Interview for Decisional Abilities (IDA) is an interactive live virtual training to learn to assess your clients abilities to make certain decisions. The training is a two day training with approximately one month in between Day 1 and Day 2.
Day 1 will contain an overview of what IDA is, viewing IDA role-plays and each participant will role- play in order to practice the technique and receive feedback before using it in the field.
Between Day 1 and Day 2 you must conduct IDAs with your clients and provide the written document that goes along with IDA for review and feedback.
Day 2 consists of more interactive live role-play from all participants and a change to discuss what went well or not so well in the field and get feedback on what may help in a similar situation.
Each day of the training is 3 hours, 9:30-12:30. When you sign up you will be agreeing to attend both scheduled days.
Presenter: Robin Pendleton, Director of Training and Engagement, Pursuit of Discovery Training and Consultation
In-Person Training: Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) 300 Granite Street Suite 404 Braintree, MA 02184
Presenter: Robin Pendleton, Director of Training and Engagement, Pursuit of Discovery Training and Consultation
Virtual Training
Description: This course equips PS professionals with practical, evidence-informed strategies for engaging older adults who may be experiencing depression, low mood, hopelessness, or suicidality. The session builds foundational understanding of how depression presents differently in older adults and how factors such as chronic illness, trauma, cognitive changes, isolation, grief, and substance use can shape both symptoms and communication. Participants will learn concrete approaches for recognizing warning signs, conducting sensitive conversations, and using brief, plain-language screening questions that support rapport rather than increase distress.
The course addresses how to explore suicidal thoughts safely and directly, how to differentiate passive from active risk, and how to respond using person-directed, trauma-informed, and least-restrictive strategies. Guidance is provided on safety planning, engaging natural supports, coordinating with mental health providers, and documenting concerns clearly and defensibly within the PS Program.
Through scenarios, examples, and communication demonstrations, learners will gain practical tools to approach depression and suicidality with confidence, empathy, and clarity.
2 Hour Virtual Training.
Presenter: Chris Dubble, CEO, Pursuit of Discovery Training and Consultation
Description: This course equips participants with practical, evidence-informed strategies for communicating effectively with older adults in PS. The session covers how cognitive, sensory, cultural, and emotional factors influence communication; how to avoid stigmatizing language such as elderspeak; and how to use clear, respectful, autonomy-supporting approaches that strengthen rapport and trust.
Participants will learn techniques for slowing the pace, reducing environmental barriers, listening actively, staying emotion-focused, confirming understanding, and adapting communication to match decisional capability and individual needs. The course also explores nonverbal communication, trauma-informed interaction, and strategies to improve the accuracy of assessment and case documentation. Through examples and practice-relevant
applications, learners will leave with practical tools to enhance their day-to-day communication and support person-directed decision-making with older adults
2 Hour Virtual Training
Description: This course provides a comprehensive and practical framework for worker safety across all settings, during home visits, community work, and when in the office environment. Safety 360 teaches participants to assess risk dynamically using environmental scanning, situational awareness, and behavioral observation that support confident, informed decision-making.
The course covers pre-visit planning; safe approaches to and departures from homes; reading verbal and nonverbal cues; safe positioning; and recognizing early signs of escalation. It also addresses office-based safety, including managing difficult walk-in situations, identifying risk indicators in reception and interview spaces, establishing de-escalation protocols, and using team-based supports.
Participants will explore how trauma, mental health, substance use, environmental conditions, pets, clutter, and family dynamics factor into safety considerations across settings. Through practical examples and structured practice points, Safety 360 equips workers with the skills to remain alert, grounded, and prepared wherever they are working.
