ProActive Caring unveils new Digital Resource Center

ProActive Caring recently debuted its new Digital Resource Center featuring links to a variety of assets for caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These include a free downloadable e-Manual on mindfulness techniques, videos demonstrating mindfulness and relaxation exercises, and much more.

Also featured are a series of “School Exchange” videos designed to help parents coping with their children being at home continuously during the COVID-19 crisis. School psychologist/advocate Peggy Pisano and parent/advocate Lisa Nathan hold the discussions on a variety of topics, which are moderated by Lawrence T. Force, Ph.D., LCSW-R, of the Center on Aging and Disability Policy at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh.

“The ProActive Caring Program provides valuable and necessary Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) tools and resources for families — to help reduce the stress associated with caregiving,” Force said. “The overarching principle of the ProActive Caring Program is 'Got Stress? We Can Help!' ”

The e-Manual was created by Mindy Scirri, Ph.D., in collaboration with Theresa Drum of the Parent Network of Western New York (PNWNY). It contains eight modules, each of which addresses a different theme related to mindfulness and its practical application in the lives of caregivers. A series of videos will be available soon in the Digital Resource Center to help caregivers make their way through the manual.

“Especially during these difficult times the online, self-paced manual allows caregivers to access mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques in a way that is convenient for them,” Scirri said. “Its workbook-like format encourages caregivers to rethink current stressors; learn strategies for relaxation and stress reduction; and build attitudes and mindsets to create optimism, confidence, and hope.”

About ProActive Caring

Supported by a grant from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the ProActive Caring Program was created by The Center on Aging and Disability Policy as a partnership between statewide service providers and family caregivers, to support caregivers of people with special needs. It seeks to teach caregivers mindfulness and self-care to help them more effectively manage stress and enjoy a higher quality of life. To reach ProActive Caring, email proactivecaringprogram@gmail.com or call 800-691-3980.