore scalable, grassroots initiatives designed to strengthen emergency preparedness for individuals with IDD and neurodiverse populations, as well as the implications of Executive Order 14180, which calls for updates to outdated Office of Emergency Management manuals. The session will highlight collaborative, ethically grounded approaches, including innovative community safety training that originated with the Monmouth County Medical Reserve Corps and have since expanded into a comprehensive curriculum in Philadelphia. Attendees will gain practical strategies to address the unmet needs of dually diagnosed and neurodiverse individuals during emergencies and learn how these initiatives can be replicated to improve outcomes and better safeguard vulnerable communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. List at least five distinct emergency-related needs of individuals who are dually diagnosed and/or neurodiverse that differ from those of the general population. 2. Evaluate their communities’ current levels of emergency preparedness, including accessibility, coordination, and response capacity. 3. Develop and implement strategies to establish or strengthen partnerships with local first responders and emergency management officials to improve emergency safety and outcomes for all community members. TARGET AUDIENCE: Social Workers, Therapists and Direct Support Professionals AUDIENCE TARGET LEVELS: Intermediate SESSION 3.1: Innovative Approaches to Emergency Safety for Dually Diagnosed and Neurodiverse Populations Morning Session Jason Rechtman, MA, MBA, LPC, NCC, NADD-DDS Strategic Development Director, I/DD AmeriHealth Caritas/PerformCare S P E A K E R NUMBER AND TYPE OF CREDITS 1.0 Ethics CE Innovative Approaches to Emergency Safety for Dually Diagnosed and Neurodiverse Populations, Course #6615 is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 1/30/2026 - 1/30/2028. Social workers completing this course will receive 1 ethics continuing education credit. ............................................................................ This course is approved by the NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #87719, NJAMHAA is responsible for all aspects of the programming.