Established in 1996, the Kennedy Willis Center at Pathfinder Village provides continuing education for families and the community-at-large regarding best practices in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Pathfinder Village and the KWC have collaborated with national partners including Jefferson University and the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices. Through this collaboration, they have developed evidence-based support strategies to meet the needs of older adults with intellectual disabilities, particularly those living with dementia.

“As the life expectancy of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities has increased, so have the complexities of supporting a person’s life quality when diagnosed with age related dementia. Through this KWC series we hope to expand the knowledge base and strategies that LIFEPlan care managers can draw upon in their important work with people with disabilities across New York State.” Helen Stepowany, NTG Master Trainer and KWC Training Series Faculty Member