Speaker applies studies to personal life
Dr. Tamar Heller applies her studies of aging issues that are unique to persons with intellectual disabilities to her personal life as she cares for her sister who has mild intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy.

As guest speaker at the Dr. Phil George Symposium, The Baddour Center's Education & Research Division's annual conference, Dr.Heller began her morning presentation by sharing personal experiences of caring for a loved one with intellectual disabilities as they age.

Next, she discussed the unique challenges that persons with intellectual disabilities face as they age.

For example, persons with Down syndrome could experience early onset of Alzheimer's Disease, early menopause, earlier losses of senses (e.g., sight, hearing) and adaptive skills. They are also at greater risk for joint problems, seizures, tumors, and heart disease.

In addition, many older adults with intellectual disabilities experience barriers to health care, such as difficulty communicating with health care providers, fears of examinations, health care providers negative attitudes toward or lack of training in dealing with people with intellectual disabilities, and inability to pay for services. Despite these barriers in health care, there is hope.

Programs are being implemented that focus on training medical professionals about the unique issues involved in treating individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as programs which educate individuals with intellectual disabilities about health care issues, prevention, and their rights with regard to medical services.

Dr. Heller's final discussion covered the challenges faced by caregivers and noted that the biggest concern among families is what will happen when they are no longer around to care for their loved ones.

Although it is easier said than done, planning for the future was Dr. Heller's suggestion to ease Symposium guests' fear about care for their aging loved ones.

Her step-by-step process uses an individualized framework, much like The Center's person-centered planning (PCP) initiative. From discussing dreams and fears to relationships and housing, individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families will be better prepared by drawing from Dr. Heller's insights as they plan for the future.

Dr. Heller is professor and Head of the Department of Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois—Chicago, and Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities.

5 Star Trophy Winners The Optimist Club 5 Star City Race is a community-wide event held in Senatobia, Miss. Sixteen Baddour residents participated this year, including Sam and Bruce who won first and second, respectively, in the regular 2 Mile Walk for their age group.


Trophies in hand, Rosanne (far left) was the Overall Female winner and Richard (far right) the Overall Male winner in the Special Needs 2 Mile Walk. Joe (second from left) was the Overall Male winner and Michele (second from right) was the Overall Female winner in the Special Needs 5K Run. Congrats, y'all!