Virtual Health & Wellness Forum – Mental Health Resources for Individuals with I/DD in New York State

Register HERE to attend the live virtual forum!

It is very common for athletes and individuals with I/DD to struggle with mental health and behavioral health challenges. Families and caregivers can struggle with these issues as well, and often find that resources for help are not readily available. Many families unfortunately discover that in times of crisis, services that are geared toward the general population are not adapted and ready to provide support for individuals with I/DD. This talk will introduce some of the resources available in both urban and rural settings for crisis stabilization and ongoing behavioral health care. We will aim to familiarize families, caregivers and individuals with systems of care so that they can successfully seek appropriate care when needed. This forum will be recorded and posted to our website for viewing after the live offering is complete.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Ben Margolis is board certified in neurology and psychiatry, having completed the combined residency program at Brown University. He specializes in neuropsychiatric care for adults with I/DD in the New York Hudson Valley. He attended medical school at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine after the post baccalaureate premedical program at Columbia University, and holds a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. An active member of AADMD, he is working to improve behavioral and mental health care of individuals with I/DD on local, state and national levels.

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The Special Olympics New York Virtual Health & Wellness Forums are a space for individuals with ID, families, caregivers and coaches to engage with health-focused individuals/organizations such as Healthcare Providers and Fitness Specialists. The Forums provide information and resources related to the health of Special Olympics athletes, while also focusing on bettering access to health care, education and inclusive activities for people with intellectual disabilities.  Often, the health struggles that those with ID face are directly related to the lack of education and resources available to the population and their caregivers.  We aim to cover topical issues that our community wishes to learn more about, and in turn positively impact the health of people with ID across the State. 

Forums are presentation based with the opportunity to submit questions to the speaker.  Participants are asked to register with the Zoom links below.  Recordings will be available to view on our website after the live presentation is complete! The Special Olympics New York Virtual Health & Wellness Forums are sponsored by Care Design New York & Partners Health Plan.