Connect2Culture® Training

Understanding Dementia for Cultural Professionals

This two-hour training is for general staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders working in the cultural organization. It is the first step to establishing a common base of knowledge about the disease. Training participants learn to be more empathetic and understand the specific needs of both the person with the disease and the caregiver. The training is ideal for front facing staff, as well as those who work throughout the organization. It ensures a more holistic experience for program participants as well as individuals who visit the cultural institution on their own. This training is offered free of charge to all nonprofit cultural organizations.

This session addresses questions such as:

• What is dementia?
• Why is a diagnosis important and what are the risk factors?
• What does Alzheimer’s look like in a person as it progresses?
• What are some other types of dementia?
• How does this information inform your professional role?
• How can we be empathetic to caregivers?

Program Facilitator Training

This two-hour training follows the UNDE-CP and is for program facilitators who implement and manage the program. This may include teaching artists, educators, docents, volunteers. Building on this knowledge base, program facilitators are take a deeper dive into engagement techniques and logistical considerations unique to each cultural institution to create a program.

Participants will be able to:

• Build on their understanding of the disease and how it manifests
• Start to create communication and engagement skills specific to this audience
• Work within the logistical nuances of your spaces and available resources
• Spend time in the program space putting information into action