This training provides an overview of key competencies needed for aging and disability I&R/A professionals and provides preparation for the Inform USA Certification exam for Community Resource Specialists in Aging/Disabilities (CRS-A/D). The training course covers the following content: the fundamentals of information and referral (I&R); details of the Inform USA certification exam; the I&R/A process; key communication techniques; highlights of the Inform USA Standards and Quality Indicators for Professional Information and Referral; an overview of I&R/A and the Aging/Disability Networks; information on aging and disability programs and services; and practice exam questions. For more information on Inform USA Certification, including how to apply to take a certification exam, visit Inform USA by clicking here.
This course provides training materials for the CRS-A/D (formerly CIRS-A/D) curriculum developed by ADvancing States' National I&R Support Center. The materials include trainer, trainee, and supplemental materials. This course is restricted to individuals who have participated in the Support Center’s train-the-trainer initiative.
This course offers participants an overview of key issues relevant to providing information and referral/assistance (I&R/A) to individuals with disabilities. The course covers disability awareness, effective communication, services and resources, and disability rights. It will help participants expand their understanding of disability to improve I&R/A services. This course was originally designed to allow Certified Information & Referral Specialists—Aging (CIRS-A) to grandfather to the Certified Information & Referral Specialist— Aging/Disabilities (CIRS-A/D) credential.
This training course provides participants with a comprehensive analysis of the Information & Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) process. This process, from greeting to closure, is an essential part of supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers in accessing and obtaining health and social support services. This course will focus on a review of the five phases I&R/A process. Additionally, the course will describe I&R/A follow-up as well as the concepts of empowerment and advocacy in information and referral.
This course describes key communication techniques for aging and disability professionals. Many professionals utilize key communication techniques every day. While all aging and disability professionals can benefit from using key communication techniques, these techniques are regularly utilized by some professionals who work directly with clients, such as Information and Referral/Assistance (I&R/A) Specialists, Options Counselors, Person-Centered Counselors, and Benefits Counselors. For consistency purposes, this course will refer to all aging and disability professionals who work with clients as counselors.