Adapted from the Opening Minds through Art (OMA) training program which certifies volunteers to implement OMA in long-term care settings, this 2-hour certificate course teaches core principles of the program. Learners are equipped with foundational tools necessary to engage and interact with people living with dementia through arts-based programming modalities.

In this online course, the learner will:

• Give reasoning behind conducting an arts-based
  
  intergenerational programming that benefits both older adults living with dementia and younger adult volunteers/students


• Describe how dementia affects the brain with tips for younger adults on supporting the creative expression of people living with dementia (PLWD)


• Explain an example case study of the Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program and compare this art-making program with typical arts and craft activities


• Summarize the OMA program’s impact on the well-being of older adults living with dementia and on the younger adults’ attitudes toward PLWD