Dementia ART Facilitator Training

Mary L. Hockett Thoma, Activities Coordinator at EOC Tech Adult Day Services, artist, friend, and advocate for adults who experience disabilities. I am raising money for the cost of an Art Facilitator training class in Ohio. The money will be used to cover airfare, ground transportation and lodging and the $500.00 early enrollment fee. deadline April 15, 2016.  I work full time at the Adult Day Center, my whole working career has been focused on providing care and activities for adults with disabilities, including: Alzheimer's, brain injuries because of a stroke (CVA) or physical trauma, developmental disabilities, illness, mental health concerns and congenital defects. I have revisited the idea of going to this particular training because of the quality of the program. It is not just theory, it is tested, proven techniques. The program content is loaded with hands on work and exercises. Since I am not new to the practice the credential this provides will enable me to do greater good with a greater number of persons who have a diagnosis of dementia both at work and in the community. I possess an advanced training credential as an Activities Professional in Oklahoma.  Why would I need to go further? I am an artist and I want to share the gift of art with persons who have dementia anyplace I can set up shop.  I believe I can build on my foundation of training and experience and offer techniques that can be quantified in evaluation of the benefit to the person(s) with dementia.  This is one more step in my desire to wholly document what art can and does do for persons given the opportunity to become art makers.  If you are an artist, you know what art does for your heart and mind.  If you are a caregiver you know the heartache that comes with the turf. Art reaches beyond the veil of forgetfulness, creativity and memory are not married, they are not even going steady. Your gift will not be limited to serving my goals, it will give persons with dementia an opportunity for self expression when words are lost to dementia. The gift I seek is to give to others the joy of art making. I would be so thankful to you who can help financially and just as thankful to those who can help prayerfully.  Any amount you give will be put toward the stated plan if there are remaining funds those funds will be applied to the cost of supplies for the Opening Minds through Art classes. 
 Summary of the course:
Scripps Gerontology Center
501 E. High St. Upham Hall 396 Oxford, OH 45056
Learn how to implement an evidence-based intergenerational art program for people with dementia. Location: The Knolls of Oxford, Oxford, OhioCost: $550/$500 early registration
CEU’s: Available from NCCAP (13.25 hours), NCCDP (20.5 hours), BELTSS (19 hours), and CSWMFT (6.5 hours).
Dates: Option 1: May 23-26; Option 2: June 20-23.
Day 1: Welcome dinner (included in registration)
Day 2: Introduction to the OMA program with the goal of improving activity offerings in long-term care, psychi-atric-mental health, rehabilitation, and hospice settings. Attendees will participate in an OMA activity with elders who have dementia.Days 3-4: Workshop aimed at providing attendees with the skills and tools to implement the Scripps OMA program at their own sites. Attendees will receive the OMA Handbook, which includes a summary of the methodology, theory and research; guidelines for 20 OMA-tested art activities; forms and evaluation tools used in the OMA program. Attendees will have the opportunity to conduct an OMA session, reflect on this leadership experience, and receive feedback from OMA staff.Registration: On-line registration opens on January 15. Early registration closes April 15. For more information, visit www.ScrippsOMA.org 
Conducted by Scripps Gerontology Center, an Ohio Center of Excellence at Miami University in collaboration with The Knolls of Oxford.

View my ART link HERE


I am planning to go to the June 20-23, 2016 class.
Detailed OMA Facilitator Training LINK click HERE.

Thank you in advance for your help. Please be aware I cannot go without meeting the Go Fund Me goal. If you have questions please message me.  I will be available to present for your group by appointment. Again, thank you for your help.