Attend a free screening of “Invaluable: The Unrecognized Profession of Direct Support” focuses on the work of those care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

The 44-minute documentary was produced by Jerry W. Smith with the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. It is part of a national effort to bring attention to the complexity of the direct support role, and the value this workforce brings to our communities, economy, and the lives of people with IDD, including older IDD populations and parents.

This free public event is presented by the Health and Medicine Policy Research Group, home to the Chicago AHEC, in collaboration with Illinois Aging Together and their partners.

The two-part event features a screening and guided discussion, and a panel discussion the following week to explore the intersection of gaining ability and direct support. The panel will include the perspectives of a consumer, director support worker, workforce advocate and an academic researchers.

Part 1: Screening and discussion: Friday, April 29, 2022, 10am-noon CDT. Learn more and register

Part 2: Panel discussion: Friday, May 6, 2022, 10-11am CDT. Learn more and register